NFHS Soccer 2024-2025 rules
1-1-1 Size of the Field
The field of play shall be rectangular, 100 to 120 yards long by 55 to 80 yards wide. The
minimum dimension that is highly recommended for high schools is 110 yards by 65 yards.
1-2-1 Markings
The field of play shall be marked in accordance with the soccer field diagram with non-caustic,
distinctively colored material that is not injurious to the participants. Where games are played on
a field marked for other sports, it is recommended markings with contrast and color to the other
sports marking be used to indicate soccer field areas.
1-2-2
Boundary lines are part of the field of play. Each line shall be 4 inches wide. Boundary lines are
the touch lines, and the shorter boundary lines are the goal lines.
1-2-3
A halfway line shall be marked across the field, equal distant and parallel to the goal lines.
1-2-4
The center of the field of play shall be indicated by spot nine inches in diameter or other suitable
mark; and, with this spot as the center, a circle with a 10-yard radius shall be drawn around it.
1-2-5
A goal area shall be indicated on each end of the field of play by two lines drawn at right angles
to the goal line, 10 yards from the midpoint of the goal line. These lines shall extend into the
field of play for distance of six yards. The ends of these lines shall be joined by a Line parallel to
the goal line. Lines are part of the goal area.
1-2-6
A penalty area shall be indicated on each end of the field of play by two lines drawn at right
angles to the goal line, 22 yards from the midpoint of the goal line. These lines shall extend into
the field of play for a distance of 18 yards. Ends of these lines shall be joined by a line parallel to
the goal line. The lines are part of the penalty area.
, 1-2-7
A two foot penalty kick line or a penalty spot nine inches in diameter shall be drawn on each end
of the field of play at a 12 yards from the midpoint of the goal line in extending one foot on each
side of the undrawn center line and parallel to the goal line.
1-2-8
A penalty arc is the restraining line for penalty kicks and shall be indicated by using the center of
the penalty kick line for drawing an arc with a 10 yard radius outside the penalty area.
1-2-9
A corner area shall be indicated on each corner of the field by an arc with a radius of 1 yard
from the intersection of the goal line and the touchline.
1-2-10
A one yard mark may be made perpendicular to the goal line and touchline, situated six inches
beyond, but not touching, outside the field of play 11 yards from each corner of the field to assist
the officials in in enforcement of encroachment during corner kicks.
1-2-11
When markings become obstructed by the elements during the course of the game, the marking
shall be assumed to be present, and decision shall be rendered by officials to interpret original
positions of the markings.
1-3-1 Corner Flags
The corner flag should be of a bright color, easily distinguishable from surroundings an
approximately two feet long by one foot wide. It should be securely Fastened to a post not less
than five feet high with a non-pointed top, made of smooth, consistent and slash or flexible
material such as wood, plastic, or plastic foam. These flag posts shall be played at each corner
of the field of play and shall not be removed during the course of the play. Similar flag posts may
be placed opposite the halfway line at least one yard outside of the touch line.
1-4-1 Goals and Nets
The goals shall be placed on the goal line. Each goal shall consist of two upright posts between
four inches and five inches in projected diameter placed an equal distant from corner flags and
8 yards apart (inside measurements). The rear of each gold post shall be on the outer edge of
the goal line. Ups of the posts shall be joined by a 4 inch, but not more than five inch horizontal
crossbar, the lower edge of which shall be eight feet from the ground. Soccer goals shall be
white. Markings other than a single manufacturers identification/logo may appear on the goal
1-1-1 Size of the Field
The field of play shall be rectangular, 100 to 120 yards long by 55 to 80 yards wide. The
minimum dimension that is highly recommended for high schools is 110 yards by 65 yards.
1-2-1 Markings
The field of play shall be marked in accordance with the soccer field diagram with non-caustic,
distinctively colored material that is not injurious to the participants. Where games are played on
a field marked for other sports, it is recommended markings with contrast and color to the other
sports marking be used to indicate soccer field areas.
1-2-2
Boundary lines are part of the field of play. Each line shall be 4 inches wide. Boundary lines are
the touch lines, and the shorter boundary lines are the goal lines.
1-2-3
A halfway line shall be marked across the field, equal distant and parallel to the goal lines.
1-2-4
The center of the field of play shall be indicated by spot nine inches in diameter or other suitable
mark; and, with this spot as the center, a circle with a 10-yard radius shall be drawn around it.
1-2-5
A goal area shall be indicated on each end of the field of play by two lines drawn at right angles
to the goal line, 10 yards from the midpoint of the goal line. These lines shall extend into the
field of play for distance of six yards. The ends of these lines shall be joined by a Line parallel to
the goal line. Lines are part of the goal area.
1-2-6
A penalty area shall be indicated on each end of the field of play by two lines drawn at right
angles to the goal line, 22 yards from the midpoint of the goal line. These lines shall extend into
the field of play for a distance of 18 yards. Ends of these lines shall be joined by a line parallel to
the goal line. The lines are part of the penalty area.
, 1-2-7
A two foot penalty kick line or a penalty spot nine inches in diameter shall be drawn on each end
of the field of play at a 12 yards from the midpoint of the goal line in extending one foot on each
side of the undrawn center line and parallel to the goal line.
1-2-8
A penalty arc is the restraining line for penalty kicks and shall be indicated by using the center of
the penalty kick line for drawing an arc with a 10 yard radius outside the penalty area.
1-2-9
A corner area shall be indicated on each corner of the field by an arc with a radius of 1 yard
from the intersection of the goal line and the touchline.
1-2-10
A one yard mark may be made perpendicular to the goal line and touchline, situated six inches
beyond, but not touching, outside the field of play 11 yards from each corner of the field to assist
the officials in in enforcement of encroachment during corner kicks.
1-2-11
When markings become obstructed by the elements during the course of the game, the marking
shall be assumed to be present, and decision shall be rendered by officials to interpret original
positions of the markings.
1-3-1 Corner Flags
The corner flag should be of a bright color, easily distinguishable from surroundings an
approximately two feet long by one foot wide. It should be securely Fastened to a post not less
than five feet high with a non-pointed top, made of smooth, consistent and slash or flexible
material such as wood, plastic, or plastic foam. These flag posts shall be played at each corner
of the field of play and shall not be removed during the course of the play. Similar flag posts may
be placed opposite the halfway line at least one yard outside of the touch line.
1-4-1 Goals and Nets
The goals shall be placed on the goal line. Each goal shall consist of two upright posts between
four inches and five inches in projected diameter placed an equal distant from corner flags and
8 yards apart (inside measurements). The rear of each gold post shall be on the outer edge of
the goal line. Ups of the posts shall be joined by a 4 inch, but not more than five inch horizontal
crossbar, the lower edge of which shall be eight feet from the ground. Soccer goals shall be
white. Markings other than a single manufacturers identification/logo may appear on the goal
