What are the exact dimensions of an NHL goal crease. How does the crease impact gameplay. Why is the goal crease so important in hockey. What are the rules surrounding the crease in the NHL.
The Importance of the Goal Crease in Hockey
The goal crease is a crucial element in the game of hockey, serving as a protected area for goaltenders and influencing various aspects of gameplay. But what exactly is the crease, and why is it so significant?
The crease is a designated area in front of the goal that provides goalies with a safe space to operate. It’s marked by distinctive blue paint and red lines, creating a semi-circular shape that extends outward from the goal line. This area is subject to specific rules and regulations that impact both offensive and defensive play.
Why is the crease important?
- Goalie protection: It provides a safe zone for goaltenders to make saves without interference
- Offensive limitations: Attacking players must be cautious when entering or crossing the crease
- Potential for goalie interference calls: Actions within the crease can lead to penalties or disallowed goals
- Strategic positioning: Both offensive and defensive players must be aware of the crease boundaries
Understanding the intricacies of the crease is essential for players, coaches, and fans alike. Let’s dive deeper into the specific dimensions and rules surrounding this vital area of the ice.
NHL Goal Crease Dimensions: Breaking Down the Numbers
The NHL rulebook provides specific measurements for the goal crease, but interpreting these dimensions can be challenging. Let’s break down the key measurements and explore some of the nuances that arise when trying to create an accurate representation of the crease.
Basic Crease Dimensions
- Width: 8 feet
- Side lines length: 4 feet, 6 inches
- Semi-circle radius: 6 feet
- Line width: 2 inches
- Vertical height: 4 feet (extending upward from the ice surface)
While these measurements seem straightforward, questions arise when considering the exact placement of lines and the interpretation of the crease area. Are the dimensions measured to the inside or outside of the lines? How does the width of the lines impact the overall measurements?
Crease Measurement Interpretations
There are two primary interpretations of how the crease dimensions should be applied:
- Option A: The red lines are included within the crease measurements, with the 6-foot and 8-foot marks representing the outside edge of the red lines.
- Option B: The blue painted area represents the crease, with the red lines falling outside the official crease boundaries.
The NHL rulebook states that “the goal crease area shall include all the space outlined by the crease lines.” This wording suggests that Option A may be the correct interpretation, but without official clarification, some ambiguity remains.
The Goal Line Conundrum: Center, Front, or Back?
Another point of confusion arises when considering the goal line itself. The distance from the boards to the goal line (11 feet) is measured to the center of the goal line. Similarly, the 6-foot radius of the crease semi-circle is measured from the center of the goal line. But what does “center” mean in this context?
Possible interpretations:
- The center of the goal line is 1 inch into the 2-inch wide line itself
- The center refers to the front edge of the goal line
- The center refers to the back edge of the goal line
This distinction becomes crucial when attempting to create an accurate schematic of the crease. The placement of the goal line’s center point can affect the positioning of other crease elements, potentially altering the overall dimensions by small but significant margins.
The 4.5-Foot Side Lines: A Mathematical Puzzle
One of the most perplexing aspects of the crease dimensions involves the 4.5-foot lines on either side of the crease. When attempting to create an accurate diagram, these lines often fail to measure exactly 4.5 feet unless the center of the semi-circle is moved off the goal line – which would contradict the rulebook.
This discrepancy raises questions about the precision of the measurements provided in the NHL rulebook. Are these dimensions intended to be exact, or is there some allowance for slight variations in real-world application?
Possible explanations for the 4.5-foot line discrepancy:
- Rounding of measurements in the rulebook
- Allowance for slight variations in on-ice application
- Potential oversight in the official dimensions
This inconsistency highlights the challenges faced when attempting to create a perfectly accurate representation of the crease based solely on the provided measurements.
The Mystery of the 5-Inch Hash Marks
Within the crease, there are small 5-inch hash marks located 4 feet from the goal line. These seemingly minor details raise additional questions about precise measurements and their application.
Questions surrounding the hash marks:
- Is the 4-foot distance measured from the back, center, or front of the goal line?
