Microsoft Word - 2022-23-soccer-guide NCAA NFHS IFAB FINAL Correction

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A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RULES AND LAWS

2022-23 SOCCER GUIDE

TOPIC

NCAA

HIGH SCHOOL IFA

IFAB/FIFA B –

USSF

Terminology -

(It is important to

use the proper

terminology,

especially in writing

game reports)

Rules

Ejection

Drop Ball

Game

Overtime

Penalty

Coaching and Team Area

Terminated Game

Alternate Official

Impeding Progress of opponent

Rules

Disqualification

Drop Ball

Game

Overtime

Penalty

Official and Team Area

Terminated Game

Official

Obstruction

Laws

Send Off

Dropped Ball

Match

Extra Time

Sanction

Technical Area

Abandoned Match

Official / Additional Assist.

(AAR), Video Assist. Referees

Impedes Progress of Opponent

Interpretations

Approved Rulings (A,R.)

appearing in the Rule book

are official decisions of the

NCAA. The NCAA

secretary/rules editor can be

contacted for interpretations.

Play Rulings in the Rules book

are interpretations approved by

the NFHS Soccer Rules

Committee. Member state

associations of the NFHS

independently make decisions

regarding compliance with or

modifications of the playing

rules for the student athletes in

their respective states. The

Rules describe 3 systems of

mechanics that may be used;

the Dual Officiating System,

The Diagonal System of

Control (DSC) and the Double-

Dual System.

Decisions of the Int’l. F.A. Board

are official interpretations.

Additional Interpretations in the

U.S. can be obtained initially

through the U.S. Soccer Referee

Department or the State Director

Instruction (SDI). The IFAB

Laws of the Game Book has

been updated for 2022-23 as of

July1.. The Diagonal System of

Control (DSC) is described in

other IFAB and USSF

publications.

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TOPIC NCAA NFHS IFAB/FIFA

FIELD OF PLAY RULE 1 RULE 1 LAW 1

11 Yd.

Encroachment

Hash Mark from

corner

Mandatory – Correct before

match, if not possible, begin

game and file report. Only on

goal line. No provision for

touchline

Same as IFAB

Optional both off of goal line and

off of touchline

Penalty Kick Mark 2-foot Line or 9” diameter spot Same as NCAA 9 inch diameter spot

Goal Nets Mandatory Same as NCAA Nets may be attached to the goals

and the ground behind the goal.

Coaching and

Team Area

20 yards long and at least 5

ft. from touchline, benches at

least 10

yds. apart

Caution to coach who

coaches outside

the area

after a first verbal

warning

and IFK where ball

was if

game stopped.

Ejection for 3rd offence. R

12.14

Same size as NCAA except

benches 20 yds. apart and at

least 10 ft. from touchline.

Caution to coach who leaves

this area. R 1, Sec. 5. Benches

should be on same side of field

– if not, benches should be

diagonally opposed from each

other on opposite side of field

Specifies a Technical Area. Only

one person at a time may convey

information to the players

Coach

communication

Coaches who are eligible to

participate may communicate

with each other electronically

either on or offsite.

No provision but no phones or

radios allowed during play.

Communication devices on

sideline only. Cannot

communicate with players.

Only medical personnel can use

electronic communication to relay

information on injured players

Padded Goal Posts Not Sanctioned

A white commercially made

pad at least 72” in height and a

max. of 1” thick may be placed

on the vertical posts.

Not Sanctioned

Goal Post

Placement

Goal lines must be the same

width as the goal posts and

crossbars.

Rear of each goal post shall be

on the outer edge of the goal

line. R 1, Sec. 4, Art. 1

Goal lines must be the same width

as the goal posts and crossbars.

Field Conditions for

play to start and

continue

Determination made by

referee

Prior to start of game, host

institution representative

determines; thereafter

determination is made by

referee.

Determination made by referee.

Games played

indoors

Game may be played indoors No provision Games may be played in indoor

stadiums.

Turf Fields Permitted – no restrictions Same as NCAA

Turf fields must meet the

requirements of the FIFA Quality

Pro

ramme for Football Turf.

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TOPIC NCAA NFHS IFAB/FIFA

THE BALL RULE 2 RULE 2 LAW 2

Number of Balls

No fewer than 5, identical

balls. At least 4 ball persons

at least 10 yrs. of age.

Recommended to wear

colored vests. Pressure of

balls – 8.5 to 15.6 psi

3 or more of similar quality.

