Updated November 11, 2026
Here I will explain the rules for lighting an outdoor football (soccer) field. First, we need to define the right category of the field: is it for training or for competition?
Choosing the right category of the Football field
Below, the table shows average horizontal illuminance (Eav) for training and competition. The values in the table are in lux. The horizontal measurement grid should be 1 m (about 3 ft) above the field. U.S. projects typically specify targets in foot-candles; see the U.S. foot-candle section later in this article.
Next, when we define the category we can start planning the lights like wattages, beam angles, color temperature, and pole heights. If it is a new field we can suggest the height of the pole, and if there are already poles installed we can choose lights with a corresponding height of the poles.
Choosing fixtures
For the football fields mainly there are two types of fixtures. The difference is with the light beam, it can be asymmetrical and symmetrical light beam. Asymmetrical light beam fixtures are used if there is a shorter distance from the pole to the field, and if there are longer distances fixtures with symmetrical beams are used. Fixtures with small beams 15-30 degrees that are pointed on the field and do not extend beyond the field lead to high lighting efficiency and reduce the glare of the players to a minimum. Fixtures should be mechanically resistant and protected against corrosion.
Basic rules for pole placement
The right arrangement of the poles where the lights are installed has a significant impact on the light on the field. There are some basic rules that should be followed for installing poles on football fields.
Image 1 shows the arrangement of the poles on a football field with 6 poles (3 by 3 arrangement).
The first rule is that it is important to have safety distances from the poles to the edge of the playing area. This distance should be at least 3 m.
The second rule is not to place poles in the area 15 degrees left and right from the center of the goal. This is very important because if it is not followed it can cause the blinding of the goalkeeper.
L = field length
e = safety distance 3m – distance from the poles to the edge of the field
a = distance from the corner to the pole
15° = area in which no lights may be placed due to blinding of the goalkeeper
On a field with 4 poles, the same rules apply as on a field with 6 poles.
What are the lighting rules that should be met?
Before any installation, it is crucial to prove by a photometric plan that all of the lighting requirements like illuminance, uniformity, glare, and illumination on the goals are met.
For fields, courts, and stadiums, see our guide to sports lighting photometric plans.
Pole height is important to determine in order to reduce the glare and to ensure good illuminance and also uniformity of the playing field. Tilting of the lights must be ≤70 degrees vertically and the mounting height should comply with the following minimum values:
- Small fields Lph = 14 m, for 6 poles with lights
- Fields with 64x100m Lph = 16 m, for 6 poles with lights, Lph = 18 m for 4 poles with lights
- Playing fields 68 x 105 m and larger Lph = 18 m
Football field with poles placed near the corners
Placing the poles on the corners of the football field is usually done if we have a circular running track around the field.
U.S. Foot-Candle and Uniformity Targets for Soccer Fields
The table earlier on this page is in lux and uses training and league categories. U.S. soccer and football field projects usually set targets in foot-candles (fc). The main U.S. recommended practice is ANSI/IES RP-6, Lighting Sports and Recreational Areas. The full RP-6 document is not free to read, so the figures below come from public documents that are based on it. Always confirm the criteria for your field, league, school association, and reviewing authority.
Musco’s manufacturer guide, based on IES RP-6-20, lists these average horizontal targets for soccer:
| Level of play (Musco, based on IES RP-6-20) | Seating | Average horizontal |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational | Limited or none | 20 fc |
| Schools / leagues | Up to 2,000 | 30 fc |
| Schools / leagues / semi-pro | Up to 5,000 | 50 fc |
Source: Musco, “Answers to 9 Common Questions,” generally accepted lighting standards table, based on IES RP-6-20.