- Should the measurement be taken to the back, center, or front of the hash marks?
- If the crease line is straddled by the red marking, could these hash marks extend only 4 inches into the blue paint?
While these may seem like minor details, they become significant when attempting to create a precise schematic or when considering the potential impact on gameplay situations where every inch matters.
The Trapezoid: Another Dimensional Challenge
Although not directly part of the crease, the trapezoid behind the net is often depicted in diagrams alongside the crease. This area, which restricts goaltender play behind the net, presents its own set of measurement challenges.
Trapezoid considerations:
- How are the angles of the trapezoid determined?
- Are measurements taken from the inside or outside of lines?
- How does the curvature of the boards impact the trapezoid’s dimensions?
These questions further complicate the task of creating an accurate and comprehensive diagram of the goal area, including both the crease and the trapezoid.
The Impact of Crease Dimensions on Gameplay
While the exact measurements of the crease may seem like a matter of interest primarily to those creating diagrams or maintaining ice surfaces, these dimensions have a significant impact on the game itself.
How do crease dimensions affect play?
- Goalie positioning: The crease provides goalies with reference points for positioning and movement
- Defensive strategies: Defenders use the crease as a guide for positioning and clearing the puck
- Offensive tactics: Attackers must be aware of the crease to avoid interference penalties
- Goal reviews: The exact boundaries of the crease can be crucial in determining if a goal should stand
Understanding the precise dimensions of the crease is essential for players at all levels, as it directly influences their decision-making and positioning on the ice.
The Need for Clarity: Improving NHL Crease Diagrams
The challenges in interpreting crease dimensions highlight the need for more precise and detailed official diagrams from the NHL. The current illustrations in the rulebook lack scale and fail to account for line widths, leading to confusion and potential misinterpretations.
Suggestions for improved NHL crease diagrams:
- Provide scaled diagrams with exact measurements
- Include detailed views of specific areas (e.g., goal line, hash marks)
- Offer clear explanations of how measurements should be interpreted
- Address common questions and ambiguities in the rulebook
By providing more comprehensive and precise information, the NHL could eliminate much of the confusion surrounding crease dimensions, benefiting everyone from ice maintenance crews to players, coaches, and fans.
As we’ve explored the intricacies of NHL goal crease dimensions, it’s clear that what may seem like a simple element of the game is actually a complex and nuanced aspect of hockey. From the basic measurements to the challenges of interpretation, the crease continues to be a subject of fascination and debate among hockey enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a player looking to perfect your positioning, a coach developing strategies, or simply a fan seeking a deeper understanding of the game, the goal crease remains a crucial element of hockey. Its precise dimensions may be subject to interpretation, but its importance to the sport is undeniable.
As the game continues to evolve, perhaps we’ll see more clarity and precision in the official guidelines for crease dimensions. Until then, the subtle nuances of this sacred space on the ice will continue to challenge and intrigue those who seek to understand every aspect of the game we love.
Reddit – Dive into anything
For starters, I would like to apologize if this doesn’t really contribute well to the hockey conversation that we have on this sub.
Second, it seems like this question has a very simple answer. The NHL goal crease is 8 feet wide, with 4.5 foot long lines at the side, topped by a circle of 6 foot radius. Easy. It’s right there in the rule book:
1.7 Goal Crease / Referee Crease – The goal crease shall be laid out as follows: One foot (1′) outside of each goal post a two-inch (2”) line shall be painted extending four feet, six inches (4’6″) in length. These lines shall be at right angles to the goal line. A semi-circle line six feet (6′) in radius and two inches (2″) in width shall be drawn using the center of the goal line as the center point and connecting both ends of the side of the crease. On the side of the crease lines, four feet (4′) from the goal line, extend a five-inch (5″) line into the crease. (see diagram on page iv preceding the table of contents) The goal crease area shall include all the space outlined by the crease lines and extending vertically four feet (4′) to the level of the top of the goal frame.
The area outlined by the crease line and the goal line shall be painted a light blue color. (Paint code PMS 298.)
