Pitch Sizes
📐 The FA currently recommends the following pitch sizes:
☑️ Practical Tips:
- All lines must be of the same width, which must not be more than 12cm (5ins). The goal lines must be of the same width as the goalposts and the crossbar.
- The standard width for an adult goal is 100mm or 4 inches meaning in most situations your lines should also measure 100mm or 4 inches wide.
- Measurements are from the outside of the lines as the lines are part of the area they enclose.
- A flagpost, at least 1.5m (5ft) high, with a non-pointed top and a flag must be placed at each corner. Flagposts may be placed at each end of the halfway line, at least 1m (1yd) outside the touchline but this is optional. Situations in which this might be necessary include poor visibility.
- The ball is out of play when completely over the marked line.
- Clubs participating in the national league pyramid should refer to The FA national Ground Grading Documents as there is a minimum of 1.83 m (2 yds) run off required. However it should be noted that a run off of three yards or more is desirable. All new pitches should have a minimum of four yards run off to accommodate any future changes in the national Ground Grading Documents.
- Where pitches are located alongside each other, a min of six yards run off should exist. An additional four yards might be required to accommodate spectator areas.
- County Football Associations and Leagues may have defined their own rules for their own competitions, which are within the maximum and minimum sizes as set out in the Laws of the Game. However, the above pitch sizes should be adopted where possible.
☝️ General considerations
- The run-off area beyond the pitch should be free of any obstacles to make sure players and officials don’t injure themselves.
- Run-offs should be surfaced with the same surface as the playing area.
- Tarmac and concrete are not allowed but 3G Football Turf is allowed for match officials run-offs.
- Clubs participating in the national league pyramid should refer to The FA national Ground Grading documents for the size of dugouts and amount of hard standing required for the level they play at.