Section 3: Playing Area
Surface (Law 1, Section 1). The playing surface is composed of sand and must be level, free of pebbles, shells or any other object that could injure players, match officials or any other person. For international competitions, the sand must be fine, sifted until suitable for play, and at least 40cm deep — though not so fine that it produces dust that sticks to the skin.
Dimensions (Law 1, Section 3). The pitch is rectangular. The touchlines (length) must measure between 35m and 37m, and the goal lines (width) between 26m and 28m; competition rules set the exact length and width within these ranges. All boundary lines are continuous (broken lines are not permitted) and 10cm wide, made of coloured, flexible, hard-wearing tape anchored to the sand.
Penalty Area (Law 1, Section 4). The penalty area is bounded by the goal line and an imaginary line parallel to it, 9m from the goal line, marked by two yellow flags placed outside the pitch next to each touchline. The imaginary penalty mark sits at the centre of this imaginary penalty-area line.
Goals (Law 1, Section 9). A goal is centred on each goal line, consisting of two upright posts joined by a horizontal crossbar. The inside distance between the posts is 5.5m, and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.2m. Posts and crossbar must be square, rectangular, round, elliptical, or a hybrid of these shapes, of the same dimensions (10cm width and depth) as the goal lines, and preferably yellow. Goals must be firmly secured to the ground.
Substitution Zone (Law 1, Section 5). Located on the touchline in front of the timekeeper's table, the substitution zone is 7m long, extending 3.5m to each side of the halfway line/touchline intersection; team benches sit beyond the touchline and this zone.
Corner Area and Flagposts (Law 1, Sections 6-7). The corner area is an imaginary quarter-circle with a 1m radius from each corner. Ten flagposts (at least 1.5m high, non-pointed) mark the pitch: one red flag at each corner, one red flag at each end of the imaginary halfway line, and one yellow flag at each end of the imaginary penalty-area lines.
Technical Area (Law 1, Section 8). A designated seating area is reserved for team officials and substitutes, extending 1m either side of and forward of the seating area; only one occupant at a time may stand to convey tactical instructions.