The Field of Play

The elements of the playing field.

Source: FIFA Laws of the Game 2009/2010

The dimensions of the playing field.

Source: FIFA Laws of the Game 2009/2010

Continuing our little series on the rules of soccer, here's FIFA's Law #1.  The Field of Play.  This section of the rules specifies a number of things about the playing field:

• Type of surface - natural grass or synthetic turf (which must be green).
• The fundamental field markings - rectangular in shape and including the touch lines, goal lines, halfway line, and center mark.
• The dimensions:  see above, including the width of the lines (no more than 5")
• The goal area and its dimensions.
• The penalty area and its dimensions, including the penalty mark and arc.
• Flagpost specs.
• Corner arcs and their dimensions.
• The goal opening, construction, and its dimensions (standard is 8' x 24')

The game of soccer in some form dates back to medieval Europe with antecedents dating back to ancient times.  Wikipedia has a pretty good writeup on the history of soccer.  The Laws of the Game date back to England in 1863 and are the foundation on which the game is played today. 

Prior to the modern era, soccer was often played through the streets, fields, and town squares.  Not much was standard.  Today, however, we enjoy excellent playing fields with a high degree of consistency from field to field.

More on Laws of the Game

Sideline Guideline
Hey!  That Player is Offside!!!