FIELD

DIMENSIONS
AND PITCH MARKINGS GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION P3

2. FIELD OF PLAY DIMENSIONS P4

4. PLAYING SURFACE P7

5. LINE MARKINGS P8

6. CORNER AND HALF WAY FLAGS P9

7. TECHNICAL AREAS P 10

8. INTERCHANGE ZONE P 11

9. PITCH PERIMETER FENCE P 11

10. GOALPOSTS P 12

11. FFA GUIDELINES TO FIELD

DIMENSIONS & PITCH MARKINGS P 14

12. KEY AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS P 15

13. APPENDIX & FURTHER READING P 17

DISCLAIMER: This Guide has been developed to provide general guidance to local Councils, clubs and associations in
Victoria to assist them floodlighting projects. The contents of this Guide should not be used for any other purpose or
reproduced or communicated without the consent of Football Victoria. Football Victoria makes no representation or
warranty about the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Guide. You should not rely solely
on the information in this Guide and should make independent inquiries, including seeking professional advice.
To the extent permitted by law, Football Victoria disclaims any responsibility and liability for any cost, expense,
loss or damage incurred by any entity or person relying on the information contained in this Guide.
Introduction
Two of the most basic requirements for playing football are a clearly and accurately marked field, and the
appropriate equipment to go with it. This document, one of a series of facilities guides produced by Football
Victoria, gives you all the information you need to ensure your field is marked in accordance with the laws of
the game and your equipment (eg goalposts, nets, flagposts etc) is fit for purpose.

For all competitions administered by Football Victoria and our Associations, at elite and grassroots levels, the
FIFA laws regarding field dimensions and pitch markings are used. So fundamental to the game are the field
markings that they are contained within Law One of the game, and while there is significant flexibility in the
dimensions allowed, to accommodate for greatly differing available spaces to play, there are nonetheless
maximum and minimum measurements that must be followed.

Football is certainly not all about the eleven-a-side game, played on a full-sized pitch, and this document also
provides recommended dimensions for small-sided fields, which vary according to age groups and purpose.

Along with a correctly marked field, it’s the responsibility of all football providers (eg Clubs in co-operation with
Local Councils) to provide goalposts, goal nets and flagposts, and standards for these vital pieces of equipment
are also contained within the Laws of the Game. Unfortunately, there have been instances of serious injury and
even death occurring due to goalposts which did not comply with regulations, so it is imperative that they are
made of the correct materials, properly secured, and fitted in accordance with these regulations.

The following guide is designed to ensure fields are marked correctly, and the supporting equipment is fit for
purpose.

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 Field of Play Dimensions as per Football Victoria Technical Requirements
Stadium Technical Requirements
The following diagrams detail the minimum, maximum and compulsory dimensions for Field of Play markings
2015 Competitions
according to Football Victoria Stadium Technical Requirements.
SECTION 3: FIELD OF PLAY
All fields used in Football Victoria Competitions must conform to these dimensions. For grassroots competitions
1. Field
administered of Play
directly Dimensionsplease refer to their individual regulations.
be Associations,

a) 11 a side Football
The follow diagrams detail the minimum, maximum and compulsory dimensions for Field of
Play markings. All fields used in FNSW Competitions must conform to these dimensions.
i. FIFA recommendations for field dimensions in professional football are 105 metres in length and 68
a) 11 a side Football
metres in width. Clubs are encouraged where possible to mark their fields in accordance with this
standard.i. FIFA recommendations for field dimensions in professional football are 105 metres
in length and 68 metres in width. Clubs are encouraged where possible to mark their
ii. Football Victoria may
fields in introduce modified
accordance field
with this dimensions for Youth Grades of football from time to time.
standard.
ii. FNSW may introduce modified field dimensions for Youth Grades of football from
iii. There must be buffer zones between the Field of Play line marking and any Advertising Boards or
time to time.
Perimeter Fence. The minimum distance for a buffer zone from the touch line or goal line is 3 metres,
iii. There must be buffer zones between the Field of Play line marking and any
with the exception of the touch line on which side the Technical Area is located, which must extend five
Advertising Boards or Perimeter Fence. The minimum distance for a buffer zone
(5) metres to allow for the Team Benches.
from the touch line or goal line is 3 metres, with the exception of the touch line on
iv. The benches which
in the side the Technical
Technical Area mayArea is back
be set located,
intowhich must extend
the perimeter five
fence, (5) metres
resulting to seating
in the allow
for the Team Benches.
being in-line with the perimeter fence (i.e. 3m buffer zone) and the back of the bench extending 2 metres
beyondiv.the perimeter
The benches in the Technical Area may be set back into the perimeter fence,
fence.
resulting in the seating being in-line with the perimeter fence (i.e. 3m buffer zone)
Diagram 1 - Field ofandPlaythe
Perimeter
back ofDimensions
the bench extending 2 metres beyond the perimeter fence