Must have NFHS logo

displayed, supplied by home

team or referee can select

from visitor if unavailable.

Inflate to manuf. spec. At least

2 ball holders.

1 required, others may be used if

available. For major international

matches – IFAB marking

required. Ballas can be spaced

around the field to speed up play

during the game. Ball

pressure-

8.5 to 15.6 lbs./sq in.

PLAYERS AND

SUBSTITUTES

RULE 3 RULE 3 LAW 3

Team Roster

REQUIRED to be presented

to referee, scorekeeper, and

other coach 30 mins. prior to

game. Copy for referee

should not show total

cautions and ejections.

Terminate if not given

REQUIRED to be presented by

coach or player to referee 5

mins. prior to game. Names

may be added to roster after

start of play. Player numbers

required on roster

Names of subs given to referee

prior to match (3 to 12

in top

level matches only 6 may

used). List of subs must be

given

to referee before the match

When Substitutions

Allowed

Either Team: End of period;

goal; goal kick; player

removed for equipment

change (other team may sub

equal number); injury or

caution (only players involved

– other team may sub like

number); bleeding injury;

blood on uniform; or signs of

concussion must be subbed

and can return on any

stoppage if cleared by

medical personnel (not

charged with reentry)

GK ejected (team plays short

but may sub for GK-no sub

for other team. Player leaves

field for equipment change

without sub, may return at

next stoppage

Either Team: Unlimited at end

of period; goal; goal kick

(players must have already

reported to scorer); caution

(player must go out); injury if

referee stops clock, player

must go out including

goalkeeper; disqualification

(but not for disqualified player);

blood on player or uniform or

any sign of concussion (may

not return until cleared by

health care professional. When

Bench player carded, and subs

have already reported. All subs

must be beckoned onto field

except before start of a period.

Player leaving for improper

equipment may be subbed for

and after corrected may

reenter at next dead ball

At any stoppage with permission

of referee.

Player leaving for equip. change

or repair can reenter during play

with permission of referee.

Free substitution allowed and

subbed

player allowed back in for

youth,

veterans, and disability

teams.

Sub entering field without

permission – Indirect Free Kick to

opponents and Caution (Yellow

Card)

12 men on field when goal is

scored – Direct Free kick from

position of the extra player.

continued

Team in Possession: Throw-

in or corner kick (if sub,

opposing team may also sub).

Players

must have reported

to scorer

prior to ball going

Team in Possession: Same as

NCAA

See above

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TOPIC NCAA NFHS IFAB/FIFA

PLAYERS AND

SUBSTITUTES

RULE 3 RULE 3 LAW 3

When Substitute

Becomes a Player

of Record

Restrictions of

Substitution

When beckoned on by referee

during first 85 mins. of match.

During last 5 mins., when

referee signals the

clock to stop if the leading

team substitutes

During 1st half and in each

overtime period – no reentry.

One reentry in 2nd half (R3,

Sec5). GK allowed one

reentry in each period and

each overtime

When beckoned onto field by

the referee

A player substituted for may

reenter an unlimited number of

times in the match

When the substitute enters the

field (must be at the

halfway

line). Player being

replaced must

leave the field at

the nearest

point on boundary

line, not

necessarily at the center

Player replaced may not reenter

the match (this differs in many

local competitions and youth

matches. (Refer to local league

laws)

Changing of

Goalkeeper with

Field

Player

During any stoppage with

referee’s permission. Verbal

warning to both players at

next stoppage for violation.

No sub from the bench for GK

during a penalty kick (unless

or GK e

ection

)

Whenever clock is stopped or

at a substitution time with after

notifying referee. Both players

verbally warned for any

violation

During any stoppage with

referee’s permission. Caution

both players for violation when

ball is out of play

Withdrawing a

Reported

Substitute

Sub is not required to enter

but is charged with a reentry

Once beckoned onto field by

referee, sub must enter

No requirement

PLAYER’S

EQUIPMENT

RULE 4 RULE 4 LAW 4

Casts, Facemasks,

“Ankle Braces”,

Monitoring Devices

and head covers

Casts permitted if covered

and not considered

dangerous by referee.

Facemasks permitted.

Players may wear a device to

monitor data which can be

used during the match. Data

collection devices visible

outside the uniform subject

to referee inspection.

Hard casts or splints must be

padded with closed cell foam at

least 1/2” thick. Facemask, if

worn, must be molded to the

face with no protrusions; player

must have a medical release at

game site signed by a

physician for use of mask;

Metal ankle braces must be

worn inside socks; non-metal

may be worn outside of sock.

