Rugby League Pitch Set-Up Guide
This guide explains how to set up your Rugby League pitch safely and correctly, using the diagrams as your reference.
1. Pitch Size Basics
Your pitch may be either:
Full-Length Pitch (100 m)
100 m from goal line to goal line
6–11 m in-goal areas
55–67 m wide
Shorter Pitch (88–99 m)
Same width (55–67 m)
Same in-goal areas
Only the 30m line can be moved to accomodate dimentions
2. Line Markings
Use this section to make sure your pitch markings match RFL requirements.
Touchlines – solid white lines along each side
Goal lines – solid white at each end
Dead-ball lines – behind each in-goal
Halfway line – solid white, across the full width
10-metre lines – at every 10 m interval
20-metre line at both ends
Hash marks (the short white lines at each 10 m)
40/20 and 20/40 lines
Mark these in red, as shown in the diagrams
For Shorter Pitches
If your pitch is less than 100 m long:
Measure the 10, 20 and 30 metre lines from the goal line. (30m line should be dashed). The 40-metre line should be measured 10m back from the halfway line.
The spacing between the 30-metre line and 40-metre lines may be reduced.
3. Pitch Furniture
This includes posts, padding, flags, and any items placed around the pitch.
Goal Posts & Padding
Fit post protectors tightly around both uprights
Make sure they are safe, secure and not damaged
Corner Flags
Place one at all four in-goal corners
They must be flexible (not solid or dangerous)
Technical / Coach Areas
Keep these safely back from the touchline
Benches and shelters should not block emergency access
Perimeter Barriers
If your ground uses rope or fixed barriers, keep them at a safe distance of at least 3 metres from the touchline.
Walk the full pitch before play to check for hazards
4. Helpful Tips for Volunteers
Use a long tape measure – do not rely on pacing
Work from a centre line and mirror your markings on both sides
Keep the string line tight for straight edges
Refresh red markings regularly – they fade faster than white
Walk the pitch after rain to check for soft spots or obstacles
Take photos when the pitch is correctly set up – this makes future marking easier, especially if your pitch is under 100m
5. Final Checks Before a Match
All lines clear and visible
Flags and post pads secure
No equipment, debris, or holes on the surface
Barriers in the correct position
Technical areas kept tidy and safe
