What are the exact dimensions of an NHL goal crease. How does the crease impact gameplay and player positioning. Why is precise measurement crucial for fair play in hockey.
The Importance of Accurate Goal Crease Dimensions in NHL Hockey
In the fast-paced world of professional ice hockey, precision is paramount. One area where this precision becomes particularly crucial is in the dimensions and markings of the goal crease. This seemingly simple aspect of the rink’s layout can have significant implications for gameplay, rule enforcement, and even the outcome of matches.
The National Hockey League (NHL) rulebook provides specific measurements for the goal crease, but as our discussion will reveal, translating these specifications into real-world applications can be more complex than it initially appears. Let’s dive into the intricacies of NHL goal crease dimensions and explore why accuracy in this area is so vital.
Breaking Down the Official NHL Goal Crease Specifications
According to the NHL rulebook, the goal crease dimensions are as follows:
- Width: 8 feet
- Side lines length: 4 feet, 6 inches
- Semicircle radius: 6 feet
- Line width: 2 inches
- Vertical extension: 4 feet above the ice surface
While these measurements seem straightforward, their practical application raises several questions. For instance, are these dimensions measured from the inside or outside edges of the lines? How do these measurements account for the thickness of the lines themselves?
The Crease Area: Blue Paint and Red Lines
The NHL specifies that the area within the crease lines should be painted light blue (Paint code PMS 298). But where exactly do the red lines that outline the crease fit into this scheme? Are they considered part of the crease or separate from it?
This distinction becomes crucial when considering rules about player positioning and interference. If a player’s skate touches the red line, are they considered to be in the crease? The answer to this question could have significant implications for gameplay and officiating.
Challenges in Interpreting Goal Crease Measurements
Despite the clear specifications in the NHL rulebook, several challenges arise when attempting to create an accurate schematic of the goal crease:
- Line thickness: The 2-inch line width is significant relative to the overall dimensions. Should measurements be taken from the center of these lines, or from their inner or outer edges?
- Semicircle accuracy: Creating a perfect 6-foot radius semicircle that aligns precisely with the straight side lines can be challenging in practice.
- Goal line positioning: The center of the goal line serves as a reference point for several measurements, but its exact position relative to the 2-inch wide line is not explicitly stated.
- Interior markings: The placement of the 5-inch hash marks inside the crease, 4 feet from the goal line, raises questions about their exact positioning relative to line edges.
The Goal Line Conundrum: Center, Front, or Back?
A critical point of reference for many crease measurements is the goal line. However, the exact point of measurement on this 2-inch wide line is not explicitly defined in the rulebook. Should measurements be taken from:
- The center of the goal line?
- The front edge (facing into the rink)?
- The back edge (facing the net)?
This ambiguity can lead to discrepancies in crease layout and potentially impact gameplay situations where precise positioning is crucial.
Impact on Other Rink Measurements
The goal line’s position also affects other important rink measurements. For instance, the distance from the boards to the goal line is specified as 11 feet, measured to the center of the goal line. How does this relate to the crease measurements, which also use the goal line as a reference point?
The Semicircle Radius: A Geometric Puzzle
One of the most challenging aspects of accurately drawing the goal crease is the 6-foot radius semicircle at its top. This measurement is taken from the center of the goal line, but several questions arise:
- Is the 6-foot radius measured to the center of the 2-inch red line?
- Should it be measured to the inner edge of the line?
- Or is it meant to reach the outer edge of the line?
Each of these interpretations would result in slightly different crease dimensions and could affect how rules are applied in game situations.
The Side Line Length Discrepancy
Another geometric challenge arises when trying to reconcile the specified 4.5-foot length of the side lines with the 6-foot radius of the semicircle. In practice, it’s nearly impossible to create a perfect intersection between these elements without slight adjustments to one or the other.
Interior Crease Markings: The 5-Inch Hash Mark Mystery
Within the crease, there are additional markings that add to the complexity of its layout. The rulebook specifies 5-inch hash marks located 4 feet from the goal line. But this raises further questions:
- Is the 4-foot distance measured from the front, center, or back of the goal line?
- Should the hash marks be centered on this 4-foot line, or should they extend 5 inches from it?
- How do these marks relate to the edges of the crease itself?
These seemingly minor details can have significant implications for player positioning and rule enforcement during gameplay.
Beyond the Crease: Implications for Other Rink Elements
The challenges in precisely defining the goal crease dimensions don’t exist in isolation. They can have ripple effects on other elements of the rink layout, such as:
- The trapezoid behind the net
- Faceoff circle positioning
- Overall rink symmetry
Ensuring consistency across all these elements is crucial for maintaining fair play and consistent rule application throughout the game.
The Trapezoid: A Related Challenge
The trapezoid area behind the net, introduced to limit goaltender puck handling, shares some reference points with the goal crease. Any ambiguities in crease measurements could potentially affect the precise layout of the trapezoid as well.
Why Precision Matters: The Impact on Gameplay and Officiating
The seemingly minor details of goal crease dimensions can have significant impacts on the game of hockey:
- Player positioning: Precise crease boundaries affect where players can legally position themselves, especially around the goal.
- Goaltender interference calls: The exact limits of the crease are crucial in determining whether interference has occurred.
- Goal validity: In some cases, whether a goal stands or is disallowed can come down to millimeters of player positioning relative to the crease.
- Consistency across rinks: Ensuring that all NHL rinks have identical crease dimensions is vital for fair play across the league.
