Question Number: 20564

Law 1- The Field 11/20/2008

RE: Adult

beverley of brisbane, queensland australia asks...

can the GK pick up the ball and/or does a player receive a penalty if fouled in the penalty box arc?

what is the purpose of the penalty arc box?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The penalty arc's sole purpose is an aditional 4 yard maximum radius to complete the 10 yard circle from the 12 yard pk spot .
At the taking of a PK no player other than the PK kicker can be within that arc area.
At ALL other times it is part of the general playing field it is NOT part of the penalty area.
Any player including the keepers who choose to deliberately use their hands on the ball inside this area will recieve a DFK restart against them same as the rest of the field
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The penalty arc is not part of the penalty area. Its only function is to mark 10 yards from the penalty spot, so players know where they must stand when a penalty kick is taken.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

You guys are all wet! Clearly the purpose of the penalty arc is to confuse goalkeepers into thinking their sphere of influence has expanded!

It's also there to help defenders remember not to foul someone at that location for fear of getting a PK awarded against them.

I mean, why would the world soccer organization paint such a big area on the field just to mark a boundary? Geez.

Oh, wait. I remember now. Boundaries are what the game is all about, right? So you're saying the arc is there to help players measure 10 yards? I got it!! Why don't they do that all over the field?

Sorry, just kidding about the first part - Refs Dawson and Voshol are right on the money.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The arc is a restraining line during penalty kicks, and it's aesthetic too, I would imagine. I wouldn't like the look of the field as much without it.