6 LAW 1-THE FIELD OF PLAY Field surface Matches may be played on natural or artificial surfaces,according to the rules of the competition. The colour of artificial surfaces must be green. Where artificial surfaces are used in either competition matches between representative teams of member associations affiliated to FIFA or international club competition matches,the surface must meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation is given by FIFA. Field markings The field of play must be rectangular and marked with lines.These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries. The two longer boundary lines are called touch lines.The two shorter lines are called goal lines. The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line,which joins the midpoints of the two touch lines. The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line.A circle with a radius of 9.15 m(10 yds)is marked around it. Marks may be made off the field of play,9.15 m(10 yds)from the corner arc and at right angles to the goal lines and the touch lines,to ensure that defending players retreat this distance when a corner kick is being taken.6 LAW 1 – THE FIELD OF PLAY Field surface Matches may be played on natural or artifi cial surfaces, according to the rules of the competition. The colour of artifi cial surfaces must be green. Where artifi cial surfaces are used in either competition matches between representative teams of member associations affi liated to FIFA or international club competition matches, the surface must meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf or the International Artifi cial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation is given by FIFA. Field markings The fi eld of play must be rectangular and marked with lines. These lines belong to the areas of which they are boundaries. The two longer boundary lines are called touch lines. The two shorter lines are called goal lines. The fi eld of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line, which joins the midpoints of the two touch lines. The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 9.15 m (10 yds) is marked around it. Marks may be made off the fi eld of play, 9.15 m (10 yds) from the corner arc and at right angles to the goal lines and the touch lines, to ensure that defending players retreat this distance when a corner kick is being taken