Rule 1: Field (Sections 1-2)

Rule 1: The FieldSection 1 - Dimensions

PLAYING LINES
The game shall be played upon a rectangular field, 360 feet in length and 160 feet in width. The lines at each end of the field
are termed End Lines. Those on each side are termed Sidelines. Goal Lines shall be established in the field 10 yards from
and parallel to each end line. The area bounded by goal lines and sidelines is known as the Field of Play. The areas
bounded by goal lines, end lines, and sidelines are known as the End Zones.
The areas bounded by goal lines and lines parallel to, and 70 feet 9 inches inbounds, from each sideline, are known as the
Side Zones. The lines parallel to sidelines are termed Inbound Lines. The end lines and the sidelines are also termed
Boundary Lines.

FIELD OF PLAY
The surface of the entire Field of Play must be a League-approved shade of green.
The playing field will be rimmed by a solid white border a minimum of 6 feet wide along the end lines and sidelines. An
additional broken limit line 6 feet further outside this border is to encompass the playing field in the non-bench areas, and
such broken line will be continued at an angle from each 32-yard line and pass behind the bench areas (all benches a
minimum 30 feet back from the sidelines). In addition, within each bench area, a yellow line 6 feet behind the solid white
border will delineate a special area for coaches, behind which all players, except one player charting the game, must
remain. If a club’s solid white border is a minimum of 12 feet wide, there is no requirement that the broken restraining line
also be added in the non-bench areas. However, the appropriate yellow line described above must be clearly marked
within the bench areas.
In special circumstances (for example, an artificial surface in a multi-purpose stadium) and subject to prior approval from the
League Office, a club may omit the 6-foot solid white border during the preseason or later period while football overlaps
with another sport, and substitute a single 4-inch white line at what normally would be the outer limit of the solid border (6
feet from the sidelines).

Section 2 - Markings

LINE MARKINGS
At intervals of 5 yards, yard lines (3-44-2) parallel to the goal lines shall be marked in the field of play. These lines are to stop 8
inches short of the 6-foot solid border. The 4-inch wide yard lines are to be extended 4 inches beyond the white 6-foot
border along the sidelines. Each of these lines shall be intersected at right angles by short lines 70 feet, 9 inches long (23
yards, 1 foot, 9 inches) in from each side to indicate inbound lines.

INBOUND LINES
In line with the Inbound Lines there shall be marks at 1-yard intervals between each distance of 5 yards for the full length of
the field. These lines are to begin 8 inches from the 6-foot solid border and are to measure 2 feet in length.
Bottoms of numbers indicating yard lines in multiples of 10 must be placed beginning 12 yards in from each sideline. These
are to be 2 yards in length.
Two yards from the middle of each goal line and parallel to it, there shall be marked in the Field of Play, lines 1 yard in length.
All boundary lines, goal lines, and marked lines are to be continuous lines. These, and any other specified markings, must be
in white, and there shall be no exceptions without the authorization of the Commissioner. Field numerals must also be
white.
Care must be exercised in any end-zone marking or decoration or club identification at the 50-yard line that said marking or
decorations do not in any way cause confusion as to delineation of goal lines, sidelines, and end lines. Such markings or
decorations must be approved by the Commissioner.
The four intersections of goal lines and sidelines must be marked, at inside corners, by weighted pylons. In addition, two such
pylons shall be placed on each end line (four in all).

SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES

GOAL LINE
All measurements are to be made from the inside edges of the line marking the boundary lines. Each goal line marking is to be
in its end zone so that the edge of the line toward the field of play (actual goal line) is 30 feet from the inside edge of the
end line. Each goal line is to be eight inches wide.
All lines are to be marked with a material that is not injurious to eyes or skin. It is desirable that the yard line markers be
flexible in order to prevent injury. No benches or rigid fixtures should be nearer than 10 yards from sidelines.

GROUND RULES
In League parks where ground rules are necessary, because of fixed conditions that cannot be changed, they will be made by
the Commissioner. Otherwise they will be made by mutual agreement of the two coaches. If they cannot agree, the
Referee is the final authority after consulting his crew.