Soccer field construction requires a large amount of planning. A regulation field, as determined by FIFA's Laws of the Game, not only needs sufficient space, it also requires an appropriate playing surface with all the necessary markings.
Field Dimensions
A regulation soccer field must be between 100 and 130 yards in length with a width of 50 to 100 yards, according to the FIFA Laws of the Game. The laws also state that the length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line, so a field must be rectangular rather than square. FIFA regulations only apply to professional competitions, but it's a good idea to abide by them, nevertheless; Adult recreational players will not enjoy playing on a cramped or overly large field.
Goals
A full-size goal should span eight yards wide between the two posts. The height, measured from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground, should equal exactly eight feet. According to FIFA, the posts and crossbar should have the same width and depth, with neither exceeding five inches.
Field Markings
The halfway line runs across the center of the field, from one touchline to the other. The center mark is located in the middle of the halfway line, surrounded by a circle with a radius of 10 yards. The penalty box consists of two 18-yard lines that extend at right angles from the goal line. A third line, parallel to the goal line, joins both lines. A smaller box, known as the goal area, lies within the penalty area. It extends six yards into the field from the goal line and measures 14 yards across.
Playing Surface
FIFA allows matches to be played on both natural and artificial surfaces. Natural grass surfaces are more common, both for recreational and professional play. Grass surfaces require a great deal of care and maintenance, particularly in certain climatic regions. Aware of this, FIFA has increasingly accepted and standardized the use of artificial turf. Artificial surfaces provide an ideal solution for countries without suitable climates or resources for the construction of high quality grass fields, says the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf. The FIFA Preferred Producer initiative highlights approved artificial turf manufacturers. As of March 2011, the initiative includes manufacturers based in the U.S.A., Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands.
Drainage
A soccer field should not be perfectly flat. A very slight slope radiating from the center of the field to all four sides allows for adequate drainage. Without this slope, rainwater will gather and sit on the field of play, potentially ruining both the game and the turf itself. For soccer fields built out of native soils, the recommendation is to provide a 1.0 to 2.5 percent slope to the crown, says the Midwest Drainage website.
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