There is a D-shaped area outside the penalty box on a football pitch. What is its purpose, what's it called, and why that shape? | Notes and Queries (2024)

There is a D-shaped area outside the penalty box on a football pitch. What is its purpose, what's it called, and why that shape?

• THE CURVED part of the 'D' is an arc of a circle, of radius 10 yards, centred on the penalty spot. When a penalty is taken only the penalty taker and the opposing goalkeeper (who must stay on his line until the ball is struck) are allowed in the penalty area. Every other player must be outside the area, and at least 10 yards from the ball. The 'D'marks the part of the pitch outside the penalty box which is closer to the penalty spot than 10 yards, into which players must not encroach before the kick. It is usually called the D.

  John Charnock, Warrington (j.m.charnock@dl.ac.uk)

  See Also

  The R&A

• As far as I remember, although it's a phrase not often heard any more, it's officially called the penalty arc.

  Cameron M. Black, Munich, Germany