Parts of a Soccer Field: A Primer

Soccer is known to be one of the most popular team sports in the world.
Central to understanding the rules of the game is knowing the different parts of a soccer field.

The parts of a soccer field are as follows:

Center Circle
The center circle is a circle at the center of the field. It measures 9.15m in radius. At the very center of this center circle is the center spot, where the kickoffs are taken in order to start or restart the game.

Halfway Line
The halfway line divides the soccer field into two equal areas, and the halfway line goes through the center spot. The halfway line is also known as the midfield line or the centerline.

Penalty Area
The penalty area is marked by a rectangle, wherein the goalkeeper is allowed to use his or her hands to catch the soccer ball. It is called the penalty area because it houses the penalty mark, wherein during fouls, the violator is awarded a penalty kick from that spot.

Corner Arc
Corner arcs are the semi-circles on the four corners of the field where corner kicks are made. Each corner arc measures 1 yard radially. In each of these corner arcs, a corner flag is placed.

Goal Box
Inside the penalty area is the goal box, which measures six yards in width and 20 yards in length. The goal box is the area where goal kicks are taken.

Goal
The goal is made up two upright posts joined by a horizontal cross bar, placed right in between the two corner flag posts. They are typically made of wood or metal.

Touch Line
Touchlines are also known as sidelines. This sets the boundary for the entire soccer playing field.

Pitch
The entire soccer field is also called the pitch.
When it comes to soccer fields, the important considerations are not just the parts, but also the dimensions of the soccer field. This is because the rules of soccer have been written and codified, and thus require strict implementation. FIFA, which is the international governing body for football, ensures that all rules and requirements of soccer, which includes soccer field dimensions, are followed.

This is why when it comes to the construction of soccer fields, it is important to seek the services of professionals. A professional provider of sports surfaces is General Sports Surfaces. They offer services on sports surface construction and maintenance, be it soccer fields, track surfaces, football fields, or baseball fields.

Regardless of the sport surface, General Sports Surfaces is your go-to professional for all of your soccer field construction and maintenance needs.

What Track Surface Should You Use?

Running tracks are considered to be the oldest forms of athletic equipment. From this, we can tell that much has changed over time with regard to this equipment; hence the development of the different types of running surfaces today.

When it comes to running tracks, there are a variety of surfaces types that can be used. As stated by Livestrong, it must be noted that no one, single type of running surface can be considered ideal. The decision regarding the best track surface has to do with the comfort, goals, and priorities of its users.

So what are the different track surfaces, and which track surface should you use?

1. Rubber

Rubber tracks, also known as synthetic track surfaces are considered to be highly reliable, highly durable, and able to sustain different types of weather conditions.

Rubber or synthetic track surfaces offer a significant reduction of stress fractures and other injuries related to prolonged running. In fact, there are medical doctors who claim that rubber tracks are less likely to generate stress fractures among runners in comparison to asphalt or concrete pavements. This is because of the minimized force that rubber synthetic tracks produce to the bones, muscles, and joints.
2. Grass

Grass is another running track surface being used today. Grass, as a running track surface, is soft and low impact, so it is also able to reduce injuries. Running on grass however, can be a real challenge especially in areas where there is a lot of rain. In the presence of even the slightest drizzle, you can risk running on mud.

Another big challenge with grass running track surfaces is to make sure that it is free from debris, otherwise this can make the surface unstable and uneven, making it hard and unsafe for runners.

3. Asphalt

Asphalt is a solid and smooth, predictable surface – this means that it is more likely to be even, and thus more preventive of falls, ankle twists, and other injuries. Plus, because of its firm and solid feel, asphalt is able to put less strain on the Achilles tendon, compared to softer and more uneven terrains.

However, asphalt tends to reflect heat rather than absorb it, so during hot days, you can be sure to be able to feel that.

Another problem with asphalt is that as it becomes harder over time, and as a result, will eventually no longer suitable as a running track surface.

In making the decision on which running surface is best for you, consider seeking expert advice.

General Sports Surfaces is a company that provides comprehensive service and recommendations when it comes to running track surfaces.

General Sports Surfaces can help you with all of your running track surfaces concerns – whether it’s regarding construction, that is, knowing which track surface is best for you; or regarding maintenance, that is, what practices should you employ to make sure that you are able to prolong your track’s lifespan.