Section 3: Playing Area
3.1 Court Dimensions
The playing court measures 40 m x 20 m (131 ft x 66 ft), with a safety zone of at least 1 m along the sidelines and 2 m behind each goal line. The court surface is typically hardwood, synthetic, or rubberised flooring and must be flat and non-slip.
3.2 Key Court Markings
- Goal area line (6 m arc): A quarter-circle arc drawn 6 m (19.7 ft) from each goal post, connected by a straight line 3 m from the goal line parallel to it. Only the goalkeeper may occupy this zone during active play.
- Free-throw line (9 m arc): A dashed arc 9 m (29.5 ft) from the goal, used for free-throw restarts after fouls between the 6 m and 9 m lines.
- 7-metre line: A 1 m (3.3 ft) long line parallel to the goal line at 7 m (23 ft) distance, used for penalty throws.
- Goalkeeper restraining line (4 m line): A 15 cm (5.9 in) line 4 m from the goal, marking the closest point the goalkeeper may advance during a 7 m throw.
- Centre line: Divides the court into two halves. Used for throw-offs to start each half and after every goal.
- Substitution lines: Marked 4.5 m (14.8 ft) on either side of the centre line along the sideline closest to the team benches. Players must enter and exit the court between these lines.
3.3 Team Bench and Officials Table
Each team's bench area is positioned along the same sideline as the substitution area. The officials' table (timekeeper and scorekeeper) is at the centre of the sideline. A maximum of 16 persons (players plus officials) may sit on the team bench during play.