Field of Play

The goal area: As far as I know, the only real purpose it serves is to set the ball on goal kicks as well as any kick coming out that occurs less than 6 yards from the goal line.

The penalty arc: Keeps all players on the field 10 yards away from the penalty spot during a penalty kick.

The center circle: Keeps all opposing players 10 yards away on kick-offs.

 

if by "goal area" you are talking about the 6 yd box, it gives the keeper the boundary for taking a goal kick. Other than that, I don't know.

the penalty arc is there to mark 10 yds from the penalty spot.

the center circle is there to mark the 10 yds required distance for the defending team on kick offs.

 

Here is what I think;

GA: For placing restarts that would be inside it, to be put on its line parallel to the goal line.

Penalty Arc: 10 yard radius from the penalty mark to ensure all players are 10 yards away from the penalty spot when a PK is being taken.

Center Circle: Same as penalty arc except of course for kick-offs

 

The goal area is now used only for the placement of free kicks. Inbound kicks are placed on the 6-yard line (the long line of the area). Outbound kicks may be taken from anywhere within the goal area.

The goal area also used to be used to define where a goalkeeper could be fairly charged. That went away long ago.

 

I think this is it. You have also captured the import of 6 yds from the goal line for IDK within the goal area.

 

Yes, I did forget that the goal area sets attacking IDK's that occur within it. Thanks for catching that.

 

Actually, he has it right. The official title of the area is goal area.

 

cool, thanks.

 

It's called the goal area.... I thought that this comment deserved a little piling on.

Also the goal area can define where a dropped ball may take place. Basically there are some special circumstances listed in law 8 that define some of the role of the goal area.