What is a Soccer Dugout? Everything You Need to Know

Dugout is a common term in baseball. But did you know there’s a soccer dugout as well?

A soccer dugout is a designated area on the sidelines of a soccer field. It provides shelter and seating for coaches, players, and support staff during a match. From here, they strategize, make substitutions, and observe the game.

It serves as a hub for tactical decisions and player management, crucial to a team’s performance.

Understanding the dugout’s importance is essential for any true soccer enthusiast. It is where tactical decisions are formulated, substitutions are made, and the ebb and flow of the game are observed and influenced.

In this article, we’ll explain everything that you need to know about a soccer dugout. From it’s layout to who sits in the dugout.

Key Takeaways:

A soccer dugout is a designated sideline area for players and coaching staff.

It plays a pivotal role in match strategy, player management, and tactical decisions.
The term “dugout” originates from its historical practice of being dug into the ground.
Coaches are not required to stay exclusively in the dugout during matches.

Injured players can sit in the dugout, but players sent off cannot.

Dimensions and Layout of a Soccer Dugout

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The dimensions of a soccer dugout are typically uniform across professional leagues. It extends along the sideline, measuring about 12 meters in length. Width varies, but it commonly spans around 2.5 meters.

The layout comprises a bench for players, providing seating for up to 18 individuals. Adjacent to this, space for coaching staff and substitutes is allocated. Additionally, there may be a sheltered area for protection from adverse weather conditions.

Why is it Called a Dugout?

It is called a “dugout” because in the early days of the sport, these designated areas were literally dug into the ground.

The purpose was to provide players and coaching staff a place to sit and strategize while being at field level. This design allowed for a closer connection to the game.

Over time, as soccer evolved and became more organized, the dugouts underwent changes in structure. They transitioned from being literal excavations to elevated seating areas with roofs.

However, the name “dugout” stuck, serving as a reminder of soccer’s humble beginnings and its deep-rooted traditions. So, even though modern soccer dugouts may not be dug into the ground anymore, the term remains a part of the sport’s lexicon.

Who Sits on The Dugout in Soccer?

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In soccer, the dugout is occupied by specific individuals crucial to the team’s management and performance. These include:

Coaching Staff

Substitutes
Medical Staff
Analysts

Firstly, the coaching staff takes their place on the dugout. This includes the head coach, assistant coaches, and sometimes specialized coaches like goalkeeper coaches. Their role is pivotal as they observe the game closely, give tactical instructions, and make crucial decisions throughout the match.

Additionally, substitutes, players not starting the match but available for substitution, sit on the dugout. They are positioned here to be in close proximity to the field, facilitating quick substitutions when needed. These players remain attentive and ready to step onto the field when called upon.

Support personnel such as medical staff and analysts may also be present in the dugout area. Their presence ensures immediate access to players for any medical attention or feedback on the game’s progression.

How Many Seats Are in a Soccer Dugout?

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A standard soccer dugout typically accommodates seating for up to 18 individuals. These seats are specifically designated for players, substitutes, and coaching staff.

The arrangement of seats ensures that players have a comfortable and easily accessible position from which they can receive instructions and prepare for potential entry into the game.

Additionally, coaching staff have designated seats to oversee the match closely and make necessary tactical decisions. This standardized seating capacity is consistent across professional soccer leagues, adhering to regulatory guidelines set by governing bodies like FIFA and respective league authorities.

Do Coaches Have to Stay in Dugout?

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Coaches are not mandated to remain exclusively within the dugout during a soccer match. While the dugout serves as the designated area for coaching staff, they have the flexibility to move along the technical area adjacent to the field.

However, it’s important to note that coaches must conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the principles of fair play and sportsmanship. They should refrain from excessive or disruptive behavior, and their movements outside the dugout area should be purposeful and in the interest of coaching and guiding the team.

What is the Difference Between Technical Area and Dugout?

The technical area and the dugout are related yet distinct zones on the sideline of a soccer field.

The dugout refers specifically to a designated seating area, typically sheltered, where players, substitutes, and coaching staff sit during a match.

It provides a centralized location for team members to strategize and observe the game. The primary purpose of the dugout is to offer a comfortable and organized space for those indirectly involved in the match.

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On the other hand, the technical area encompasses a broader space along the sideline. It includes the dugout but extends further, allowing coaches and support staff to move along the touchline.

This area is where coaches can give instructions to players on the field and communicate with them during the game. It also serves as a space for officials and medical personnel to attend to any on-field matters.

Can Injured Players Sit in the Dugout?

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Yes, injured players can sit in the dugout during a soccer match.

This allows the injured players to remain in close proximity to the field and be part of the team’s support structure. While in the dugout, they can receive medical attention and support from the team’s medical staff.

Although, the presence of injured players in the dugout is subject to the discretion of the coaching staff and medical team, who will assess the player’s condition and determine if it is appropriate for them to be in the dugout during the match.

Can Players Who Are Sent Off Sit in The Dugout?

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No, players who have been sent off (shown a red card) are not permitted to sit in the dugout during a soccer match.

When a player receives a red card, it means they have been dismissed from the game due to serious misconduct or a serious foul play. As a result, they are required to leave the field and the immediate vicinity, including the dugout.

Once a player is sent off, they must make their way to the designated area where dismissed players await the conclusion of the match. This area is typically located away from the field of play.

Conclusion: What is a Soccer Dugout?

In conclusion, a soccer dugout is a designated area on the sidelines of a soccer field where players, substitutes, and coaching staff sit during a match. It serves as the nerve center for team strategy, player management, and tactical decisions.

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