Understanding Soccer Field Dimensions, Rules, and Fouls

Soccer Field Dimensions

Pitch Length

• 90x120 meters

Pitch Width

• 45x90 meters

International Pitch Length

• 100x110 meters

International Pitch Width

• 64x75 meters

Goal Area

Extends with two lines perpendicular to the goal line, 5.5 meters from the inside of each goalpost.

Penalty Area

Extends with two lines perpendicular to the goal line, 16.5 meters from the inside of each post.

Goal Specifications

Goal Size

7.32 meters wide x 2.44 meters high.

Soccer Ball Regulations

Ball Material

Spherical, made of leather or other suitable material.

Circumference

Between 68 cm and 70 cm.

Weight

Between 410g and 450g.

Pressure

0.6-1.1 atmospheres at sea level.

Application of the Advantage Rule

The referee may allow play to continue if a foul occurs, considering:

• The severity of the infraction. If the infraction warrants an expulsion, the referee must stop play unless there is a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
• The position of an immediate attack towards the goal and a dangerous opponent.
• The overall game atmosphere.

Fouls in Soccer

Direct Free Kick Fouls

• Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent.
• Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent.
• Jumping at an opponent.
• Charging at an opponent.
• Striking or attempting to strike an opponent.
• Pushing an opponent.
• Tackling an opponent.
• Holding an opponent.
• Spitting at an opponent.
• Deliberately handling the ball (except for the goalkeeper within their penalty area).

Indirect Free Kick Fouls

• The goalkeeper takes more than 6 seconds to release the ball after gaining control with their hands.
• The goalkeeper touches the ball again with their hands after releasing it into play, without another player touching it.
• The goalkeeper touches the ball with their hands after a teammate deliberately kicks the ball to them.
• The goalkeeper touches the ball with their hands after receiving it directly from a throw-in by a teammate.
• Playing in a dangerous manner.
• Obstructing the progress of an opponent.
• Preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball with their hands.

Offside Rule

Offside Position

A player is in an offside position if they are closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent.

Not Offside

A player is not in an offside position if:

• They are in their own half of the field.
• They are level with the second-to-last opponent.
• They are level with the last two opponents.