Section 3: Playing Area
Field of play (Rule 1.2): The field of play measures 40 m by 20 m, divided into two equal zones by a centre line parallel to the endlines. The free height above the playing surface must be at least 7 m, and the floor must be even, dust-free, and non-slippery — conditions the referee duo must verify before the match under Rule 4.6.a, which also empowers them to cancel a game over dangerous obstacles or a slippery floor.
Boundary lines (Rule 1.3): The field is bounded by clearly visible endlines, sidelines, and a centre line, each 3.0–5.0 cm wide. These may also be formed with tape of the same width fixed to the floor.
Penalty spot (Rule 1.4): A line approximately 15.0 cm by 5.0 cm is marked in front of each post; the edge of the spot furthest from the post must be 2.50 m from the front of the post.
Penalty area (Rule 1.5): An area extending 2.50 m in every direction from the penalty spot, the post, and the imaginary line between them, marked around each post either by a contrasting solid colour or by boundary lines fixed to the ground.
Free pass area (Rule 1.6): A circle of 2.50 m radius, measured from the centre of the penalty spot and from the edge of the penalty spot furthest from the post.
Border area, bench area, and substitution spots (Rules 1.7–1.9): A border area at least 1 m wide, kept free of obstacles, surrounds the field of play. Two benches are placed outside the border area near one sideline, one on each side of the jury table. Substitution spots — a 90 cm × 60 cm rectangle or a 90 cm-diameter circle — are marked outside the border area between each bench and the jury table.
Equipment at the jury table (Section 3): The jury table sits outside the border area, near the sideline, in front of the centre line, and holds the control panels for the time clock, shot clock, and scoreboard. The time clock and scoreboard must be visible from the jury table, bench area, and spectators; shot clocks are mounted at a height of at least 0.90 m near the centre of each endline. Under Rule 4.9, the shot-clock operator is responsible for enforcing the 25-second attack-zone time limit described in Section 5 below.