touchline

Everyday

1. The touchline is one of the two long side lines of a football, rugby or hockey pitch; when the ball goes over it, it is out of play. tree →
2. «On the touchline» means at the side of the pitch, where coaches and fans stand. tree →

In the lessons

In PE and sport, especially football (soccer) and rugby in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, the ball «goes into touch» over the touchline and play restarts with a throw-in or line-out. Parents cheer «from the touchline». In maths, a pitch's perimeter includes two touchlines and two goal lines. Phrases: «on the touchline», «along the touchline», «touchline ban».

Examples

• The ball rolled over the touchline for a throw-in. tree →
• Mum cheered from the touchline. tree →
• The winger ran down the touchline and crossed the ball. tree →
• The coach paced up and down the touchline. tree →
• In rugby, the ball went into touch near the touchline. tree →
• The pitch's touchlines are 90 metres long. tree →

Note

Countable; one word. In America, «sideline» is more usual. In perimeter problems, a rectangular pitch has 2 touchlines (the long sides) and 2 goal lines (the short sides): perimeter = 2 × touchline + 2 × goal line.