Soft padded headbands

allowed. Capt. armband, if

worn, must be on arm. Heart

monitors allowed. Head

covering allowed if approved

by state. Hearing aids legal

Referee’s discretion – check for

safety and require padding if cast

is hard or dangerous.

Soft

facemasks permitted if

referee

deems them not

dangerous.

Head covers allowed if black or

same color as jersey. May not be

attached to jersey.

Monitoring

devices (EPTS)

allowed but may

not be received

or used during

the match in the

technical area

Goalkee

ers ca

s allowed

Uniform Numbers

8” number of back of jersey

and 4” number on front of

jersey including GK

6” number of back of jersey

including GK, 4” number on

front of jersey or on shorts

Nothing specified in Laws



TOPIC NCAA NFHS IFAB/FIFA

PLAYER’S

EQUIPMENT

RULE 4 RULE 4 LAW 4

Visible Apparel

Under Uniform and

Stockings

Including arm and

leg sleeves

(NFHS)

Visible apparel worn under

shirt or shorts, must be a solid

color and recommended that

matches dominant color of

the garment. Same color must

be worn by all team members

wearing undergarments

If worn under shorts or jersey,

must be solid like color for

team and similar length for

individual.

Can differ from

uniform color.

Both socks must

be of similar

dominant color. If

tape is

applied over sock, it

must be of

similar color as that

part of the

sock.

All visible undergarments (shirt or

shorts) must be same main color

as uniform shirt or shorts. Shirts

must have sleeves. Any tape or

any material applied over the

stockings must be the same color

as that part of the stocking

Uniform Colors

Home team responsible to

ensure their uniforms (shirt

and socks) contrast to those

of the visitor

Home Team – Jerseys and

socks must be dark color;

visitors - white jerseys and

solid white socks.

Nothing specified in Laws; no

political, religious, or personal

statements permitted

Jerseys Tucked-In Not specified Not required Not specified

Goal Keeper’s

Jersey and Socks

Jersey must differ from all

field players and stockings

must differ from opponent’s

field players

Must differ from all other

players, but Jersey can be

same color as opponent’s GK.

Socks must differ from

opponents’ socks

Must differ from all players and

officials. May be same color as

opposing Goalkeeper

Jewelry

Not permitted except for

“Medic Alert” bracelets or

necklaces if taped to player’s

body. Sanction is clock to be

stopped, player ordered off

field (no sub) until next sub

opportunity. Cannot tape over

Not permitted, except medical

or religious medals which must

be taped under uniform.

“Medical Alert” bracelet must

be taped and may be visible.

Colored

mouth protectors

allowed. Cannot tape over

Not permitted. Tape over is not

permitted

Shin guards NOCSAE standard required

NOCSAE standard required.

Seal and height range of

player must be stamped on

outside

Shin guards required –

must be made of a

suitable material to

provide reasonable

protection.

THE REFEREE RULE 5 RULE 5 LAW 5

System of Match

Control

Diagonal System of Control

(DSC) shall be used. If one

official fails to appear, the

dual system may be used

only if it is impossible to

secure a replacement

official to operate the DSC.

DSC, Dual (2 referee) or

Double Dual (3 referee)

systems authorized

DSC Only – may use club

linesmen if necessary. May use

Additional Assist. Referees

(AAR) and video assistant

referees (VAR). Some youth

leagues may use only center ref.



TOPIC NCAA NFHS IFAB/FIFA

THE REFEREE RULE 5 RULE 5 LAW 5

Power to Forfeit or

Terminate Match

Terminate if coach will not

end discussion or leave the

field; team refuses to return to

field with 3 mins; failure to

submit roster prior to match.

If a team is not on field within

15 mins of game time it is

declared “no contest”.

Referee can suspend game.

If game is terminated less

than 70 mins into match, it is

declared “no contest”

Forfeit if less than 7 players,

however, if below 7 due to

equipment problem, minor

injury or blood, wait for

treatment or correction.

Referee can terminate if team

refuses to play, no crossbar,

etc.

Referee has no power to declare

a forfeit but may suspend or

terminate a match

Authority Begins

and Ends

Begins when referee arrives

at site and referee must arrive

at least 30 minutes prior to

scheduled game time and

authority ends when officials

leave the game site

Begins when referee enters

field or surroundings and at

least 15 mins. prior to start of

game and ends when officials

leave the field and its

immediate surroundings

Begins when officials enter the

field area and ends after the

match ends (including kicks

form the penalty mark).

