Article 1 – Definitions and Markings
- a) The field of play shall be 110 yards (100 metres) long by 65 yards (60 metres) wide. In addition, there shall be an end zone 20 yards (18.28 metres) long at each end. These areas shall be marked as shown in the field diagram.
- b) Sidelines the lines marking the sides of the field.
- c) Goal Lines the lines marking the end of the field.
- d) Dead Line the line 20 yards (18.28 metres) behind each goal line and parallel to it.
- e) End Zone Sideline the sideline extended from the goal line to the dead line.
- f) End Zone the area bounded by the goal line, end zone sidelines, and dead line. The goal line is part of the end zone.
- g) Field of Play the area bounded by the goal lines and the sidelines.
Article 2 – Boundaries
The bounds of the playing field are defined as the inside of the sidelines, end zone sidelines, and dead lines. These boundary lines are out of bounds.
Article 3 – Field Dimension Measurements
All measurements shall be taken from the inside edge of any boundary line.
Article 4 – Distance Lines
The field of play shall be marked every 5 yards (metres) by lines parallel to the goal line, and extending completely across the field between the sidelines.
Article 5 – Special Lines
The 35 and 45 yard (30 and 40 metre) lines shall be of double thickness or double lines.
Article 6 – Hash Marks
Twenty-four yards (22 metres) from each sideline, each 5 yard (metre) stripe shall be marked by a short cross stripe parallel to the sideline (hash marks).
Article 7 – Distance Markers
It is recommended that «markers» be placed opposite each 5 yard (metre) line, indicating the distance of each line from the goal line toward the centre of the field.
Article 8 – End Zone Markings
The four intersections of the goal lines and sidelines, and the four intersections of the dead line and the end zone sidelines, shall be marked only by flexible markers which must be placed at the intersection of the lines and are considered inbounds.
No rigid or wooden object shall be used in order to preclude injury to players. If any rigid object is present, it shall be removed before the start of the game.
Only flexible markers shall be used to prevent injury. The markers shall be soft, flexible, four sided pylons, 4" x 4" (10 cm x 10 cm) with an overall height of 18 inches (46 cm) which may include a two inch (5 cm) space between the bottom of the pylon and the ground, and be orange or red in colour.
Article 9 – Goal Post Assembly
The goal post assembly shall consist of 2 vertical goal posts, 18 feet 6 inches (5.64 metres) apart, centred on the goal line, the mandatory padding specified in paragraph 2 and the crossbar joining them, whose upper edge is 10 feet (3.05 metres) above the ground. The goal posts shall be at least 20 feet (6.1 metres) above the ground level. For new installations the goal posts should measure 30 ft (9.1 metres) above ground level. A wishbone type or single shaft goal post may be used if the height and length of the crossbar meet the above standards, and the base of the goal post can be up to 110 in. (279.4 cm) behind the goal line.
For safety reasons, all goal posts must be properly padded with goal post pads meeting manufacturer's specifications. It is the responsibility of the home team to provide the padding. In the case of a neutral field, the participating teams shall decide which team shall be responsible for padding the goal posts. Note: Goal posts on the goal line are considered to be part of the end zone.
Article 10 – Non-Regulation Fields
When the length or width of the field is less than regulation, due to running tracks, or other obstructions, a clear set of boundary lines shall be provided, at least 1 foot (0.3 metres) inside the track, or obstruction.
If an end zone is less than the required 20 yards (18.28 metres) long, and is enclosed by a track, the dead line and the end zone sideline shall be clearly marked, at least 1 foot (0.3 metres) inside the curb.
Article 11 – Play
A play is defined as any legally run scrimmage play (run, pass, kick), a convert attempt or a kick-off, during both regulation time and overtime.