13/12/2024

When installing a football pitch, precise adherence to regulations regarding pitch size, markings, runoff areas, and goal specifications is crucial. This guide outlines the key elements installers must consider to ensure compliance and optimal playing conditions.

Pitch Size

The dimensions of a football pitch can vary significantly based on the format of the game.

Here are the standard sizes according to the Football Association (FA) and FIFA regulations:

  • 11-a-side Pitch:
    • Length: 100 to 130 yards (90 to 120 meters)
    • Width: 50 to 100 yards (45 to 90 meters)
    • Common professional dimensions: approximately 110 yards (100.6 meters) long and 70 yards (64 meters) wide.
  • 7-a-side Pitch:
    • Length: 60 yards (55 meters)
    • Width: 40 yards (36.5 meters)
  • 5-a-side Pitch:
    • Length: 40 yards (36.5 meters)
    • Width: 30 yards (27.5 meters)

It is important for installers to ensure that pitches are marked according to these dimensions to maintain consistency across all levels of play

Markings and Lines

Accurate pitch markings are essential for gameplay and must adhere to specific guidelines:

  • Width of Lines: All lines must be no more than 12 cm (5 inches) wide. Lines width should be equal to the goalpost diameter (depth)
  • Penalty Areas:
    • The penalty area for an 11-a-side pitch measures 18 yards (16.46 meters) from the goal line and is 44 yards (40.23 meters) wide.
  • Goal Area: This area measures 6 yards (5.49 meters) by 20 yards (18.29 meters).
  • Penalty Spot: Located at a distance of 12 yards (10.97 meters) from the center of the goal.
  • Corner Arcs: Each corner should have a quarter-circle with a radius of one yard from the corner flag

Credit : Inside FIFA stadium Guidelines | technical guidelines | pitch dimensions and surrounding area

Proper marking not only defines play areas but also ensures that players understand where specific actions, such as penalties, take place.

Runoff Areas

Runoff areas are critical for player safety and pitch maintenance:

  • Recommended Runoff: A minimum of 3 yards (approximately 2.7 meters) of natural grass should surround the pitch to provide a buffer zone.
  • Safety Standards: For competitive matches, a minimum safety runoff of 1.83 meters (6 feet) is recommended, although a distance of at least 2 meters is ideal.

These runoff areas should be free from any obstructions or barriers, ensuring safe movement around the pitch during play

Goals

The specifications for goals vary by age group and level of play:

  • Standard Goals for 11-a-side Matches:
    • Dimensions: 24 feet wide (7.32 meters) by 8 feet high (2.44 meters).
  • Youth Goals:
    • For players aged under 13/14, goals should measure 21 feet wide (6.4 meters) by 7 feet high (2.13 meters).
  • 5-a-side Goals: Typically smaller at 12 feet wide (3.66 meters) by 6 feet high (1.83 meters).

It is essential that all goalposts are constructed from durable materials and meet the specified dimensions to ensure safety and compliance during matches

By focusing on these key elements—pitch size, accurate markings, appropriate runoff areas, and correctly sized goals—football pitch installers can create high-quality playing surfaces that enhance the game experience while adhering to regulatory standards.