Anyways, I’m in the early stages of a project and one of the things that I will require is an accurate schematic overlay of an NHL goal crease. I figured I could just base it off the diagram from the NHL rule book and be good to go: https://imgur.com/gallery/zgWa4Dt
Only problem is that the diagram is abysmal, not to scale, the reference lines are like half the width of the red lines, and a whole host of other questions have arisen for me. I would really appreciate it if someone here knows the exact dimensions of the NHL’s goal crease.
Just compared to the NHL’s diagram on the faceoff dot and lines, it really shows just how inaccurate their crease diagram is. https://imgur.com/gallery/LjOvVec Notice how they account for the line widths, unlike the goal crease.
So some of the questions that I have are based on the NHL saying that, “the goal crease area shall include all the space outlined by the crease lines.
” So does this mean that the red line is included within the goal crease measurements and that the 6 feet and 8 feet marks are the outside edge of the red line? Or does this mean that the blue painted area is the goal crease and the red line is outside of the crease? Option A: https://imgur.com/gallery/dLl66l8 Option B: https://imgur.com/gallery/c0pEsMD
Another question is that the distance from the boards to the goal line (which is 11 feet) is measured to the center of the goal line. The 6 foot radius circle at the top of the crease is also measured from the center of the goal line. Does this mean that the center of the goal line is 1 inch into the 2 inch wide line itself? Or does this imply just the center of either the front edge or the back edge of the goal line? And is the 6 foot radius to the center, the front edge, or the inside edge of the 2 inch red curve at the top of the crease?
Could this also mean that other measurements are made on the center of lines, and thus the 2 inch line straddles the crease outline? Something along they lines of: https://imgur.
com/gallery/L8lE15n
So another issue that arises, is that the 4.5 feet lines at the side of the crease never end up being exactly 4.5 feet unless we move the center of the circle for the top of the crease off of the goal line, which would be wrong according to the rule book. So I’m not really sure what the deal exactly is here.
Also for the little 5 inch marks within the crease that are 4 feet from the goal line, is that 4 feet measured from the back, center or front of the goal line and is it measured to the back, center or front of the marks? Also, if the option where the crease is measured and then the red line straddles that line, could these hash marks be measured from that center and only extend into the blue paint by 4 inches. That seems unlikely but I’m just spit balling all my options here.
I haven’t really gotten to this stage, but I bet I might have some similar questions regarding the trapezoid since those lines are also depicted on the NHL’s diagram of the crease.
I could see how these small details are very easily overlooked, but I would really appreciate it if anyone has some information that could lead me in the right direction.
Thanks!
What is the Crease in Hockey? (NHL Crease Rule)
by Jamie
All sports come with a set of rules and regulations to them and of course this includes ice hockey. The ice surface is separated into certain areas such as the defensive, neutral and offensive zones and these are signified by the blue lines and red line. You’ll also notice the ice contains face off circles and dots, goal lines, goal creases, a referee’s crease and trapezoid areas behind the goal lines.
The goal creases are situated right in front of the net and are shaded blue in colour. They’re used as safe zones to help protect the goaltenders and to also assist them in playing their angles while making saves during games.
The History of the Hockey Crease
In the 1933-1934 NHL campaign the league introduced an L-shaped boundary which measured 8 feet wide by 5 feet deep in front of each net which was the first known version of the goal crease. The crease as we know it today came into use in 1934-35 and in 1939-40 it was reduced in size to 7 feet wide by 3 feet deep.
In 1951-52 the crease was enlarged to 8 by 4 feet and in 1986-1987 to 1989-1990 a semicircle crease was added to the traditional rectangular crease. Between 1991-1992 and 1994-1995 the rectangular goal crease was replaced with a semicircle/half-moon shaped crease and the size went from 24 to 44 square feet.
In addition, L-shaped lines five inches long were painted just inside the edge of the half-moon crease. In 1998-1999 the size of the crease changed to extend just one foot beyond each post to a width of 8 feet.