Playing Field 105m - 90m

Playing Field 50m - 68m

3m
minimum
minimum
5m

Technical Area

Diagram 1 – Field of Play Perimeter Dimensions

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 Stadium Technical Requirements
Diagram 2 - Infield Dimensions
2015 Competitions

Diagram 2 – Infield Dimensions

b) Skill Acquisition Program
i. Participating
b) Skill Acquisition Program Clubs will be required to adhere to the MiniRoos preferred field
dimensions during the SAP game phase, specifically;
i. Participating Clubs will be required to adhere to the MiniRoos preferred field dimensions during the SAP
Category
game phase, specifically; U9 U10 U11
Field size Length: 50m Length: 60m Length: 70m
Width: 40m Width: 40m Width: 50m
Category U9 U10 U11
Penalty Depth: 5m Depth: 5m Depth: 5m
Field size Length: 50m Length: 60m Length: 70m
area Width: 12m Width: 12m Width: 12m
Width: 40m Width: 40m Width: 50m
Goal size Height: 2m Height: 2m Height: 2m
Penalty Area Depth: 5m Depth: 5m Depth: 5m
Width: 3m Width: 5m Width: 5m
Width: 12m Width: 12m Width: 12m
Goal size ii. Approved, Height:
safe portable
2m goals must be used.
Height: 2m Poles and markers cannot
Height: 2mbe used as
goals Width: 3m Width: 5m Width: 5m
iii. Field marking can be delivered by markers, traditional line marking, or a combination
of both
iv. Following is the preferred field orientation for each age group:

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 ii. Approved, safe portable goals must be used. Poles and markers cannot be used as goals

iii. Field marking can be delivered by markers, traditional line marking, or a combination of both

iv.Stadium
Following is the preferred
Technical field orientation for each age group:
Requirements
Stadium Technical Requirements
2015 Competitions
Diagram 3 - U9 and U10 Preferred Field Orientation
2015 Competitions
40 metres 40 metres
40 metres 40 metres
12m
12m
12m
12m

5m 5m
5m 5m

60 metres
50 metres

``

60 metres
50 metres

U9 Field of Play U10 Field of Play

U9 Field of Play U10 Field of Play

Technical Area
Technical Area

Diagram 3 – U9 and U10 Preferred Field Orientation

Diagram Diagram
4 - U11 Preferred FieldU10
3 – U9 and Orientation
Preferred Field Orientation
70 metres
70 metres

5m
5m
50 metres

``
50 metres

12m12m

U11 Field of Play

U11 Field of Play

Technical Area
Technical Area

Diagram 4 –U11 Preferred Field Orientation

Diagram 4 –U11 Preferred Field Orientation
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Playing Surface
The Playing Surface must be even and flat with a complete coverage of grass. Either natural grass or FIFA
approved artificial grass pitches may be used.

The surface must be free of potholes, foreign objects and protrusions of any kind through the surface, or any
deviations that could be hazardous to players or officials as they move across the surface.

The field should have underground drainage to allow play during rain and periods of extended rainfall.

Cricket pitches of any type will not be permitted in the Competitions, but they may be allowed under
exceptional circumstances in grassroots competitions, administered by Associations.

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 Line Markings
The Field of Play must be rectangular and marked with lines. The longer lines are called touch lines, the shorter
lines are called goal lines.

Line markings must be in accordance with the Field of Play Dimensions, not exceed 12cm in width as per FIFA
Laws of the Game, and be clear and accurate.

Clubs are responsible to ensure that only substances that will not harm users or damage turf grasses are used
for line marking.

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Corner and Half way Flags
Corner flags are compulsory and are required at the junction of the touch line and goal line on every field.

Half way flags are optional and should be located no less than 1 metre off the touch line directly in in-line with
half way.

Flag posts are to be no less than 1.5 metres high and adhere to the requirements listed in the FIFA Laws of the
Game.

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 Stadium Technical Requirements
Technical Area
2015 Competitions
A Technical Area must be line marked as per the
dimensions in Diagram 6.

The Technical Area must: 7.32 metres 1.5 metres

a) Contain two (2) team benches, capable of seating

nine (9) people in each bench
2.44 metres

b) Provide cover to protect the players and officials

from the elements and missiles thrown by spectators

c) Provide fixed seating in the team benches

d) Provide identical fixtures for both Teams

e) Contain a table and chair for the 4th Official

(should a Diagram
4th Official5 be appointed
– Goal to any match)
Post Dimensions
6. Technical Area
A Technical Area must be line marked as per the dimensions in Diagram 6.
The Technical Area must:
a) Contain two (2) team benches, capable of seating nine (9) people in each bench
b) Provide cover to protect the players and officials from the elements and missiles thrown
by spectators
c) Provide fixed seating in the team benches
d) Provide identical fixtures for both Teams
Diagram 6e) ContainArea
- Technical a table and chair
line marking the 4th Official (should a 4th Official be appointed to any
fordimensions
and
match)
1m 5m 1m 4m

Team Bench 4th Official Team Bench

Bench
5m

1m
1m

“Interchange”
Zone where
applicable

Diagram 6 – Technical Area line marking and dimensions

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Interchange Zone
An Interchange Zone must be marked for all Competitions where unlimited interchange applies.

