INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Clarifying when and how coaches can communicate with players highlighted the high school soccer rules changes approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Soccer Rules Committee at its January 21-23 meeting in Indianapolis. These changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. 

Effective with the 2013-14 season, coaches and players can communicate during a stoppage of play for an injury. Rule 3-3-1c(1) still requires a coach or appropriate health-care professional to have the approval of the referee before entering the field; however, teams may now huddle and receive coaching instruction during the stoppage, which previously was prohibited.

Another change in regard to communication involves electronic devices. While using electronic communication devices to communicate with on-field players is still prohibited, the use of electronic devices on the sideline is allowed. 

“If a coach is on the bench and wants to use a tablet-type device to video and then at halftime show the players the rights and wrongs, they are able to do that,” said Mark Koski, NFHS director of sports and events and liaison to the Soccer Rules Committee. 

Koski said the previous rule banned all communication devices, including cell phones, from the sideline. If such devices were found, a caution could have been issued.

Another of the seven rules changes involves the intentional fouling of a player who has an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. The new rule states that if a player commits a foul while attempting to deny an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the goal is scored, that player will be issued a yellow card. If the foul is considered serious foul play, however, the player will still be issued a red card. 

If a goal is not scored, the player who committed the foul will be issued a red card.

“The committee doesn’t want to penalize a team twice for the same play by having the goal scored against them, then to lose a player,” Koski said. “On the other hand, when a red card is issued when the shot is missed, the team is still suffering just a single blow.”

Revisions to two rules now require players to check in with the scorer/timer — or the referee if there is not a scorer/timer in place — prior to entering the game when a goal is scored or when a player is injured and removed from the field. After checking in, the player must wait until he or she is beckoned onto the field by the referee.

“This rule helps with game organization and allows officials to know who the players of record are,” Koski said. 

At the start of the half, the players can enter the field of play without being beckoned by an official. 

Another rules change for 2013-14 involves uniforms, specifically the use of tape on socks. Rule 4-1-1c requires both socks to be the same color and consist of a single dominant color. The change results in the use of tape that is applied outside of the sock, which now must be a similar color to the area of the sock to which it is applied.

The Soccer Rules Committee also approved a change to the definition of the “Free Kick.” The committee agreed that just tapping the top of the ball was not “putting it in play.” For the ball to be considered “in play,” it must be kicked and move.

Soccer is the fifth-most popular sport for boys and fourth among girls at the high school level. According to the 2011-12 High School Athletics Participation Survey, 411,757 boys are involved in soccer and 370,975 girls participate in the sport.

2012-13 Soccer Rules Changes

12-8-1f(13) - New; 12-8-2d(1):  There is a change in the penalty for an intentional hand ball by a player -- other than the goalkeeper in the penalty box -- who attempts to prevent a goal from being scored.  If the goal is prevented, the penalty remains a disqualification of the player; however, if the goal is scored, the penalty will now be a caution to the player who deliberately handled the ball.

 12-8-2c:  When a player receives a second caution in the same game, he/she will be disqualified with a red card and the team will now play the remainder of the game without replacing the disqualified player (play shorthanded).  The yellow and red card that was previously given for the second caution has been eliminated.

14-1-7 (new):  When, in the taking of a penalty kick, there is an unusual situation that causes a temporary suspension of play before the ball is played or touched by another player, or before the ball hits the goalpost or crossbar, the kick is retaken.  Previously, this would have resulted in a drop ball.

Points of Emphasis

1.  Player Equipment

2.  Equipment Changes

3.  Coaching During an Injury

4.  Goals

5.  Concussion management

2012-13 Editorial Changes

Soccer Field Diagram:  Change flag height to “minimum” 5’ high

3-1-3:  Each team shall submit a team roster, containing the first and last names and numbers of all players, substitutes, all bench personnel and all coaches, to the officials at least five minutes prior to the start of the contest. The game shall not begin until this is complete. Players, bench personnel and coaches may be added to the roster after the start of play. Goalkeepers may have two numbers listed on the roster, a goalkeeper’s number and a field player’s number.

3-3-1c1:  A coach or appropriate health-care professional may not enter the field without approval from a referee. During the time a coach or appropriate health-care professional is permitted on the field by the referee to attend to an injured player, coaching instruction shall not be given to any player on either team.

3-4-1b:  A substitute may enter the field of play after a score, when a player is injured and removed from the field or at the beginning of a period without being beckoned by the referee.

