Section 3: Playing Area
Field of play. The pitch is rectangular, with a length of not less than 130 metres and not more than 145 metres, and a width of not less than 80 metres and not more than 90 metres, as set out in Rule 1.1 (The Field of Play). The field is bounded by sidelines along the length and end lines (goal lines) along the width, with a halfway line marked across the pitch equidistant between the two end lines.
Goals. At the centre of each end line stands a set of goalposts consisting of two upright posts joined by a crossbar. The posts are 6.5 metres apart, and the crossbar is fixed 2.5 metres above ground level; the posts themselves extend to a minimum height of 7 metres above the ground. A ball played over the crossbar and between the posts scores a point (or two points, where applicable); a ball played under the crossbar, between the posts, and fully over the goal line scores a goal (Rule 1.3, The Field of Play).
Pitch markings. Lines are marked parallel to each end line at distances of 13 metres, 20 metres, and 45 metres, used to regulate kickouts, frees, and the advanced mark (Rule 1.2, The Field of Play). The goal area (the "small rectangle") is formed by two lines 4.5 metres in length, set at right angles to the end line and positioned 3.75 metres from the inside of each goalpost, giving an overall goal area 14 metres wide by 4.5 metres deep (Rule 1.3, The Field of Play), within which only the goalkeeper (or, where the goalkeeper is not the kickout taker, the nominated free-kick taker) may stand to take a kickout.
The 40-metre arc. As part of the permanent 2026 rule set, a semi-circular arc with a 40-metre radius, centred on the middle of each goal line, is marked on all official pitches (Rule 1.4, The Field of Play). This arc governs the boundary for two-point scores from play or frees (Rule 3.1), and the distance a kick-out must travel before another player of the defending team may play it (Rule 2.7(a)).