Given these high stakes, it’s clear why achieving precision in goal crease layout is so important.
Potential Solutions and Future Considerations
Addressing the ambiguities in goal crease dimensions could involve several approaches:
- More detailed specifications: The NHL could provide more explicit guidelines on how to interpret and implement crease measurements.
- Standardized templates: Creating official templates or digital schematics could ensure consistency across all NHL rinks.
- Advanced measurement techniques: Utilizing precision laser measurement tools could help achieve greater accuracy in crease layout.
- Regular inspections: Implementing a rigorous inspection process to verify crease dimensions could help maintain consistency over time.
As technology continues to advance, we may see new solutions emerge that can address these challenges more effectively.
The Role of Technology in Crease Measurement
Modern technology could play a significant role in improving the accuracy and consistency of goal crease dimensions:
- 3D scanning: Advanced scanning techniques could create highly precise digital models of the crease area.
- Augmented reality: AR tools could assist in real-time verification of crease dimensions during game setup or inspections.
- AI-assisted analysis: Machine learning algorithms could help detect and correct minor discrepancies in crease layout across different rinks.
These technological solutions could help ensure that the spirit of the rules is consistently applied, even as the game continues to evolve.
The Ongoing Debate: Balancing Precision with Practicality
While striving for absolute precision in goal crease dimensions is admirable, it’s important to consider the practical realities of ice rink maintenance and game play. Some questions to ponder include:
- How much variation in crease dimensions is acceptable without significantly impacting the game?
- Should there be allowances for minor discrepancies due to ice resurfacing and line repainting?
- How can we balance the need for precision with the fast-paced nature of professional hockey?
These are ongoing discussions within the hockey community, as the sport continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies and playing styles.
The Human Element in Crease Interpretation
Despite our best efforts to achieve perfect precision, there will always be a human element in how the goal crease is interpreted during gameplay:
- Referee judgment: Officials must make split-second decisions based on their perception of player positioning relative to the crease.
- Player awareness: Skaters and goaltenders must develop an intuitive sense of where the crease boundaries lie, often while in motion.
- Coach strategies: Understanding the nuances of crease dimensions can inform coaching strategies and player positioning.
This human factor adds an additional layer of complexity to the already challenging task of defining and maintaining precise goal crease dimensions.
Learning from Other Sports: Cross-Disciplinary Insights
Hockey isn’t the only sport grappling with issues of precise field or court markings. We can potentially gain insights from how other sports handle similar challenges:
- Tennis: The precision required for line calls in tennis has led to the adoption of advanced technology like Hawk-Eye.
- Soccer: Goal-line technology has been implemented to determine whether the ball has fully crossed the line.
- American football: The use of chains for measuring first downs provides a physical reference point for officials.
While these solutions may not be directly applicable to hockey, they demonstrate how other sports have addressed the need for precision in game-critical measurements.
Adapting Solutions for Hockey’s Unique Environment
Any solutions adopted for improving goal crease precision must take into account the unique aspects of ice hockey:
- The dynamic nature of the ice surface, which changes throughout the game due to skate marks and resurfacing.
- The speed of play, which often requires instant decisions without the luxury of extended review.
- The physical nature of the sport, where player contact and positioning around the crease are constant issues.
These factors must be carefully considered when exploring potential improvements to crease measurement and enforcement.
The Future of Goal Crease Design: Potential Innovations
As we look to the future, we might consider potential innovations in goal crease design that could address current challenges:
- Dynamic line technology: Electronically controlled lines that can be adjusted or verified with precision.
- 3D projection systems: Overhead projectors that display precise crease boundaries onto the ice surface.
- Sensor-embedded ice: Technology within the ice itself that can detect player positioning relative to the crease.
- Unified measurement system: A standardized approach to all rink measurements that eliminates ambiguities.
While some of these ideas may seem far-fetched, the rapid pace of technological advancement means that innovative solutions could be closer than we think.
Balancing Tradition with Innovation
Any changes to goal crease design or measurement must carefully balance the need for precision with respect for the traditions of the game. Considerations might include:
- Maintaining the visual aesthetics of the rink that fans are accustomed to.
- Ensuring that new technologies don’t unduly interrupt the flow of the game.
- Preserving the skill elements of the sport that rely on players’ spatial awareness and positioning.
Finding this balance will be crucial in any future developments related to goal crease dimensions and enforcement.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Quest for Precision in Hockey’s Critical Zone
The quest for precise goal crease dimensions in NHL hockey is far more complex than it might initially appear. From the challenges of interpreting official measurements to the practical difficulties of implementation, there are numerous factors to consider.
As we’ve explored, the implications of these seemingly minor details can have significant impacts on gameplay, officiating, and even the outcome of matches. The ongoing debate around crease dimensions reflects the broader challenge of maintaining consistency and fairness in a fast-paced, physically demanding sport.
Looking to the future, advancements in technology and measurement techniques may offer new solutions to these longstanding challenges. However, any innovations must be carefully balanced with the traditions and practical realities of the game.
Ultimately, the goal crease remains a critical zone in hockey, both literally and figuratively. As the sport continues to evolve, so too will our approaches to defining, measuring, and enforcing this crucial area of the rink. The ongoing dialogue between players, officials, administrators, and fans will undoubtedly shape the future of hockey’s goal crease, ensuring that it continues to serve its vital role in this beloved sport.
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.
