Frequently asked rules questions

Recent trips to Local Boards and game situations around the State have come up with some questions - Here are the answers:

PENALTY KICK: As soon as it was called the keeper went to the outside the goal and removed her gloves and spent considerable time tucking in her shirt and then putting her gloves back on. At halftime I talked to the other official about carding her for delay. In the second half on another penalty kick I heard some tell the second keeper to take off her gloves. She said she couldn't get them off. Clock is stopped so I am not sure what the delay would be, however her acts do seem to amount to gamesmanship and I would warn her to get into the goal and prepare to play. I f she does not, you might consider issuing a card

A defender was dribbling the ball and the keeper stole the ball from them. Is this deliberately kicking the ball to the keeper. I am worried this may become a tactic. Referee must judge if the defender deliberately played the ball to the goal keeper. If there is any doubt, verbally caution or warn the defender and keeper what your thoughts are. Perhaps something to the effect of :That looked like he played that back to you keep – don’t do it again.

A player is pulled down from behind in penalty area and the ball popped out to the wing who plays ball wide of goal. Do you go back and call penalty kick or give goal kick and would you card for pull down?? If you let it go and the winger has a chance to shoot – no second chances and you give the goal kick. I am not sure that I would give a play on in the box. Yes, I would caution card the defender for a deliberate tactical foul.

Jockeying for position before corner kick. Any advice?? Lead or trail referee can say Numbers 6 and 8 I am watching you – play the ball. That should do it. If there is a foul that affects the outcome of the play you can award a free kick for the violation. Referees could also say “Joe watch the goal mouth on this kick” loud enough for the players to hear you. They might have some second thoughts on how they are behaving. Preventative communications..

Question: A Bradley player kicks the ball (with his foot) back to the Bradley goal keeper, who is outside of the penalty box. The Bradley goal keeper foot traps the ball, dribbles it into the goal area and picks it up with his hands to punt or throw. Is this violation?

Answer: Yes. the goal keeper may not play with his or her hands any ball that is received directly from a team mates pass with the foot; no matter where the ball is received or if it is trapped with their body etc when passed back. Indirect free kick from where the goal keeper played the ball with his or her hands.

Question: Do all MPA sanctioned games have overtime if the game is tied at the end of 80 minutes?

Answer: Yes. In accordance with the MPA rules, high school games, if tied at the end of regulation play shall play up to two five minute sudden death periods. The sudden death periods are preceded by a mandatory five minute waiting period and a coin toss to see who will kick off and or what end will be defended by the team winning the coin toss. Tournament play overtime is different - check your MPA Soccer Bulletin.

Answer: The ball is placed in the immediate vicinity of the player who was in the offside position, not where the player was who kicked the ball.

A player is identified by his coach as legally equipped. During the course of the game the player is seen running down the field – playing the ball with his mouth piece ½ in ½ out. What do we do?

At the next stoppage of play the player gets a caution card. But, do we also caution the coach? The answer is ‘no.’ This is a case where the player was properly equipped but improperly wearing or using the equipment. This is the player’s responsibility.

If a player is sent of the field for illegal equipment, and the coach is cautioned, may that player be replaced or substituted for?

This is a case where the coach is being cautioned. This player may not be replaced or substituted for UNLESS a player was- prior to the whistle and stoppage of play- already reported to the scorer’s table. Otherwise the team plays short handed until the next stoppage of play when that same player may reenter (after you check the equipment), or the next substitution opportunity for that team.

From South Central Maine: What happens if you notice more than one player who has illegal equipment such as shin guards, do I give multiple cards?

The answer is ‘no.’ If you see multiple players with similar violations prior to the game there is no caution and the coach should have his or her players correct the problem. After the game starts and you see multiple violations of a similar nature – only one caution card is given.

The Force 90 padded head band has more than one logo on it and the NF rules stipulate only one logo. Can the player wear the head band.

2007-08 NFHS Soccer Rules Interpretations

Publisher's Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented.
Robert F. Kanaby, Publisher, NFHS Publications © 2007

SITUATION 1: May a soccer game be played on a football field where all markings are in white? RULING: Yes, however, the NFHS recommends that the soccer markings contrast in color to the football markings. (1-2-1)

SITUATION 2: Many school districts are building multi-use, artificial-turf facilities primarily for soccer, football and track. May soccer goals be placed on the end line of the football field even if they are not two yards in front of the football goal posts? RULING: No. COMMENT: Rule 1-4-1 states that "portable goals. . .if used on football fields should be anchored at least 2 yards in front of the existing football goal posts."

