Question Number: 12117

Law 1- The Field 1/29/2006

RE: Adult

Clive Kerr of Dunmow, Essex UK asks...

What is the function of the penalty box arc ? I have found many sites where its dimensions are quoted but cannot find what it is there for!
An explanation would be appreciated.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The penalty arc's has but one pupose other than adding a rather decorative feel to the field layout.

If you were to draw a 10 yard circle using the PK spot as the center of that circle the ARC is the portion of that circle outside the penalty area.

Where the penalty arc lines intersect the penalty area is exactly 10 yards in a straightline to the PK spot. The outer midpoint edge of that penalty arc is 22 yards from the goalline . It is 4 yards from the 18 yard boundryline which is 6 yards from the 12 yard PK spot.

The penalty arc is NOT part of the penalty area its sole pupose is to ensure on ANY PK it marks the 10 yard radius from that 12 yard PK mark .

On a PK no player including the teammates are allowed closer than 10 yards or inside the penalty area. AS any player standing inside the penalty arc would be closer than ten yards hence its addition. Plus it looks sorta cool don'tcha think? LOL ;o) Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The penalty arc is exactly 10 yards from the penalty mark. at all points.Therefore, this is where players may stand until the kick is taken. Anyone inside any part of the arc is too close to the ball.

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