In soccer, a pitch has nothing to do with throwing a ball -- it refers to the field of play. There are specific regulations governing the pitch, including its surface, size, markings and even rules about who can enter or leave it. These rules are outlined by FIFA, the world's governing body for soccer, in its Laws of the Game.
According to FIFA, soccer pitches must be green in color. Often this means that they are made of grass, but it isn't necessary; the field can be either grass or an artificial surface. Artificial surfaces must meet the standards of either the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard.
There is no single standard size for a soccer pitch, but there is a standard range. The minimum length of the touch line -- the line on the side of the field -- is 200 yards, and the maximum length is 230 yards. The width of the field -- running along the goal line -- must be at least 50 yards long and can be no more than 100 yards in length. For international games, the minimum length of the field increases to 110 yards and the maximum length decreases to 120 yards. The minimum width increases to 70 yards and the maximum width decreases to 80 yards. The touch line must always be longer than the goal line.
Football pitches must be clearly marked. The goal line and the touch line are marked with a line. Additionally, a line runs directly through the middle of the field separating each half. A dot is made at the midpoint of the middle line, marking the center of the field. A circle is drawn with a 10-yard radius, extending from this dot. Several markings are placed in front of the goals. A box measuring 6 yards from the goal line and 20 yards wide marks the area where the goalkeeper can play the ball from on a goal kick. Another box, extending 18 yards from the goal line and measuring 44 yards wide, indicates the penalty area. A spot is marked 12 yards in front of the center of the goal, indicating the penalty mark.
Entering and Leaving the Pitch
During the game, players may only enter or leave the pitch with the permission of the referee. A referee will only give permission for a substitution during a stoppage in play. The player entering cannot do so until the first player has left the pitch. If a player enters the pitch without the referee's permission, the play is stopped and the player is cautioned for unsporting behavior and sent off the pitch. A referee may instruct a player to leave the pitch if there is a problem with his equipment, allowing him to return when it is fixed. A referee must send a player off the pitch if he receives a red card during the game.