4-2-8:  A protective face mask may be worn by a player with a facial injury. The mask may be made of hard material, but must be worn molded to the face with no protrusions. A medical release for the injured player signed by an appropriate health-care professional shall be available at the game site.

5-1-2:  The jurisdiction of the officials shall begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the game and end with their leaving the field of play and its immediate surroundings. They shall enforce the rules, and their decisions on points of fact are final. The officials can only correct a decision so long as the game has not been restarted. The officials retain clerical authority over the contest through the completion of any reports, including those imposing disqualifications, that are responsive to actions occurring while the referees had jurisdiction. State associations may intercede in the event of unusual incidents that occur before, during or after the officials’ jurisdiction has ended or in the event that a contest is terminated prior to the conclusion of regulation play. Protests of NFHS rules are not recognized. The officials shall not use video replays to assist in any decision. The officials shall not use any tobacco products during this period.

5-3-1g – Notes: 1:  If a player, coach or bench personnel is being disqualified for a subsequent act of misconduct, the referee will show a yellow card indicating the subsequent caution followed immediately by showing a red card.

9-1-3:  The referee shall sound the whistle when needed to indicate that the ball is out of play or for a foul. As soon as the ball is in position to be played, it may be played without a second whistle. A second whistle is required to restart play for the taking of a penalty kick, after a substitution is made, after a caution, disqualification, injury and after setting a wall prior to a free kick.

12-1-2 Situation:  Player A2 trips B2 but B2 maintains control of the ball. RULING: Foul. The referee may stop play and award a direct free kick or invoke the advantage clause.

12-4-3:  The goalkeeper in possession of the ball shall not be interfered with or impeded in any manner by an opponent. This includes the act of bouncing the ball or dropping the ball for a kick or attempting to throw the ball or tossing the ball in the air to recatch. When goalkeepers put the ball on the ground, they relinquish their rights as goalkeepers.

14-1-3:  The opposing goalkeeper shall stand on the goal line, between the goal posts, until the ball is kicked. Lateral movement is allowed, but the goalkeeper is not permitted to come off the line by stepping or lunging forward until the ball is in play.  PENALTY (ARTICLES 2 AND 3): Infringement by the defending team is not penalized if the goal is scored. If a goal is not scored on the penalty kick, it is retaken. If there is an infringement by the attacking team and the ball enters the goal, the goal does not count and the kick shall be retaken. If there is encroachment by the attacking team and the ball does not go into the goal, there is no rekick. If the ball rebounds into play or is deflected out of bounds by the goalkeeper, the game shall be stopped and restarted with an indirect free kick for the defending team at the location of the encroachment. If the ball is saved and held by the goalkeeper, play shall continue. In cases where players from both teams are guilty of infringements, the kick shall be retaken regardless of the outcome of the kick.

17-1:  EXCEPTION: A corner kick shall be awarded to the opposing team when a free kick taken from outside the penalty area goes untouched into a team’s own goal.

Dual-Officiating System (Pregame Conference):  NOTE: A reserve official may be assigned to a tournament in order to assure game officiating continuity in the event one of the assigned officials is unable to officiate as assigned. When a reserve official is assigned, the tournament authority will clearly state the officiating position to be assumed by the reserve official in the event a head referee or referee is unable to officiate. The reserve official is under the jurisdiction of the head referee and performs those duties assigned by the head referee. The reserve official’s normal station is at the table inside the officials’ area during play.

Dual-Officiating:  System (Penalty Kicks):  Deleted arrow in center circle of diagram

Diagonal-Officiating
System (Free Kick at the Halfway Line):  Align AR1 with the second to last defender

Double-Dual System (The Goal Kick):  Delete second soccer ball and second CR from diagram

SITUATION 1: A player who is not listed on the roster scores a goal. The goal is allowed. RULING: Legal.
Since players may be added to the roster after the start of play, a goal by a player who is not on the roster should be allowed and the player’s name and number should be added to the roster.  (3.1.3 Situation A)

SITUATION 2: Goalkeeper A fouls Opponent B in the penalty area resulting in a penalty kick for Team B. Goalkeeper A is disqualified for committing serious foul play. Team A is permitted to substitute a goalkeeper from the bench but must have a field player leave the field. RULING: Team A must play short due to the disqualification (12-8-2, 12-8-4), but must have a goalkeeper (3-1-1).  (3.3.2 SITUATION B)

SITUATION 3: After a goal is scored, the coach for Team A sends substitute A2 directly into the game from the bench without reporting to the scorer for player A3. RULING: Legal.  (3.4.1 SITUATION B)

