Question Number: 18656

Law 1- The Field 3/31/2008

Avery Haskell of Overland Park, KS USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 18639

Why do the half circles on the goal boxes exist?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Think a bit when these become useful, and you'll have answered your own question. (Write back and let us know.)

PS. It's not a "goal box". We have goal areas (the 6 yard distance from the posts) and penalty areas (the 18).

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The penalty arc as stated in law 1 is there to provide law 13 requirements on a free kick when law 14 is in progress inside the penalty area! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

It's not a half circle, not quite - it's an arc, which is part of a circle. Draw an imaginary circle 10 yards from the penalty spot and see if anything clicks?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

There used to be 6 yard circles drawn using each goal post as a center point, is that what you mean?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Avery, there are no boxes on a soccer field. Shoes come in boxes. The penalty arc of which you speak is drawn so that each spot on it is 10 yards from the penalty mark hence players may line up there on a penalty kick. By the way, the penalty arc is drawn above the penalty area, not the goal area to which you allude.