4.

1 Recommended dimensions 64
Playing area 4.2 Playing field quality 68
4.3 Natural grass playing fields 69
4.4 Artificial turf playing fields  78
4.5 Substitutes’ benches 85
4.6 Advertising boards around playing area 86
4.7 Access to playing area 87
4.8 Exclusion of spectators from playing area 87

4.6 p Advertising boards around playing area

When constructing a new stadium, account must be taken of the fact that the For other pre-construction
spectators’ sight lines must not be obstructed by the advertising boards which may decisions, see Chapter 1.
be erected around the playing field. The main camera platform must be able to
view the advertising boards constantly. Should rotational or LED boards be used,
they should ideally be connected to a dedicated power supply with a synchronised
backup.

With the use of LED or rotational boards, the system needs to take into account the
media /photographers who would be seated behind the boards on the goal lines. As
much space as possible, without obstructions, should be provided for photographers
and media. Therefore, advertising systems which avoid complicated and frequent
support structures, exposed cables and other obstructions are preferred.

If rotational or LED boards are used, a position either pitch-side or in a separate

cabin needs to be provided for the operations team. The operator needs to have an
unobstructed view of all three lines of advertising panels.

Advertising boards need to adhere to local regulations of emergency access.

Collapsible boards or gates need to be foreseen where required. The height of
advertising boards should be between 0.90m and 1.00m. The minimum distances
between the boundary lines of the playing field and the advertising boards should be:

On the touch lines: 5m

Behind the goal lines: 5m, with the possibility of angling towards the corner
flags to a minimum of 3m

Under no circumstances should advertising boards be:

– located in positions where they could constitute a danger to players, officials and
others;
– erected in any fashion or be of any shape or material which could endanger
players. For example, revolving boards or light-emitting diode (LED) boards must
be powered by a voltage level which cannot cause damage to match participants;
– erected in any fashion which could obstruct spectators in the event of an
emergency evacuation into the playing area;
– located in such a way as to obstruct the view of those in the technical area.

The LED boards should be operated in a way that would not cause any distractions
to players, referees, spectators and television viewers, and all exposed sharp edges
and corners which might pose a danger to players and officials should be covered
with an appropriate padding.

86 Football StadiUMS