SITUATION 3: Can schools purchase nets with the name or mascot of the school stenciled on it? RULING: Yes. (1-4-2)

SITUATION 4: If the required team area markings are absent, should the coach be restricted to the area directly in front of the team bench? RULING: Yes. (1-5-3)

SITUATION 5: The referee notices prior to the start of the contest that team benches are located on opposite sides of the field in unmarked areas at the halfway line. The referee informs game management to move the teams to areas diagonally opposite from each other, 10 feet from the sideline and provide some type of marking to denote each team's area. RULING: Correct procedure. In absence of host game management, inform the home team's head coach. If the situation cannot be corrected, play the game and file a report.

SITUATION 6: A player from Team A has a violent collision with an opponent when attempting to play the ball, is knocked down and, in the judgment of the official, was apparently unconscious. The player is removed from the game and after being checked by the school's athletic trainer, is sent to the table by the head coach to re-enter the game. RULING: Incorrect procedure. When this player was determined by the official to possibly be unconscious, the player may not return to play that day without written authorization by a physician (MD/DO). (3-3-2-b-3)

SITUATION 7: Both teams have players checked in at the scorer's table prior to a dead-ball substitution opportunity (injured player). Once the dead-ball substitution opportunity occurs and the referee beckons the players onto the field, must these players enter the field of play? RULING: Yes. (3-4-1-a)

SITUATION 8: Are players required to wear NOCSAE-approved shin guards beginning January 1, 2008? RULING: No, however, effective with the 2008 fall season, shin guards must meet NOCSAE specifications and bear the NOCSAE seal. (4-1-1)

SITUATION 9: May a team use a navy-and-white striped jersey as both home and away uniforms? RULING: No. COMMENT: There is no predominant color, and the home jersey must be light and away jerseys dark. (4-1-1)

SITUATION 10: Can schools put players' names on the backs of their jerseys? RULING: Yes, as long as the name doesn't obstruct the player's number. (4-1-1-j)

SITUATION 11: Are padded headbands made of soft material legal for field players? RULING: Yes, as long as the product does not contain any hard or unyielding material. (4-2-3)

SITUATION 12: A player is wearing a protective face mask that is molded to the face with no protrusions. The player, who does not have a facial injury, has a medical release signed by a physician that suggests she wear the mask to prevent possible future injuries. RULING: Illegal. Only players with facial injuries are permitted to wear a protective face mask. (4-2-8)

SITUATION 13: The official observes that player A-1 is wearing illegal equipment. The official stops the game at the appropriate time, sends the player off the field of play, and issues a yellow card to the head coach. The coach wants to substitute for A-1 (a) from the bench; (b) from players who had already reported before play was stopped. RULING: Illegal in a); legal in b). (4-3)

SITUATION 14: At the start of the second half, the referee observes that player A3 who had played the first half properly equipped is now wearing a watch. The game is stopped, the player is sent off the field and a yellow card is issued to the head coach. RULING: Correct procedure. (4-3)

SITUATION 15: A player who is properly equipped intentionally re-moves required equipment. The coach is cautioned. RULING: Incorrect procedure. Stop play, caution the player for unsporting conduct, send the player off and allow a substitute. (4-3, 12-8-1)

SITUATION 16: A player's equipment becomes illegal through the course of play, such as, a shin guard pops out, shoes come off, blood on uniform, etc. The coach is cautioned for an improperly equipped player. RULING: Incorrect procedure. Stop play at the appropriate time, do not issue a card, send the player off to correct or correct during stoppage if possible, and no substitutions allowed unless by rule.

SITUATION 17: A state association defines "immediate surroundings" to include that area between the field of play and the entrance to the parking lot. After the game, the referee is verbally assaulted by a coach (a) somewhere between the field of play and the parking lot; (b) in the parking lot. The referee issues a red card to the coach in both situations. RULING: Legal in (a), illegal in (b). A report to the proper authority must be filed in both situations. (5-1-2)

SITUATION 18: Is it permissible for officials to wear a shirt with the USSF logo on it? RULING: Only if permitted by the state association. (5-1-3)

SITUATION 19: Is it mandatory for the head referee to address coaches and players prior to the game about good sportsmanship? RULING: Yes. COMMENT: The NFHS has instituted this practice in all sports. (5-2-2).