State high school association lighting standards used in North Carolina (NCHSAA, 2026) and Iowa (IHSAA, November 2024) list the same football/soccer foot-candle steps and add maximum-to-minimum uniformity:
| Spectators | Average horizontal | Uniformity (max:min) |
|---|---|---|
| Fewer than 2,000 | 30 fc | 2.5:1 |
| Up to 5,000 | 50 fc | 2:1 |
| More than 5,000 | 100 fc | 1.7:1 |
NCHSAA’s 2026 standards are NIAAA-endorsed, prepared with Musco, and draw on IES RP-6-24. IHSAA’s November 2024 standards cite IES RP-6-22. Both also say:
- Measure horizontal light with the meter held 36 inches above the playing surface (IHSAA; the NCAA soccer checklist uses the same height).
- Keep poles at least 20 ft from the sideline.
- Light the corner grid point to no less than 90% of the average light level.
- On a combination football and soccer field, soccer should take precedence.
Sources: NCHSAA Lighting Standards 2026 and IHSAA Lighting Standards, November 2024. Measurement height is also shown on the NCAA Lighting Performance Checklist: Soccer (2025).
For standard intercollegiate soccer, the NCAA’s Best Lighting Practices recommend 50 foot-candles average horizontal, 2.0:1 horizontal uniformity, and a 30 ft by 30 ft grid. Source: NCAA Best Lighting Practices: Soccer – Standard Intercollegiate Play.
These are published targets, not a substitute for the adopted criteria on your project. For how average, minimum, and uniformity work on a plan, see lighting uniformity ratio explained and foot-candle requirements by area.
What to Send Stetra for a Photometric Plan
A photometric plan models fixture locations, mounting heights, aiming, and light levels on the field so you can check the chosen foot-candle and uniformity targets before installation. For sports fields, courts, and stadiums, see our sports lighting photometric plans page. If you are new to calculation grids, see how to read a photometric plan. Stetra also prepares photometric plans for other site types.
To prepare a plan, send:
- A site or field plan with length and width, goal locations, and any running track, bleachers, or nearby buildings
- Existing or proposed pole locations and mounting heights, if known
- The fixture type and, if you have them, the manufacturer IES files
- The level of play, expected spectator capacity, and the target criteria (for example, a school association standard, NCAA practice, or an owner specification)
- Property lines and any spill-light or glare concerns
- Whether the field is soccer only or also used for football or track
Then use the button below to request the plan.
Get a Professional Photometric Plan
Football (Soccer) Lighting FAQs
How many foot-candles does a soccer field need?
It depends on the level of play and the adopted criteria. Musco’s guide, based on IES RP-6-20, lists 20 fc average for recreational soccer with limited or no seating, 30 fc for schools and leagues with up to 2,000 seats, and 50 fc for schools, leagues, and semi-pro play with up to 5,000 seats. NCHSAA and IHSAA use those same 30 fc and 50 fc steps for football/soccer and add 100 fc when there are more than 5,000 spectators. The NCAA’s standard intercollegiate practice is 50 fc. Confirm the target for your field.
What uniformity ratio should a soccer field meet?
NCHSAA and IHSAA list a maximum-to-minimum ratio of 2.5:1 for fields with fewer than 2,000 spectators, 2:1 for up to 5,000, and 1.7:1 for more than 5,000. The NCAA’s standard intercollegiate practice is 2.0:1 horizontal uniformity. Those high school association documents also ask that the corner grid point be at least 90% of the average. Average foot-candles alone are not enough if the field is patchy.
Are the numbers in the table near the top of this page in lux or foot-candles?
They are in lux. One foot-candle is about 10.76 lux. U.S. photometric plans are usually specified in foot-candles. Convert carefully, and do not assume a lux table matches a U.S. school or league target.
What should I send to get a photometric plan for my field?
Send the field or site plan, pole locations and heights if you have them, fixture data or IES files, the level of play and target criteria, and any property-line or glare concerns. You can request a plan on the order photometry page.
Do I still need a photometric plan if I already know the foot-candle target?
Yes, if you need to check that a layout actually meets that target. A target does not by itself show whether the average, the minimum, the uniformity, glare, and corner points will be met with the proposed poles and fixtures.