The most important and overlooked factor of soccer is probably soccer field dimensions, as the game is impossible to play without it. So what factors and dimensions need to be considered while constructing or just learning about the soccer field? What is meant by the markings and so on?
Well, in this article, we will discuss some interesting information regarding soccer field dimensions, and all you need to do is read till the end.
SO WHAT ARE SOCCER FIELD DIMENSIONS, AND ARE THEY SIMILAR TO FOOTBALL?
First, it is important to note that soccer field dimensions are bigger than football because a football field’s width is restricted to 53.5 yards, whereas soccer field dimensions can be as wide as 100 yards.
The governing body, the international football association board (IFAB), is responsible for devising the rules and regulations of soccer. According to IFAB, a soccer field must be rectangular with properly visible marking. Furthermore, the field’s width could be between 50 and 100 yards, whereas its length can range between 100 and 130.
According to DFL Statutes, a field’s length must be 105 meters (115-Yards) with a width of 68 (74-yards) meters. In some cases, the DFL Statutes allow dropping these dimensions to 100 (110) and 64 (70) meters, respectively.
Now the soccer playfield dimensions should be 125 meters x 85 meters (136 x 93 yards), but in minimum case, these dimensions could become 120 meters x 80 meters (131 x 87 yards). Moreover, having a pitch area of 1.5 meters beyond the boundary lines is mandatory similar to the UEFA competition. These measurements are taken from the outside of the lines, and these lines themselves should not be more than the width of 4.7 inches.
When it comes to the goal posts, they should be 8 yards wide and eight feet high from the ground. It is important to remember that goals and bars should not exceed five inches.
The more interesting fact is that according to DFL, there should be a free space for substitute players for a warm-up, and it should also be covered with the same material as the material used in the rest of the field.
MARKING ON SOCCER FIELD
Now that we know soccer field dimensions, let’s jump into the field markings and explore further. These marks are painted white, and sometimes to make them look brighter, they are painted a couple of times. The soccer playing fields are marked properly as they are of great importance.
A halfway line equally divides the field into two halves; along with the half-line is a circle with a radius equal to 10 yards. Similarly, the penalty areas extend to 18 yards from the line of each goal. At the same time, the penalty spot is 12 yards outer from the goal’s center.
The penalty spot is measured from the mark’s center to the back of the goal line, the reference point known as “D,” which marks part of the pitch outside the penalty box, closer to the penalty spot. Players are restricted from entering the D before the kick.
Inside the penalty area is a small box; this is equal to 6 yards, and it is extended 6 yards from the goal-line and 6 yards outside of each goal post; in this way, the total area becomes 18 yards.
As soccer field dimensions are rectangular, there are four corners, and each is a market with a five feet tall flag with a quarter circle equal to a one-yard circle.
There are technical areas outside the playing field; these rectangles are drawn around areas specifically designed for teams’ officials and substitutes and are extended to around one yard. Two such spots are on either side of the field for both teams.
TURF IN SOCCER FIELDS
Conferring to DFL, the turf of a soccer field must be made of natural grass, absolutely flat, and in good condition. Whereas in certain competitions, instead of natural grass, artificial grass or a hybrid turf is also acceptable, the only thing that is common throughout the soccer game is that the turf must be of green color.
Thank you for reading!