SITUATION 20: Are officials mandated by rule to use the official NFHS Soccer Signals in a contest? RULING: Yes. (5-3-1-b)

SITUATION 21: Under NFHS rules, must the player actually touch the ball to be judged offside for "interfering with play?" RULING: No. COMMENT: Although other rules bodies may interpret this way, the high school game does not require that the player touch the ball in this situation. (11-1-3, Diagrams 8, 12, 13)

SITUATION 22: A player from both Team A and Team B are involved in misconduct at the halfway line while Team A is in possession of the ball on the 18-yard line near Team B's goal. RULING: Allow the play to exhaust its momentum and then card both players for their actions. COMMENT: Since it is an on-the-field infraction, a restart with a drop ball should occur at the spot of the fouls. (12-8-1, 2, 3)

SITUATION 23: The coach from Team B complains to the referee that the coach from Team A is text-messaging his assistant coach who is in the spectator stands. RULING: Illegal. The coach must be cautioned for unsporting conduct. (12-8-1-e)

SITUATION 24: A head coach is assessed a second yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct. What should the official do? RULING: The proper procedure for a coach or bench personnel receiving a second yellow card is to disqualify that individual from the contest by displaying a yellow card first, immediately followed by a red card. (12-8-3) COMMENT: This mechanic is used because a substitute is not allowed as it is when a yellow card and red card are shown simultaneously.

SITUATION 25: A player from Team A is guilty of spitting at (a) an opponent and (b) a game official. The restart shall be a direct free kick in both situations. RULING: In (a), a direct free kick; in (b), an indirect free kick. (12-8-3 d and e)

2006-07 Soccer Rules Interpretations

SITUATION 1: May a soccer game be played on a football field where all markings are in white? RULING: Yes; however, the NFHS recommends that the soccer markings contrast in color to the football markings. (1-2-1)

SITUATION 2: Many school districts are building multi-use artificial turf facilities primarily for soccer, football and track. May soccer goals be placed on the end line of the football field even if they are not two yards in front of the football goal posts? RULING: No. COMMENT: Rule 1-4-1 states that "portable goalsâ€¦if used on football fields should be anchored at least 2 yards in front of the existing football goal posts."

SITUATION 3: Can schools purchase nets with the name or mascot of the school stenciled on it? RULING: Yes. (1-4-2)

SITUATION 4: If the required team area markings are absent, should the coach be restricted to the area directly in front of the team bench? RULING: Yes. (1-5-3)

SITUATION 5: A player from Team A has a violent collision with an opponent when attempting to play the ball, is knocked down, and in the judgment of the official was apparently unconscious. The player is removed from the game and after being checked by the school's athletic trainer, is sent to the table by the head coach to re-enter the game. RULING: Incorrect procedure. When this player was determined by the official to possibly be unconscious, the player may not return to play that day without written authorization by a physician (MD/DO). (3-3-2-b-3)

SITUATION 6: Both teams have players checked in at the scorer's table prior to a dead-ball substitution opportunity (injured player). Once the dead-ball substitution opportunity occurs and the referee beckons the players onto the field, must these players enter the field of play? RULING: Yes. (3-4-1-a)

SITUATION 8: May a team use a navy and white striped jersey as both home and away uniforms? RULING: No. COMMENT: There is no predominant color, and the home jersey must be light and away jerseys dark. (4-1-1)

SITUATION 9: The contest officials notice in their pregame inspection that some members of Team B are wearing visible, red compression shorts under their uniform shorts and others on the same team have visible, white compression shorts under their uniform shorts. Is this acceptable? RULING: No. Team B may wear compression shorts under the uniform shorts, but all team members must wear the same single, solid color. (4-1-1)

SITUATION 10: (a) Player No. 1 on Team A is wearing sport eyewear and (b) player No. 2 is wearing non-prescription sun glasses. Are these pieces of equipment legal? RULING: Legal in (a) and not legal in (b). (4-1-1)

SITUATION 11: Can schools put players' names on the backs of their jerseys? RULING: Yes, as long as the names don't obstruct the players' numbers. (4-1-1-j)

SITUATION 12: May players other than the goalkeeper wear gloves? RULING: Yes; however, if in the opinion of the referees the gloves are dangerous or confusing, they are illegal. (4-2-1)

SITUATION 13: Are padded headbands made of soft material legal for field players? RULING: Yes, as long as the product does not contain any hard or unyielding material. (4-2-3)

SITUATION 14: A player is wearing a protective face mask that is molded to the face with no protrusions. The player, who does not have a facial injury, has a medical release signed by a physician that suggests she wear the mask to prevent possible future injuries. RULING: Illegal. Only players with facial injuries are permitted to wear a protective face mask. (4-2-8)

