Center Circle
– a circular marking with a 10-yard radius in the “center”
of the field from which kickoffs are taken to start or
restart the game. Purpose: Simply a reference line
for the referee and defenders. Defenders must be as least 10
yards away from the ball prior to start or restart.
Center Line
– See Midfield line.
Center Spot
– The “center” of the center circle from which kickoffs are
taken to start or restart the game. Not too complicated!
Corner Arc
– an arc or quarter-circle with a radius of 1 yard located
at each of the 4 corners of the soccer field. Purpose:
Also a reference line, the ball must be kicked from inside
this arc on a corner kick.
Corner Flag
– the flag located at each of the 4 corners of the soccer
field, inside the corner area.
End Line –
the boundary line extending from corner to corner along its
width at each end.
Field –
the rectangular area where soccer matches are played.
Goal Area
– the rectangular area (20 x 6 yd. on a full-size soccer
field) marked within the penalty area (or inside the larger
rectangle) and directly in front of goal. Purpose:
Marks the area from which all goal kicks must be taken.
Goal Box –
commoner’s term for the goal area or sometimes the penalty
area.
Goal Line
– same as the end line.
Midfield Line
– a line in the center of the soccer field that divides the
field in half along its width and runs parallel to the
goals. Purpose: Used for start and restart as well as
for calling offside. A player cannot be offside on their
half of the field. Also called the center line.
Penalty area
– The larger rectangle (18 x 44 yd. On a full size field) in
front of the goal that includes the goal area. Purpose:
Marks both where the goalkeeper is allowed to touch the ball
with his hands AND the area where harsh fouls committed by
the defending team result in penalty kicks.
Penalty Arc
– The arc at the top of the penalty area. Purpose:
Designates how far back all players must be away from the
ball while a penalty kick is being taken.
Penalty Mark (or
Spot) – the mark on the soccer field from which
penalty kicks are taken.
Pitch –
Another word for the field.
Sideline –
common word for the touchline.
Touchline
– the line that runs along the length of each side of the
soccer field. Commonly called the sideline in other sports.
