What are the exact dimensions of an NHL goal crease. How is the goal crease measured in professional hockey. What are the key elements of a hockey goal crease. Why is precision important in goal crease measurements.
The Basics of NHL Goal Crease Dimensions
The NHL goal crease is a crucial area on the ice that plays a significant role in gameplay. According to the NHL rulebook, the basic dimensions of the goal crease are as follows:
- Width: 8 feet
- Side lines length: 4.5 feet
- Semicircle radius: 6 feet
However, these seemingly straightforward measurements can become quite complex when considering the finer details of how they are applied on the ice.
Interpreting the NHL Rulebook: Crease Measurement Challenges
While the NHL rulebook provides specific measurements, it leaves room for interpretation in certain areas. This ambiguity has led to several questions about the precise application of these measurements:
Line Inclusion in Crease Measurements
Does the 2-inch red line that outlines the crease count as part of the crease itself? There are two potential interpretations:
- The crease includes the red line, with measurements taken to the outside edge.
- The blue painted area alone constitutes the crease, with the red line existing outside it.
This distinction is crucial for accurately determining the crease’s true dimensions and its impact on gameplay.
Goal Line Center Point
The rulebook states that the 6-foot radius semicircle is measured from the center of the goal line. But what exactly is considered the “center”? Is it:
- The middle of the 2-inch wide line?
- The front edge of the line?
- The back edge of the line?
This seemingly small detail can affect the overall positioning and dimensions of the crease.
The Challenge of Precise Measurements in Hockey Crease Design
Creating an accurate schematic of the NHL goal crease is more complex than it might initially appear. Several factors contribute to this challenge:
Inconsistencies in Official Diagrams
The NHL’s official diagrams for the goal crease and faceoff circles show noticeable differences in detail and scale. The faceoff diagram accounts for line widths, while the crease diagram does not. This discrepancy raises questions about how to interpret and apply the measurements in practice.
The 4.5-Foot Side Line Dilemma
A particular issue arises with the 4.5-foot side lines of the crease. When attempting to create an accurate diagram, these lines often do not measure exactly 4.5 feet unless the center point of the semicircle is moved off the goal line – which would contradict the rulebook. This inconsistency suggests that some compromise or approximation may be necessary in real-world application.
Detailed Elements of the Goal Crease: Beyond Basic Dimensions
The goal crease contains several additional elements that require precise positioning:
The 5-Inch Hash Marks
Inside the crease, there are 5-inch hash marks positioned 4 feet from the goal line. However, the exact measurement points for these marks are not clearly defined. Questions arise about whether the 4-foot distance is measured from:
- The back of the goal line
- The center of the goal line
- The front of the goal line
Similarly, it’s unclear whether this measurement is to the back, center, or front of the hash marks themselves.
The Blue Paint
The rulebook specifies that the area within the crease should be painted light blue (Paint code PMS 298). This color helps to visually define the crease area for players and officials during fast-paced gameplay.
The Importance of Precise Crease Measurements in Hockey
Why does such precision matter in defining the goal crease? There are several key reasons:
Impact on Gameplay
The crease serves as a protected area for goaltenders. Players can be penalized for interfering with a goalie within this space, making its exact boundaries crucial in game situations.
Goal Validation
In certain situations, whether a player was in the crease can determine if a goal is allowed to stand. Precise measurements ensure fair and consistent rulings.
Training and Practice
For players and coaches, understanding the exact dimensions of the crease is vital for developing strategies and practicing positioning.
Comparing NHL Crease Dimensions to Other Leagues
While this discussion focuses on NHL specifications, it’s worth noting that crease dimensions can vary in other hockey leagues and levels of play. How do NHL crease measurements compare to those in other professional or amateur leagues?
International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Crease
The IIHF, which governs international competitions, uses slightly different crease dimensions:
- Width: 244 cm (approximately 8 feet)
- Depth: 183 cm (approximately 6 feet)
- Radius of semicircle: 183 cm
These measurements are similar to the NHL’s but not identical, which can affect player adjustments in international tournaments.
Minor League and Junior Hockey
Many minor and junior leagues follow NHL or IIHF standards, but some may have slight variations. These differences, while small, can be significant for players transitioning between levels of play.
Technology and Innovation in Crease Measurement and Enforcement
As hockey continues to evolve, so too does the technology used to measure and enforce crease rules. What advancements are being made in this area?
Video Review Systems
High-definition cameras and replay systems allow officials to review close calls related to crease violations. These systems require precise calibration to the exact crease dimensions.
Laser Measurement Tools
Some arenas use laser-based systems to ensure accurate line painting and measurement. These tools can provide sub-millimeter precision in marking crease boundaries.