SITUATION 15: A state association defines "immediate surroundings" to include that area between the field of play and the entrance to the parking lot. After the game, the referee is verbally assaulted by a coach (a) somewhere between the field of play and the parking lot; (b) in the parking lot. The referee gives a red card to the coach in both situations. RULING: Legal in (a), Illegal in (b). A report to the proper authority must be filed in both situations. (5-1-2)

SITUATION 16: During the pregame inspection just prior to the kickoff, a player dissents to the referee. The referee issues the player a caution. RULING: Legal. (5-1-2)

SITUATION 17: Is it permissible for officials to wear a shirt with the USSF logo on it? RULING: Only if permitted by the state association. (5-1-3)

SITUATION 18: Is it mandatory for the head referee to address coaches and players prior to the game about good sportsmanship? RULING: Yes. COMMENT: The NFHS has instituted this practice in all sports. (5-2-2)

SITUATION 19: Are officials mandated by rule to use the official NFHS Soccer Signals in a contest? RULING: Yes. (5-3-1-b)

SITUATION 20: If a game is terminated by the referee due to fighting, regardless of the score at the time, does the official have the authority to declare a winner? RULING: No. The matter must be reported to the state association, which will declare a winner. (7-1-3)

SITUATION 21: Under NFHS rules, must the player actually touch the ball to be judged offside for "interfering with play?" RULING: No. COMMENT: Although other rules bodies may interpret this way, the high school game does not require that the player touch the ball in this situation. (11-1-3, Diagrams 8, 12, 13)

SITUATION 22: A player from both Team A and Team B are involved in misconduct at the halfway line while Team A is in possession of the ball on the 18-yard line near Team B's goal. RULING: Allow the play to exhaust its momentum and then assess a card to both players for their actions. COMMENT: Since it is an on-the-field infraction, by rule there would be a restart with a drop ball at the spot of the fouls. (12-8-1, 2, 3)

SITUATION 23: The coach from Team B complains to the referee that the coach from Team A is text messaging his assistant coach who is in the spectator stands. RULING: Illegal. The coach must be cautioned for unsporting conduct. (12-8-1-e)

SITUATION 24: A head coach is assessed a second yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct. What should the official do? RULING: The proper procedure for a coach or bench personnel receiving a second yellow card is to disqualify that individual from the contest by displaying a red card (for second caution/yellow card) and request them to leave the immediate surroundings of the contest. (12-8-3)

SITUATION 25: If an assistant coach is awarded a subsequent (second) caution for unsportsmanlike conduct, must he/she leave the field? RULING: The issuance of a second caution to a coach or bench personnel results in the display of a red card and the coach/bench personnel is disqualified for the remainder of the contest and must leave the immediate surroundings of the field. (12-8-3)

SITUATION 26: A player from Team A is guilty of spitting at (a) an opponent and (b) a game official. The restart shall be a direct free kick in both situations. RULING: In (a) a direct free kick; in (b) an indirect free kick. (12-8-3 d and e)

New Interpretation in 2004: Quick Kick on Goal Kicks and other kicks taken from inside the penalty box. During a goal kick Team A quick kicks the ball to try and gain an offensive advantage while Team B still has a player inside the penalty box. The ball goes directly to a team B player outside of the box ( the ball has cleared the box). The Team B player then passes the ball to his/her team mate who was still in the box when the goal kick was taken. The lead official blows his whistle because B2 never cleared the box and received the ball form B1.

Interpretation: Play should be allowed to continue. The NR Rules Committee has determined that Team A had the opportunity to play the ball and legally placed the ball into play. The fact that Team A played the ball to an opponent as opposed to a team mate is an error by Team A. Once the opponent intercepts the ball he or she may play the ball forward to any team mate in an onside position. NOTE: Teams that try to take unfair advantage of the new interpretation by intentionally leaving players inside the box must not be allowed to gain an advantage. If referees sense players have been instructed to remain inside the box, they should take action!

SITUATION 1: If a game is terminated by the referee due to fighting, regardless of the score at the time, does the official have the authority to declare a winner? RULING: No. The matter must be reported to the state association, which will declare a winner. (7-1-3)

SITUATION 2: May the head coach send an assistant coach to the pregame conference with the head referee and captains to review pertinent rules, conduct the coin toss and verify that players are properly equipped? RULING: No. The NFHS Soccer Rules Committee now requires that the head coach attend this meeting and is not permitted to send an assistant coach. (5-2-2)

SITUATION 3: A player has a knee brace. She has a signed note from her orthopedic surgeon and a note from her athletic director. May the referee determine that the knee brace is dangerous and not allow her to play even though the girl was allowed to play last weekend wearing the same brace? RULING: Yes. The referee has the authority to determine whether equipment is dangerous or confusing. (5-2-2d 3)

SITUATION 4: Many school districts are building multi-use, artificial turf facilities primarily for soccer, football and track. May soccer goals be placed on the end line of the football field even if they are not two yards in front of the football goal posts? RULING: No. COMMENT: Rule 1-4-1 states that “portable goals…if used on football fields should be anchored at least 2 yards in front of the existing football goal posts.”

