Question Number: 6361

Law 1- The Field

RE: high school Adult

john weninger of granby, co usa asks...

How much space if any is requiered surrounding the field for a safe run out area

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Yes there should be some, you'll need areas for teams and assistant referees as well. ..If you are building a stadium consider the strengths of your team, how much room does the gent taking corner kicks need. How animated is your coaching staff, can they stay in a dugout, need they be in the stands? Where are your substitutes going to warm up? Consider the desires of the local authorities with regard to any security aspect. Is there a need to keep your spectators from the visiting spectators? ..Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Dawson

Hi John,.you make an excellent point far too often they leave insufficient area for collisions on pitches around the world, Stands and benches to close, fixed nets for mini soccer along the touchlines in multi use fields, too close advertising borders, track fields surrounding the pitch with metal dividers. Too small stadium with pitches not designed for wide open soccer play. An AR running up and down the pitch needs not to worry and two players running at near twenty miles an hour contesting for a ball along the boundaries of the field should not have to run into camera crews, or walls adorned with advertsing logos. I will research the FIFA statutes, the technical area has guidelines and the closest they approach is 1 yard. You deal with the space that is there but move those things that can be moved if unsafe. I like about 5 yards at least from solid objects..Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 18165