How to Mark a Football Field

First, you must measure out the dimensions of the field. You need to know the exact sizes and correlation of the lines to be painted. Usually, a solid white border is six feet wide along the end lines and sidelines. You must paint an additional broken yellow line nine feet farther outside this border and along each sideline in the non-bench areas, and such broken line will be continued at an angle from each 30- yard line and pass behind the bench area (all benches a minimum of 30 feet back from the sidelines) at a distance of six feet.

When painting the end zone, be sure to make the broken yellow line six feet from the solid white border. These need to be separated by another yellow broken line eight inches wide and two feet long with one foot of space between.When marking what is called the HASH marks, remember that all the lines are to be four inches wide, with the exception of the goal line and yellow lines, which are to be eight inches wide.

All boundary lines, goal lines, and marked yard lines are to be painted as continuous lines.

The four corners of the goal lines and sidelines must be marked at inside corners of the end zone. Later, pylons, will be inserted into each of the four corners.

When painting, you must use materials that will harm or cause injurious to the players, especially their eyes or skin.Once you have determined the exact location of each line, use your paint grid boards to lay down on the field. Slowly and carefully, you spray the field over the stensil marking the lines. You will do this in increments of five yards until the entire field is covered, There needs to be two sets of lines the same length and width going down the middle of the field. There will be four marks one yard apart for every five yards you paint.

Marking the Field

Next you need to paint the yard line numbers on the appropriate areas of the field. Both sides of the field at every TEN yards will have numbers placed on EITHER side of the markings placed. Once you count out nine yards, you must place the number stensil on the sides of the lines that mark ten yards. These numbers have to be spaced one yard apart on either side of the line, and must be painted four feet wide by six feet high.Things You’ll Need

• You will need a paint spray gun, several gallons of WHITE paint, a three-foot line marker, a six foot number marker, and a line directory (ensure the marks all align together).

Tips

• To properly mark a football field, it is best to have a crew of at least six people. Three to handle the outer markings and three to handle the inner. Coordinating your efforts will ensure the field is done properly without any mistakes.

Warnings

• It is imperative you use some type of GPS or land survey device to ensure the accuracy of the painted markings on the field. If you do not, your lines will look uneven and the workmanship will make the field unable to be used.