SITUATION 5: Can a team substitute an unlimited number of players from the bench after a) a caution, b) an injured player who is required to leave the field of play or c) after a goal is scored? RULING: In a) and b), a team may not substitute an unlimited number of players from the bench but may substitute for the cautioned/ injured player. In c), either team may substitute an unlimited number of players. (3-3-1, 3-3-2)

SITUATION 6: Under NFHS rules, must the player actually touch the ball to be judged offside for “interfering with play?” RULING: No. COMMENT: Although other rules bodies may interpret this way, the high school game does not require that the player touch the ball in this situation. (11-1-3; Diagrams 8, 12, 13)

SITUATION 7: Both teams have players checked in at the scorer’s table prior to a dead-ball substitution opportunity (injured player). Once the dead-ball substitution opportunity occurs and the referee beckons the players onto the field, must these players enter the field of play? RULING: Yes. (3-4-1a)

SITUATION 8: Are prescriptive sunglasses legal for play? RULING: Yes. (4-2-1)

SITUATION 9: May a team use a navy-and-white striped jersey as both home and away uniforms? RULING: No. COMMENT: There is no predominant color, and the home jersey must be light and away jerseys dark. (4-1-1)

SITUATION 10: Are sounding devices by spectators illegal? RULING: No, however, most state associations have regulations for tournament play that prohibit specific types of noise makers. COMMENT: If the sounding device is causing confusion on the field among officials or players, the official(s) has the authority to suspend play or terminate the game under 5-3-2g.

SITUATION 11: May player benches, scorer’s tables, fencing, bleachers or any objects be placed within 10 feet of the touch line or goal line? RULING: It is recommended that a 10-foot minimum boundary exist between the playing field and any object. (Soccer Field Diagram)

SITUATION 12: May a soccer game be played on a football field where all markings are in white? RULING: Yes, however, the NFHS recommends that the soccer markings contrast in color to the football markings. (1-2-1)

SITUATION 13: Can schools purchase nets with the name or mascot of the school stenciled on it? RULING: Yes. (1-4-2)

SITUATION 14: Neither team has substitutes at the scorer’s table when a player becomes injured. Can either team substitute an unlimited number of players? RULING: No, however, the injured player may be substituted for from the bench. (3-3-2b)

SITUATION 15: Can schools put players’ names on the backs of their jerseys? RULING: Yes, as long as the name doesn’t obstruct the player’s number. (4-1-1j)

SITUATION 16: May players other than the goalkeeper wear gloves? RULING: Yes, however, if in the opinion of the referees gloves are dangerous or confusing, they are illegal. (4-2-1)

SITUATION 17: Are warm-ups with multiple logos permitted to be worn by bench players or coaches? RULING: Yes. (4-1-1)

SITUATION 18: If a player is wearing shinguards no less than 2 inches above the ankle, are they legal even though the shinguard covers only half the shin? RULING: No. COMMENT: Shinguards must also be age- and size-appropriate and provide adequate protection. (4-1-1)

SITUATION 19: Are nose guards designed to protect a broken nose legal? RULING: No. (4-2-1) PLAYERS AS OF 2006 COULD WEAR A MOLDED FACE MASK

SITUATION 20: Is it legal to wear a guard over eye glasses? RULING: No. (4-2-1) PLAYERS AS OF 2006 COULD WEAR A MOLDED FACE MASK

SITUATION 21: Are padded headbands made of soft material legal for field players? RULING: Yes, as long as the product does not contain any hard or unyielding material. (4-2-3)

SITUATION 22: Are officials mandated by rule to use the official NFHS Soccer Signals in a contest? RULING: Yes. (5-3-1b)

SITUATION 23: Is it permissible for officials to wear a shirt with the USSF logo on it? RULING: Yes, if permitted by the state association. (5-1-3)

SITUATION 24: Is it mandatory for the head referee to address coaches and players prior to the game about good sportsmanship? RULING: Yes. COMMENT: The NFHS has instituted this practice in all sports. (5-2-2).