What’s the Purpose of the Goalie Crease?
The goal crease is an area on the ice where only the goaltender may cover or freeze the puck to stop the play.
It’s also used as a reference for goaltenders to help in their on-ice positioning and to properly cover the angles when making saves. In theory, it also protects the goalie as attacking players aren’t allowed to make physical contact with the netminder while he or she is in the crease.
Have the NHL Crease Rules Changed Over Time?
In 1991-92, the NHL disallowed goals if an attacking player had any part of their stick or body in the crease or on its border line when the puck entered the net. This rule was eliminated in 1999-2000 and players were allowed to enter the crease to play loose pucks that had entered the crease first.
In addition, if the puck passes through the goal crease when it has been shot down the ice from the opposing side of centre ice, icing will not be called. Also, if an altercation or fight breaks out anywhere on the ice outside of the crease the netminder must remain in the crease. If the goalie leaves the crease and joins in the altercation it will result in a two-minute minor penalty.
What are the Dimensions of the Goalie Crease?
The goal crease is currently eight feet in width with a semicircle implanted on the top section of it to give it an angular shape at the point furthest from the net rather than a rectangular shape. Since the net is six feet in width it means the crease area extends one foot past each goal post. The crease also extends out onto the ice a total of six feet at its deepest spot.
Read our related post “What are the Dimensions of a Regulation Size NHL Hockey Net?“
What Colour is the Goalie Crease?
The inside of the goal crease is light blue in color and is contained inside of red border lines which are two inches in width.
Does a Goal Count if a Players Skate is in the Crease?
In earlier years, a goal wouldn’t count if any part of a player’s skate was inside of the crease at any time. However, the rule was changed in 1999/2000 and an attacking player may now stand inside of the crease as long as they aren’t interfering with the goaltender and inhibiting their ability to make a save.
If a referee judges an attacking player to be interfering with a goalie in the crease when a goal is scored it will be disallowed. Also, on some occasions the attacking player may also be assessed a two-minute minor penalty for goalie interference. In international hockey, attacking players aren’t allowed to stand in the crease deliberately. If they do the referee will whistle the play dead.
Can a Defensive Player Cover the Puck in the Crease?
Defensive players aren’t allowed to grab, conceal or cover a puck in the goal crease to aid their netminder. If this occurs, the attacking team is awarded a penalty shot
Who is Allowed in the Crease?
An attacking player may skate through the goal crease as long as he or she isn’t interfering with the goaltender. In addition, a player may enter the crease to pursue a puck that is already inside of the crease.
Are Goalies allowed to Leave the Crease in Hockey?
Goaltenders are allowed to leave their crease area to play the puck behind the goal line in the trapezoid area.
They may also play the puck or skate anywhere on the ice as long as they don’t cross the center-ice red line.
If they do it will result in a two-minute minor penalty. When goalies leave the crease or trapezoid areas and are handling the puck they’re opening themselves up to incidental contact from the opposition though.
Can a Goalie Cover the Puck Outside of the Crease?
Goalies aren’t allowed to leave their crease to simply cover a puck as a way to stop the play and get a whistle. If this occurs it will result in a two-minute minor penalty for delay of game. However, if a goaltender makes a save an ends up outside of the crease area, they’re allowed to cover the puck if opposing players are in close proximity and are attempting to play the puck.
If there are no attacking players in the vicinity when the netminder has the puck either inside or outside of the crease they are expected to keep the game in motion.
Read our related post “NHL Trapezoid Rule Explained” here.
Does the Crease Help the Goalie Stay in Position?
The blue paint of the crease makes it easier for netminders to position themselves as they usually know exactly where they are when looking down. The border lines of the crease also helps them position themselves when trying to cut down the angles when facing opposing shots.
What is the Referee’s Crease for in Hockey?
The referee’s crease is located on the ice directly in front of the penalty timekeeper and between the two penalty boxes at centre ice. This area is for officials only to review and discuss plays but players may enter it to speak with a referee or linesman if the official has given them permission to do so. If a player enters the crease without permission they may be assessed a 10-minute misconduct penalty.