SITUATION 4: Team A arrives wearing striped jerseys that have large, light blue-and-white alternating stripes. Two members of Team A are wearing visible light red T-shirts beneath their jerseys. RULING: Legal. Striped jerseys are permissible for the visiting team as long as the predominate color is dark. Jerseys with equal-sized stripes that have both dark and white stripes do not have a predominant dark color and would be illegal. Also, shirts may be worn under the jersey as long as the shirts are the same color and of similar length.  (4.1.1 Situation D)

SITUATION 5: Prior to the game, the referee recognizes that Team A has two goalkeepers – one with a red jersey and the number 15 on the back and front, and one with a blue jersey with the number 15 on the back and front. RULING: Illegal. The jerseys must coordinate with the numbers on the roster.  (4.1.1 Situation I)

SITUATION 6: Prior to the game, the referee recognizes that Team A (the home team) has (a) solid white jerseys with blue numbers on the front and red numbers on the back; (b) solid white jerseys with multiple-colored numbers on the front and back; (c) white jerseys with red-and-blue piping and blue numbers on the front and red numbers on the back. RULING: (a) Legal, if clearly visible; (b) Legal, if clearly visible; (c) Illegal, beginning with the fall 2013 season.  (4.1.1 Situation M)

SITUATION 7: During a shot on goal, B2, in the penalty area, reaches out and deflects the ball. Just as B2 deflects the ball with the hands, A2 kicks the free ball and (a) it goes into the goal; (b) does not go into the goal. RULING: In (a), award a goal and caution B2; in (b), call handling, award a penalty kick and disqualify B2.  (12-8-1-f6, 7), (12-8-2-d1), (14-1-1) (5.3.1 Situation A) 

SITUATION 8: Near the end of the first half, the visiting coach is cautioned by a referee for unsportsmanlike conduct. The coach continues to indicate, by gestures, dissatisfaction with the referee’s decision. RULING: The coach shall be disqualified and removed from the vicinity of the playing area. The coach shall be prohibited from further contact, direct or indirect, with the team members during the remainder of the game. Failure to comply shall result in termination of the game. The incident shall be reported in writing to the proper authorities by the head referee.  (5-4-lb, 12-8-3) (5.3.1 Situation B) 

SITUATION 9: Player A2 trips B2 but B2 maintains control of the ball. RULING: Foul. The referee may stop play and award a direct free kick or invoke the advantage clause.  (12.1.2 Situation)

SITUATION 10: Player A2 is cautioned by the official and is leaving the field. Player B2 approaches Player A2 and applauds in Player A2’s face and follows A2 off the field, continuing to applaud. RULING: Illegal. The official will disqualify B2 for taunting and not permit a substitution.  (12.8.2 Situation A)

SITUATION 11: Player A2 dribbles along the goal line into the penalty area. The goalkeeper comes out of the goal mouth to challenge A2. A2 pushes the ball by the goalkeeper and steps off the field to go around the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper then steps off the field and violently fouls A2 to prevent A2 from completing the play. RULING: The referee must stop play, disqualify the goalkeeper and restart play with an indirect free kick from the location of the ball at the stoppage or the goal area line as appropriate.  (12.8.2 Situation B)

SITUATION 12: A person within Team A’s team area spits at the referee. RULING: The person, if identifiable, is disqualified. If not identifiable, the coach is disqualified (12-8-3b). The game is restarted with an indirect free kick to the opposing team from the point where the ball was when play was stopped.  (12.8.2 Situation C)

SITUATION 13: Player A2 has the ball in Team B’s penalty area. Team B’s athletic trainer uses foul language to the referee. RULING: The referee should apply the advantage clause if there is a clear advantage to Team A. At the next stoppage, the referee should disqualify the athletic trainer. If the referee stops play for the disqualified athletic trainer, the game is restarted because of misconduct with an indirect free kick by Team A from the point where the ball was when the time was stopped.  (12.8.2 Situation D)

SITUATION 14: Between periods or during the halftime interval, a team member directs offensive, insulting or abusive language at an official. The team member is disqualified. The team will be able to play with 11 players the next period. RULING: Legal. A team does not play short for a team member disqualified during an interval between periods.  (12.8.2 Situation F)

SITUATION 15: With the game in progress, a fight breaks out between opposing players on the field. As the altercation expands to other field players, the assistant referee observes a substitute from the Team A bench entering into the fracas. After stoppage of the game and establishment of control by officials, the assistant referee informs the referee of his observance of the Team A substitute, also mentioning he did not see the substitute actually throw a punch. RULING: The Team A substitute observed will be disqualified for leaving the team area to enter into the altercation on the field.  (12.8.2 Situation G)