The Interchange Zone may form part of the pitch marking or may be identified with cones.

The Interchange Zone will commence 1 metre either side of the touchline from the half way line and extend one
(1) metre from the Field of Play.

Pitch Perimeter Fence

There must be a Perimeter Fence surrounding the entire Field of Play.

The Perimeter Fence must:

a) Be located the required distance from the touch line and goal line as defined in the Field of Play Dimensions

b) Be at least one (1) metre in height

c) Must be constructed of substantial material (i.e. cyclone wire). Plastic mesh and /or rope fences will not be
permitted

Advertising signs, where installed on perimeter fencing, are to be properly secured in a manner that will not
cause injury to Players or Officials.

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 Goalposts
Permanent, securely fixed goalposts that meet FIFA
regulations and are in accordance with the FV
Goalpost Safety Policy and Australian Standards
must be provided.

Portable Goals are only permitted should FV

determine a reduced size field is required in Youth
Age Grades to benefit player development.

Dual purpose Goalposts are not considered to have

met the FIFA criteria, thus are not permitted for use
in any of the Competitions. This restriction may be
removed for grassroots football.

Width of posts must not exceed 12cm, and the goal

line must be the same width as the posts.

Goal nets must be attached to the posts and ground

behind the goals in a manner that conforms to
Australian Standards and does not obstruct the goal
keeper in any way.

Stadium Technical Requirements

2015 Competitions
Diagram 5 - Goalpost Dimensions

7.32 metres 1.5 metres

2.44 metres

Diagram 5 – Goal Post Dimensions

6. Technical Area
A Technical Area must be line marked as per the dimensions in Diagram 6.
The Technical Area must:
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a) Contain two (2) team benches, capable of seating nine (9) people in each bench
b) Provide cover to protect the players and officials from the elements and missiles thrown
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byDIMENSIONS
spectatorsAND PITCH MARKINGS
c) Provide fixed seating in the team benches
The safe use of goalposts
In the sport of football, the safety of everyone involved and playing both indoors and outdoors, remains
paramount. In conjunction with ‘Australian Standard 4866.1-2007 Playing Field Equipment – Soccer Goals’
regarding the manufacture, use and safe storage of goalposts and ‘NSW Office of Fair Trading Act 1987’ we
remind all Clubs and Associations of the requirements to abide by these applicable safety aspects regarding the
use and storage of goalposts. VIC Government provides a Goalpost safety guide.

Prior to the use or erection of any portable goalposts, match day organisers are required to check the goalpost
structure to ensure that it is secured or pegged down with a minimum of either 10 x 300mm stakes or, 12 x
bags of sand or 10 x bags of cement and is safe for use. It is essential that the structure’s stability and anchoring
has been correctly established once erected or relocated and prior to commencement of any usage.

Therefore please ensure that:

1. All goalposts, whether fixed or portable, large or small, are properly secured and anchored and are stable and
safe for use AT ALL TIMES. This includes the goals surface positioning.

2. Portable goalposts must be pegged, pinned or weighted down by the use of stakes, pegs, sleeves,
chain anchors or appropriate weights such as sandbags or cement bags to prevent the structure from
overbalancing or falling.

3. Outdoor goalposts should be secured by one of the following formats and a minimum of three (3) anchor
points in compliance with NSW Office of Fair Tracing Act 1987 as follows:

• Steel stakes or ‘J’ Hook style pegs. Sufficient stakes or hooks are required to support each goal, taking the
size of the goalpost into consideration. Minimum of 10 stakes for a full size goal.

• Anchors can fit over a ground bar with staking holes for steel pegs or spiral styled screws, which secure
fully into the ground.

• Semi-permanent or sleeved anchoring requires that the main support is a permanently secured base that
is buried underground to connect the underground base to the goal.

4. For both indoor goals and outdoor goals, where the ground surface cannot be penetrated, sandbags or
counterweights should be used. The number of bags required to support the structure should be adequate
and relative to the size of the goal. 12 Bags of sand or 10 bags of cement for a full size goal.

5. Portable goalposts should NOT be left in place after use – they should be safely moved to a place of secure
storage or chained appropriately to a fixed and non-moveable object when not in use.

6. Metal or steel net hooks are not permitted on goalposts. In accordance with Australian Standard AS4866.1
goalposts must not be fitted with metal net hooks. Nets should only be secured by tape, velcro, plastic net clips
or another safer alternative. Net pegs should only be used to anchor a net and not to anchor any goal structure.