How Big is the Referee Crease in Hockey?
The referee’s crease is a 10-foot area that is enclosed inside of a semicircle. The crease is on the other side of the rink from the team benches
Final Thoughts
The goal crease area has changed in shape and size over the years but it’s basically always been there to help protect goaltenders to some degree.
The biggest experiment with the crease came in the 1990s when players weren’t allowed to go in it at all or place their sticks inside of it.
This resulted in a lot of chaos and the rule was eliminated in 1999. While the crease may once again undergo dimension changes in the future, it’s a hockey staple that will never disappear, just like the goal line.
Jamie
Jamie is the founder of Hockey Response and he is the chief writer/ lead editor. Jamie has been playing hockey for over 20 years. He was the defenseman of the year in NL and has played Jr A level hockey. Jamie has coached several kids hockey camps and he was the assistant coach of the Western Kings.
what is the length and area of the football field
Oleg Klopsky
Author
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To play football it is important to understand what the size of the football field should be. Let football be considered one of the most democratic and low investment sports. The most important thing is the presence of the ball, the goal can be built from improvised means, and you can play on any court with any surface.
But at the professional level, very clear and high requirements. They concern the rules of the game, team equipment, refereeing of matches and, of course, the football field.
Contents
- Football pitch requirements
- Football field markings
- Center
- Goalkeeper area
- Penal area
- Corner sectors
- Football goals
The first football field marking requirements were established in England in 1863. Designed by Ebenzer Morley. The requirements were minimal at first, but improved over time. The now known football field with markings appeared only at 1930s of the last century.
Requirements for the size of the football field
The rules of the game of football do not stipulate the dimensions of the football field that are clear up to a centimeter, they can be different. Field of standard sizes:
- 90 – 120 meters length
- 45 – 90 meters width
If you take the smallest and the most maximum sizes, then playing them is a big difference.
Tactics for the match, and the development of attacks, defensive actions, etc. will differ from this. Therefore, for international matches, the size requirements are clearer:
- 100 – 110 meters length
- 64 – 73.2 meters wide
There are also FIFA recommendations. They already have averaged parameters: length 105 meters, width 68 meters. According to these parameters, the area of the football field is 7140 square meters. Many are surprised by the size indicating tenths of a meter. The fact is that the rules were written in England, where the system of measures is British, respectively, the dimensions are indicated there in yards. FIFA continues to follow the tradition, but uses the metric system for convenience.
The football field is not limited to the above dimensions. It must include space beyond. FIFA recommends a distance of at least one and a half meters for the zone of outs and runs around the entire perimeter of the football field.
In addition, there are warm-up zones, coaching benches. However, these recommendations are not always followed. In the same England there are stadiums where the stands are a couple of meters from the football field.
Read also: All world football champions by 9 years0056
Football field markings
All football field markings are applied in white, the width of the lines does not exceed twelve centimeters. It is important to remember that the markings are part of the football field. The ball is in play if its projection does not go beyond the touchline or goal line.
Center
Opponents put the ball into play from the center of the field before the start of any half or after a goal has been scored. The middle line in width divides the field into two equal parts. A mark with a diameter of thirty centimeters is applied right in the center of the line, it is from it that the ball is put into play. From this mark within a radius of 9, 15 meters a circle is applied.
It has a functional purpose – only players of the team that owns the ball can be inside this circle.
Goalkeeper’s area
From the goalkeeper’s area, the players of one of the teams start their attack by hitting the ball from any of its points. Within this zone, attacking players are not allowed to interfere with the goalkeeper. Any such action is considered a violation of the rules. Five meters 50 centimeters are counted from the goalposts on both sides, then two lines of the same length are drawn towards the center of the field and connected to each other.
Penalty area
The goalkeeper within the limits has the right to play with his hands, and any violation of the rules by the defending team is punished with a kick from eleven meters (penalty), or in rare cases with a free kick. The marking is applied according to the same principle as in the previous case, but the distance from the goalposts and then towards the center of the field is 16 meters 50 centimeters.