Future Possibilities
Could we see innovations like embedded sensors in the ice or player equipment to provide real-time crease position data? While not currently in use, such technologies could revolutionize how crease rules are enforced.
The Role of Officials in Interpreting Crease Rules
Despite the importance of precise measurements, the application of crease rules often comes down to human judgment. How do officials navigate this responsibility?
Training and Consistency
NHL officials undergo rigorous training to ensure consistent application of rules, including those related to the crease. This includes studying the exact dimensions and practicing real-game scenarios.
Real-Time Decision Making
During fast-paced play, officials must make split-second decisions about crease violations. Their intimate knowledge of the crease’s dimensions plays a crucial role in these judgments.
Collaboration with Video Review
In cases where crease violations are reviewable, on-ice officials work in conjunction with video review teams to make the most accurate calls possible.
The complexities surrounding NHL goal crease dimensions highlight the intricate nature of hockey rules and regulations. While the basic measurements may seem straightforward, the nuances of their application on the ice create a fascinating area of study for players, coaches, officials, and fans alike. As the sport continues to evolve, so too may the approach to defining and enforcing these crucial on-ice boundaries.
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.
Football field dimensions in meters according to FIFA rules
Home / Informative / Football field dimensions in meters according to FIFA rules
02/28/2018
Informative
Leave a comment
159,079 Views
Share with friends
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 point 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 area
5.5 meters are measured 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.
An interesting case
In the 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League season at the 1/4 final stage, Real Madrid lost in the first game to the German Wolfsburg on their field with a score of 2:0. The coaching staff of the Spanish club approached the return match tactically competently, having decided to expand the field of the Santiago Bernabeu home stadium.
The “royal club” considered that a wider field would make it possible to maximize the use of flank attackers and play combinational football with a large number of passes.
As a result, the site expansion had a positive effect. The Madrid coach’s tactics worked, and his club defeated Wolfsburg 3-0, reaching the semi-finals. By the way, in that Champions League draw, Real Madrid reached the final, where they defeated Atlético in the series after match penalties.
See also: Standard soccer goal sizes.
2018-02-28
Check also
Share with friendsThe Italian Football Championship (Serie A) was founded in 1898. Starting from …
Football field dimensions – standard length and measurements in meters from FIFA
Football field – a football field with natural grass or artificial turf. In this Wikiport article: a bit of history and all about dimensions and markings: the length of the football field, the width of the lines, the surface, the color, etc.
Content
- Story
- Football field dimensions
- Football field markings
- center field
- penalty area
- goal area
- Corner sector
- Football goal
History
Instructions on the size of the football field first appeared in the Laws of the Game, which was officially approved by the Football Association of England on October 26, 1863.
The author of the regulations is an athlete, the organizer of the Football Association of England Ebenezer Morley, known as the “father of football”.
Back then all measurements were in yards and inches. And the modern size standard in meters was developed and approved by the International Football Association Board and published by FIFA.
Latest bookmaker bonuses for football
History of changes in football rules regarding the size and marking of the field:
1863 – the first indications of dimensions and markings;
1875 – gates must be equipped with a rigid crossbar instead of a stretched tape, the size of the gate is finally approved;
1891 – a net appeared on the gate;
1901 – the appearance of a penalty area;
1912 – the goalkeeper is forbidden to play with his hands outside the penalty area;
1937 – Penalty area arc appears within 10 yards of the penalty spot.
Football pitch dimensions
Football rules do not impose strict requirements on dimensions. The playing court must be in the shape of a rectangle, and the touch line must be longer than the goal line. As long as these requirements are met, the length of the football field and its width can vary widely.
Football field dimensions in meters: Figure
General size guidelines:
For international football matches, the following restrictions apply:
FIFA standard soccer pitch size:
length – 105 meters;
width – 68 meters.
Football field markings
Football field markings
Line markings up to 12 centimeters (5 inches) wide. The lines themselves are included in the areas they delimit. For example, the penalty area line enters the penalty area.
This is important for fixing a violation of the rules, for example, if the goalkeeper plays with his hand on the penalty line.
Long lines delimiting the outfield are called side lines, short lines are called goal lines.
Center of the field
The football field is divided into two equal parts by a middle line that connects the two touchlines. The center of the field is marked in the middle. It is used for the kick-off: at the beginning of each half of regular and extra time, as well as after a goal has been scored. A circle is drawn within a radius of 9.15 meters (10 yards) from the center – the central circle. During the kick-off, the players must be in their own halves, and the defending side must be outside the center circle.
Penal area
A penalty area is marked on each half of the field. In this area, the goalkeeper can play with his hands. And if the defending team violates the rules within the penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded – a 11-meter kick.