7. Warning Stickers or a printed Warning Notice must be affixed to or printed on all portable goalposts in
accordance with Australian Standard AS4866.1 – 2007 to warn of the dangers of portable goalposts. Children
or adults should never be allowed to climb, swing or play on goalposts or goal netting as it may cause severe
harm, permanent injury or even death.

8. Where possible all clubs and associations should complete the FNSW Goalpost Safety Compliance form and
return to their respective Association or Football Victoria.

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 FIFA Guidelines to Field Dimensions and Pitch Markings
Field surface
Matches may be played on natural or artificial surfaces, according to the rules of the competition.

The colour of artificial surfaces must be green.

Where artificial surfaces are used in either competition matches between representative teams of member
associations affiliated to FIFA or international club competition matches, the surface must meet the
requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard, unless
special dispensation is given by FIFA.

Field markings
The field of play must be rectangular and marked with lines. These lines belong to the areas of which they are
boundaries.

The two longer boundary lines are called touch lines. The two shorter lines are called goal lines.

The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line, which joins the midpoints of the two touch lines.

The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 9.15m is marked
around it.

Marks may be made off the field of play, 9.15m from the corner arc and at right angles to the goal lines and the
touch lines, to ensure that defending players retreat this distance when a corner kick is being taken.

Dimensions
The length of the touch line must be greater than the length of the goal line.

Length (touch line):

minimum 90m maximum 120m

Width (goal line):

minimum 45m maximum 90m

All lines must be of the same width, which must

be not more than 12cm.

International matches
Length: minimum 100m maximum 110m
Width: minimum 64m maximum 75m

The goal area

Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal
line, 5.5m from the inside of each goalpost.
These lines extend into the field of play for a
distance of 5.5m and are joined by a line drawn
parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by
these lines and the goal line is the goal area.

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The penalty area
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 16.5m from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend
into the field of play for a distance of 16.5m and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.

The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.

Within each penalty area, a penalty mark is made 11m from the midpoint between the goalposts and
equidistant to them.

An arc of a circle with a radius of 9.15m from the centre of each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.

Flag posts
A flag post, not less than 1.5m high, with a non-pointed top and a flag must be placed at each corner.

Flag posts may also be placed at each end of the halfway line, not less than 1m outside the touch line.

The corner arc

A quarter circle with a radius of 1m from each corner flag post is drawn inside the field of play.

Goals
A goal must be placed on the centre of each goal line.

A goal consists of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flag posts and joined at the top by a horizontal
crossbar. The goalposts and crossbar must be made of wood, metal or other approved material. They must be
square, rectangular, round or elliptical in shape and must not be dangerous to players.

The distance between the posts is 7.32m and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is
2.44m.

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 Mobile: 0401 107 146
Phone: 02 8814 4412
[email protected]
www.footballnsw.com.au

Key Australian Contacts Appendix & Further Reading

FFA & ACCC Goalpost Notice & Safety Alert

Football NSW FNSW Goalpost Safety Notice

Ricardo Piccioni
Head of Facilities Development & Government Relations FNSW Goalpost Safety Policy
235-257 Meurants Lane, Glenwood NSW 2153
FNSW Goalpost Policy Compliance Form
Mobile: 0401 107 146
Phone: 02 8814 4412 Mandatory Australian Standard - Soccer Goals
[email protected]
www.footballnsw.com.au FFA Product Safety Announcement Goalpost

Safety Regulation (OFT)

Safety Video
Appendix & Further Reading Goalpost Safety Brochure

FFA & ACCC Goalpost Notice & Safety Alert Player Shelter Manufacturers

FNSW Goalpost Safety Notice RMA Sport

FNSW Goalpost Safety Policy Greenplay Australia

FNSW Goalpost Policy Compliance Form Truline Australia

Mandatory Australian Standard - Soccer Goals Goalpost Manufacturers and Suppliers

FFA Product Safety Announcement Goalpost PILA Sport

Safety Regulation (OFT) Net Worldrequirements

Technical Sports Australia

Safety Video Veto Sports

Football NSW Technical Requirements

Goalpost Safety Brochure Football NSW Facilities Strategies

Player Shelter Manufacturers English FA guide to goal and pitch dimensions

Football Victoria Competition Rules and Regulations

RMA Sport
MiniRoos National Playing Formats and Rules
Greenplay Australia

Truline Australia

Goalpost Manufacturers and Suppliers

FIELD MARKINGS & EQUIPMENT GUIDE
PILA Sport

Net World Sports Australia

Veto Sports

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FOOTBALL VICTORIA

Level 3, 436 St Kilda Road

Melbourne Vic 3004
[email protected]
www.footballvictoria.com.au