A penalty kick is kicked from the mark in the center of the penalty area, it is applied at a distance of eleven meters from the center of the goalkeeper’s line.
A circle is drawn outside the penalty area at a distance of nine meters 15 centimeters from the penalty mark. When a penalty is taken, all players, except the kicker, must be located outside the penalty area and this line.
Corner sectors
In each of the four corners of the field, a circle line with a radius of one meter is drawn, this is the sector for the corner kick by attacking players. The ball at the moment of impact must be located in the area of this sector and not go beyond the arc line with its projection. At a distance of nine meters 15 centimeters from the corners of the field, a mark may be applied on the end line. Defending players during the execution of a corner kick must be outside it. At the corners of the field set flags on the racks.
Football goals
The object of the game is to score a goal against the opposing team.
The gates are set in the center of each front line, their width is seven meters 32 centimeters, and the height is two meters 44 centimeters. The width of the uprights and the crossbar should not exceed twelve centimeters, like any marking line.
Football field dimensions in meters according to FIFA rules
Home / Informative / Football field dimensions in meters according to FIFA rules
02/28/2018
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A football field is a rectangular grassy area with a certain size. To date, there is no officially established size for a football field, there are only boundary indicators regarding the maximum and minimum length and width.
FIFA standard football field dimensions
For national level matches:
- Length: minimum 90, maximum 120 meters;
- Width: minimum 45, maximum 90 meters.
For international matches, the size of the field is more strictly limited:
- Length: minimum 100, maximum 110 meters;
- Width: minimum 64, maximum 75 meters.
In March 2008, the IFAB (International Football Association Board) tried to establish a uniform size of football pitches for international matches (105 by 68 meters – 71.4 acres, 7140 m 2 , 0.714 in hectares). Most of the world’s stadiums were suitable for such sizes, but the organization could not establish an exact uniform size for the football field.
Did you know that there are 5 sizes of soccer balls.
Interesting. According to FIFA rules, outside the field, the grass surface must extend 5 meters. However, most stadiums ignore this requirement. This is due to the fact that it is expensive for many teams to maintain such a turf area from a financial point of view. In England, many stadiums are built so that the stands are as close to the field as possible, almost at a distance of 2 meters from the lines.
Field markings
The length of all lines in big football is 12 cm. The middle line divides the court in half, and a circle with a diameter of 18.
3 m is drawn in its middle. A dot with a diameter of 30 cm is drawn in the middle of the circle, which is the center of the field.
In each of the four corners of the field, a mark is drawn in the form of an arc with a radius of 1 m. From this point, a corner kick is executed. At the very corners of the field marking, columns with a flag are placed, with a height of at least 1.5 m.
An interesting fact. Since the 2016/17 season, the IFAB has allowed the use of club and federation logos on flags.
Goalkeeper’s area
5.5 meters are counted from the goal of each of the posts to the side, then two lines of 5.5 m are drawn towards the center of the field, and their end points are connected by a line drawn parallel to the goal line.
Penal area
The boundaries of the penalty area are made according to the same principle as with the goalkeeper’s area, only the distance from the goal posts will be 16.5 meters. Within each penalty area, a dot is drawn at a distance of 11 meters from the midpoint line of the goal line.
From this place in football, a penalty shootout breaks through. Outside the penalty area, an arc is marked with a circle radius of 9m. 15 cm. This arc is counted from the 11-meter mark.
What size football fields do teams prefer?
The length and width of the football field, in many cases, depends on the tactics of the team. Teams that like to attack, especially to carry out positional offensives, prefer long and wide fields. Playing on fields with large areas is not easy, especially from a physical point of view. Football players must have good endurance, as in 90 minutes of the match they will have to overcome long distances.
We recommend reading the article: How many kilometers does a footballer run in a match?
Small fields are most often used by clubs that are more focused on defending their own goals and act on counterattacks. When the field is narrow, the defense can be built very tightly, thereby minimizing the amount of space that opposing attackers can get through.
