Technical Area

The technical area is a defined rectangle, marked on the ground around the dugout, within which coaching staff and substitutes are permitted to be during an association football match. Its purpose is to contain touchline coaching: one team official at a time may convey tactical instructions from within it, must behave responsibly, and should otherwise remain in the area.

The concept was formalised by the game's lawmakers to give referees a clear, enforceable boundary for bench conduct. Stepping outside the technical area to remonstrate with officials, or entering the field of play without permission, can lead to a caution or dismissal from the touchline. Its exact size is guided by the laws of the game but adapts to the space available at each ground.