A professional soccer is played on a flat grass or artificial truf field. The markings on the field must be in a set postion. The overall area of the field may vary, depending whether it is a professional field, or a domestic field. A professional or international field size is sanctioned by FIFA and must follow strict specifications. Domestic field which are usally used for casual palying and recreation, are more flexibly in size, but in most cases follow a rectangular format.
Soccer can be played on any flat surface such as sand, hard packed mud, artifical surfaces like turf, rubber, concrete, pavement. The artifical surfaces like turf needs little maintaining because of it’s static nature. Most turf surfaces have modern drainage systems beneath the playing surface, to help keep it dry and flat without puddles or mud ponds, like traditional grass fields. The most prefered surface is grass. Grass is used on most professional fields due to it’s forgiving nature. Players have concerns about turf surfaces causing injuries to the legs and knees. Grass surfaces require more pampering and care, due to it’s natural make-up.
1. Goal
A professional goal measures 8ft. ( 2.44 m) H x 24ft. (7.32m) W. The goal post and cross bar can have a circular, square, or rectangular profile. The net is usually a strong fiber nylon.
2. Goal area
The six yard box is another known name for this area. A goal kick is taken from any area in this box.
3. Penalty area
Referred to as the 18 – yard box. The keeper can handle the ball anywhere inside this area. An fouls in this area are called as a penalty kick.
4. Penalty spot
This spot is located 12 yards from the goal line. Penalty kicks are taken here.
5. Teams & players
In a game their are 11 players on the field from both competing teams. So a total of only 22 players are allowed to be on the playing surface.
6. Sideline
All persons not participating in the match are to stay outside of this line. If the ball completely crosses this line, a throw – in is awarded to the team who did put the ball out of play.
7. Center mark
The match begins or restarts after a goal or following half time, from the center circle. The opposing team must not come into the circle until the kick – off has taken place.
8. Corner
Corner Kicks are taken from the corner arch which has a radius of 1 yd (1m).
9. Goal line
When the ball crosses this line, a goal kick is awarded, depending on which team kicked it out.
Field Dimensions
Maximum dimensions of domestic field
Minimum dimensions of domestic field
Playing Surfaces
Artificial Surface
Natural Surface
The Goal
The only standing struction on the field. The goal must safe and reliable, and must not obscure the spectators view of the match. The must be durable because of traffic they endure in a season. The nets are made from weatherproof synthetic fibers. The goal requirements are as follows: the net must be placed on the center of each goal line and consist of two upright posts and joined at the crossbar. It should be placed parallel to the corner flag posts and may be made from wood, metal, PVC plastic, or other approved materials. The posts and corner post must be white, and the goal should always be securely anchored.
Maximum dimensions of professional goal