Referee Uniform

Deleted previous text.

Officials must wear matching

jerseys that are different from

both teams field players. Cap

permissible, Shoes-mainly

black. No jewelry except for

watch.

Officially approved jerseys

and socks coming in 2023.

As set by State Association,

but usually the same shirt as

USSF. Black shorts or long

trousers, black stockings with

white top stripes

Predominantly black shoes. In

some states, black and white

striped shirts are worn. Solid

black cap may be worn. Shirt

must differ from field players,

but not goalkeepers

Shirts – Gold, black, green, red

or blue, Socks-black with three

white top bands or solid black

with logo mid-calf. Caps not

specified but generally permitted

if conditions warrant in club

matches. Not generally worn in

top matches

Whistles and Hand

Signals

Whistle used for kickoff,

penalty kicks, and to signal

play stoppage. Other whistles

discretionary. Signals are

used for throw-in direction,

indirect and direct free kick,

goal corner kicks, corner and

goal kicks, advantage with

verbal “play-on” Timeout

signal is specified

Whistles same as NCAA, used

also to signal restarts after

substitutions, injuries, and time

stoppage; when a card is given

and on encroachment;

discretionary if needed when

ball goes out of play. Hand

signals same as NCAA but

adds a wind-up motion to start

clock after time has stopped;

goal signal; one arm signal

may be used for advantage

call

instead of two arms

Whistle used for kick-off, penalty

kick, restarts and stoppages, as

necessary. Signals – same as

NCAA except no signal

for clock

stoppage. If needed,

one arm

signal may be used for

advantage call instead of two

arms. IFK signal need not be

held after kick is taken if scoring

would be improbable



TOPIC NCAA NFHS IFAB/FIFA

THE REFEREE RULE 5 RULE 5 LAW 5

Time Keeping

Home team clock is

official,

referee takes

over on

malfunction.

Game ends when

signal sounds or

clock shows

0:00.

Timer counts last 10

seconds

down to

zero. Last 5 mins. of

game, referee has

discretion to

allow

clock to run or stop

when

losing team

player is carded

Referee keeps time

only by

agreement of

the coaches or

state

association –

otherwise,

home team

controls clock.

Timer

counts down last 10

seconds.

Referee keeps official

time

and indicates how

much

additional time is

to be

added in half and

match for

time lost

Pre-game

Conference

Nothing specified at

coin toss. Head coach must

attend with

captain(s).

Referee address

sportsmanship and

inquires of

the coaches

if players are

properly

and legally equipped.

Nothing specified in

Laws

2nd Caution

Mechanics

for Displaying

Cards

Display yellow card

and then

red card

sequentially.

Same as NCAA Display yellow card and then

red card sequentially.

Post-Game Score

Verification

All officials must approve box

score. Jurisdiction over the

score

and statistics

ends upon signing.

Once score sheet is

signed and

released

for publication,

coaches, players and

other

personnel bear

the burden of

errors.

Protests may be filed

only up to 48 hours

after game.

Head referee must

verify

score

A match report to the

appropriate authorities is

required

Ball strikes an

official

Play on. If ball goes

into goal or

possession changes,

drop ball

Drop Ball to player 0f

team

that possessed

last

Dropped ball to return

possession to team

originally in control



TOPIC NCAA NFHS IFAB/FIFA

THE A.R.

and

OTHER

OFFICIALS

RULE 6

LAW 6

Other

game

personnel

The timekeeper and

scorekeeper are required. An

Alternate Official (AO) may be

used. A minimum of 4 ball

persons over the age of 10 is

recommended

A scorer and timer are

preferably used designated by

home school, but by

agreement of coaches, both

functions may be performed by

the head referee. At least 2

ball holders are provided by

home team. A 4th official may

be used.

A 4th official may be used. In

some leagues, additional

assistant referees located

beyond the goal lines. A reserve

assistant referee may be

appointed to the game. VMO’s

can be appointed if deemed

necessary.

Signal to Inform

Referee that a

Foul

by Defender

was

Inside

Penalty

Area

AR moves smartly to the

corner

No signal specified AR moves smartly to the corner or

what referee recommends in pre-

game discussion.