SITUATION 16: After entering the field of play, the referee finds two opposing players guilty of using abusive language and disqualifies them from the game before it begins. RULING: Legal.  (12.8.2 Situation H)

SITUATION 17: Player A2, having been cautioned earlier in the game, commits a second cautionable offense. RULING: Stop play, show the yellow card, sequentially show the red card to disqualify A2 and do not permit a substitution for the disqualified player.  (12.8.2 Situation I)

SITUATION 18: Player A2 takes a penalty kick, but before the ball touches another player, or before the ball hits the crossbar or goalpost; (a) a dog runs on the field and stops the ball; (b) the ball bursts; (c) a spectator throws an object that stops or deflects the ball. RULING: In (a), (b) and (c), retake the kick regardless of the outcome of the kick.  (14.1.7 Situation)

Printable Version -- Please print and place in your rulebook for future reference.

Rule 1-5-2 & 6-3-1 Scoretable - Schools shall provide a scorer and scoretable for all varsity contests.

Rule 4-2-1f - Soft and yielding caps may be worn during inclement weather.

Rule 5-1-1 - Note Schools must use a single referee and two WIAA licensed assistant referees for all varsity duals (conference and nonconference).

Rule 7-1-3 Suspended Games - In the event a game must be suspended because conditions make it impossible to continue before one complete half has been played, the game will continue from that point unless both coaches agree to let the recorded score stand. If at least one half of the game has been completed, the game is an official game.

Rule 7-1-5 Mercy Rule - Following the completion of the first half, any time the score differential reaches ten or more goals, the coaches may mutually agree to end the game. After 60 minutes of play, if there is a score differential of 10 or more the game shall end.

Rule 7-3-1 Contests Ending in a Tie - Overtime shall not be played at the JV or freshmen level. Penalty kicks could be used to determine which team would advance in a tournament bracket.

Regular Season - When the score is tied at the end of regulation time, the referee will instruct both teams to return to their respective team boxes. There will be 5 minutes during which both teams may confer with their coaches and the head referee will instruct both teams as to proper procedure.

1. There shall be a maximum of two 10-minute overtime periods (Note: Sudden Victory):
a. A coin toss shall be held as in Rule 5-2-2(e)(2).
b. At the end of the first 10-minute overtime period, teams shall change ends. There shall be a two-minute interval between periods.
2. If a tie still exists following the two overtime periods, the game will remain a tie. Overtime shall not be played at the JV or freshmen level. Penalty kicks could be used to determine which team would advance in a tournament bracket.

WIAA Tournament Series - Follow the procedures outlined above with the following additions:

1. The head referee shall choose the goal at which all of the penalty kicks from the penalty line shall be taken.
2. Each coach will select any five players, including the goalkeeper, on or off the field (except those who may have been disqualified) to take the penalty kicks.
3. A coin toss shall be held as in Rule 5-2-2(e). The team winning the toss shall have the choice of kicking first or second.
4. Teams will alternate kickers. There is no follow-up on the kick.
5. Following five kicks for each team, the team scoring on the greatest number of these kicks shall be declared the winner.
6. Add one goal to the winning team score and credit the team with a victory.
7. If the score remains tied after each team has had five penalty kicks:
a. Each coach will select five different players than the first five who already have kicked to take the kicks in a sudden victory situation, wherein if one team scores and the other team does not score, the game is ended without more kicks being taken.
b. If the score remains tied, continue the sudden victory kicks with the coach selecting any five players to take the next set of alternating penalty kicks. If a tie still remains, repeat 7a.

Rule 12-8 Misconduct

1. Yellow cards received must be counted. Once a player has accumulated five yellow cards during the regular season, they are suspended for the next game. Three more yellow cards, they are suspended for two games. At the start of the WIAA tournament series, a player will start with a clean slate if they have accumulated less than five yellow cards during the regular season, otherwise their yellow card count continues. During the WIAA tournament series, once a player accumulates three yellow cards, they are suspended for the next game; three more yellows, suspended for two games, etc. Any yellow cards received by the coach will count toward the 24 card total. All yellow cards issued in a varsity game must be reported to the WIAA.
2. If a player receives a red card or a second yellow card resulting in disqualification, that individual is suspended for the next scheduled game. These are minimum penalties. All red cards must be reported to the appropriate head coach and to the WIAA. Note: Any team whose players, during the regular season, collectively receive a total of 24 or more yellow cards (including all second yellow/red cards) will be prohibited from participating in the WIAA State Tournament series.

