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Soccer Rules Changes 1580-2000


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Question Number: 26855

Law 1- The Field 9/28/2012

RE: Adult

amara gegbai of cleveland, ohio usa asks...

What purpose(s) does the penalty arc serve in soccer?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Amara
Players may not encroach within 10 yards of the ball at the penalty kick so players may not enter the arc until the ball is kicked and in play.



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Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Just like the center circle, the penalty arc is only useful in indicating to players that they 10 yards from the ball on these 2 specialized restarts. Corner kicks have something similar, the 'optional mark' drawn outside the field, 10 yards from the corner arc.



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