Question Number: 21528

Law 1- The Field 6/12/2009

RE: Rec Adult

Mike of Frisco, Texas USA asks...

Soccer is so clearly dominate in Europe, South America, Asia -- all countries with metric system -- rather than the US. But, all official measurements are in US measures. The center circle is 9.15 meters (i.e. 10 yards). The penalty box is 18 yards, goal box is 6 yards. Restart is 10 yards (9.15 meters). Why? I have yet to find a good answer tot his.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Blame the Brits. The measurements are in Imperial Units which the US adopted from England. The UK has been slow to completely implement the metric system, so the 'yards' in the laws are based on the relationship of the English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish Football Associations to the IFAB (who with FIFA decides all changes to the laws) not the US.

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Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Canada is on the metric system, yet Canadian football (the gridiron variety) still uses yards - they even use an extra 10 of them.

The fact is that soccer as we know it predates the widespread use of the metric system, and they've never seen a need to change. The Laws give the metric equivalents for those people who may not know the English system.

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Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

USA was derived from British influence and which history dominates the game?
Cheers

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