STATE ASSOCIATION REGULATIONS

Officials will be required to submit a game report to the WIAA following the completion of any vasity dual or multischool tournament if any yellow or red cards are issued.

Pre-Game Protocol (varsity), five-minutes prior to scheduled kickoff:

1. Official blows whistle and teams move to bench area.
2. Teams lineup on the touch line and shake hands.
3. National Anthem and/or player introductions.
4. Play begins.
5. No required handshakes at end of game. Officials leave the area immediately.

STATE ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that when a field clock is used, the clock shall be counted up from 0:00 to 40:00.

POSITION STATEMENT REGARDING SOCCER HEADGEAR

The incidence of concussions in high school sports, including soccer, has been of interest and concern to the NFHS SMAC for many years. Increased knowledge, awareness, and public attention have produced major changes in management of concussions, and the NFHS SMAC continues to evaluate opportunities to improve safety and reduce concussion risks in all high school sports. The definition and methodology for initial assessments for return-to-play decisions have evolved over the last several years. Instruments such as neuropsychological and balance testing have aided researchers and clinicians to better serve our students who have suffered concussions.

At this time, the use of soccer headgear is permitted, but not required under the NFHS soccer rules. We know of no state that has chosen to require such use on a state-wide basis, though some schools or school districts may be doing so. Member state associations, school districts, schools, parents and students are free to make their own assessments regarding the advisability of soccer headgear.

The NFHS and other governing bodies tend to move cautiously with respect to equipment mandates, as unintended consequences (e.g. the possibility of more cervical injuries or increased aggressive play) are an ongoing concern. As additional research and information become available, the NFHS SMAC will continue to evaluate the situation, share the information with member state associations, and determine the advisability of a change in the current position. Risk management for our student athletes continues to be the primary goal and mission of the NFHS SMAC. We remain committed to that end.

A proposal to create administrative rules related to soccer goals has been sent by the Safety and Building Division of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce to the state legislature for assembly and senate committee review.

The proposal to create administrative code chapter Comm 9, Movable Soccer Goals, is in response to 2009 Wisconsin Act 390, s. 167.21, Wis. Stats., which calls for rules to ensure that movable soccer goals are properly anchored or secured to reduce the possibility of goals tipping over or being pull down and resulting in injuries or fatalities.

The proposals developed reflect the Guidelines for Movable Soccer Goal Safety from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The rules would apply to new and existing goals located at public places, such as parks, as well as those located at private schools or private recreational facilities. Enforcement would be via a complaint to Safety and Buildings Division staff, but the expectation is that owners of movable soccer goals will voluntarily adhere to the rules once the information is made public.

There was previously a public hearing on the rules and the public can contact the legislative committees if additional input is desired. The rules would possibly be effective July 1, 2011.

Here is a like to the code proposal documents, commerce.wi.gov/SB/SB-CodeDevelopment.html

For additional information, contact Jim Quast, Safety and Buildings Division Program Manager, jim.quast@wi.gov, 608-266-9292.

2012 Shinguard Requirement

Beginning with the 2012 fall season, the NOCSAE seal and height range shall be permanently marked on the front of the shinguard.  Equipment shall not be modified from its original manufactured state and shall be worn in the manner the manufacturer intended it to be worn.  

WHITE SOCCER JERSEY REQUIRED

Effective in 2013

Beginning with the 2013 fall soccer season, the home team will be required to wear solid WHITE jerseys and socks and the visiting team shall wear dark jerseys and socks. This is according to a re- cent newsletter we received from the National Federation with the rule changes for next year. The only area of the jersey in which you may have color is the number, school name, or manufacturer logo. No colored trim.

The requirement for white jerseys is a change from the existing rule that allows a team to wear “light” jerseys at home. This will be a requirement for varsity teams only. Any light jerseys currently being used at the varsity level could be used for subvarsity teams.

This requirement is very similar to the change that was made in the sport of basketball in 2008. In addition, beginning with the 2012 fall season, the goalkeeper jersey will be required to have a number on the back and on the front of the jersey or short similar to a field playerʼs jersey. The number on the back must be a minimum of 6” in height and the front number 4” in height.

Beginning in the fall of 2012, only those names, patches, emblems, logos or insignias referencing the school are permitted on the team uniform. This rule addition prohibits players from wearing any names, patches, emblems, or insignias that represent any soccer club, soccer association or spon- sor(s) on their uniform. This rule clarifies that only names, patches, emblems or insignias that repre- sent their school are permitted.

updated 7/12