DURATION

RULE 7 RULE 7 LAW 7

Length of periods

2- 45 min. periods. In regular

season 2-10 min. sudden

victory overtimes in post

season only. For post-

season

tournaments, see R

7.1.2,

which includes kicks

from the

penalty mark after

the

overtime periods. Periods

end

when clock reaches 0:00

even if no horn sounds.

2- 40 min. periods or 4-20 min

quarters

Overtime allowed by state

association, up to 20 mins.

maximum, sudden victory may

be permitted by state during

regular season. Post-season

tie breaking procedures are left

to state associations.

2-45 min. periods plus

allowances for time lost due to

subs., injury, time wasting, etc.

The local rules of competition

may allow for 2 full overtime

periods not to exceed 15 mins.

each as well as kicks from the

penalty mark.

Official Game

A suspended game of less

than 70 minutes is declared

“no contest”. If at least 70

mins. have been played the

game is official. A

suspended game may be

resumed at a later date from

the point of interruption

Official game if one half has

been played unless otherwise

set forth by state association. If

suspended

during the first half,

state

association determines if

game

is to be rescheduled

from the

beginning or from the

poin

suspension.

An abandoned match is replayed

unless the competition rules or

organizers determine otherwise.

Half-time and

Overtime

(OT)

Intervals

15 mins for half time except

post-season by agreement,

less by prior consent of

coaches and officials.

Between end of game and

first OT period – 5 mins.

Between overtime periods – 2

mins. Water break allowed if

WBGT

temp is 86° or higher.

10 minutes for half- time

unless otherwise agreed by

coaches. Between end of

game and first OT period – 5

minutes. Time between

overtime periods, 2 minutes.

Players are entitled to a halftime

interval. It must not exceed 15

mins.



TOPIC NCAA NFHS IFAB/FIFA

DURATION OF

GAME

RULE 7

RULE 7 LAW 7

Clock stops

Goal, penalty kick, cards, & at

discretion of referee (injury,

time wasting, etc.). Subs

during last 5 mins. of 2nd half

and 2

by leading team

and special

TV timeouts.

Also, if player

shows signs of

concussion.

Goal, penalty kick, yellow and

red cards, and at discretion of

referee, (to assess possible

injury, time wasting, etc.) Subs

during last 5 mins. of 2nd half

by leading team

Allowance for lost time in each

half for all playing time lost in

that half through: substitution,

assessment and/or removal of

injured players, wasting time,

disciplinary sanctions, medical

stoppages (drink & cooling

breaks

)

VAR checks.

START OF PLAY RULE 8 RULE 8 LAW 8

Coin Toss – winner

Choice of goal or kick off.

Same procedure for 1st

sudden-victory overtime

period.

Same as NCAA Same as NCAA.

Kickoff Same as IFAB Same as IFAB

Ball may be kicked in any

direction. Kicker may stand in

opponent’s half. Goal can be

scored from kickoff, but not own

Drop Ball

Drop ball where play was

stopped by the referee except

if in penalty area, drop for GK

If outside Penalty area, drop

for one player of team that

last touched ball. All other

players must be 5 yds. away

Same as FIFA

Drop must be 5 yds. from

touch line. A goal may not be

scored direct from a drop ball.

Drop to player of team that had

last possession. If ball was in

penalty area, drop to

defenders’ goalkeeper, all

opposing players must be out

of penalty area. All other

players in either case must be

4 yards from the ball

Goal cannot be scored directly

from a dropped ball. Ball is in

play when it hits the ground. It

must first

be touched by at least

2 players.

If it goes directly into

opponent’s

goal – goal kick, if

into own goal

– corner kick. Ball is dropped

before a single play; all other

players must be 4 meters away

BALL IN AND

OUT OF PLAY

RULE 9

RULE 9 LAW 9

Restart after injury,

inadvertent whistle,

replaced cross bar,

etc.

Drop ball where play was

stopped by the referee except

if in penalty area, drop for GK

If outside Penalty area, drop

for one player of team that

last touched ball. All other

players must be 5 yds. away

If injury and or other stoppage

and GK has possession of

ball when play stopped – then

IFK to GK’s team, unless

stopped for a foul.

Drop must be 5 yds. from

touch line. A goal may not be

scored direct from a drop

ball.

Drop to player of team

that had

last possession. If

ball was in

penalty area, drop

defenders’ goalkeeper, all

opposing players must be out

of penalty area. All other

players in either case must

4 yards from the ball

Same as NCAA, except no

special goalkeeper provision. All

players must remain at least 4

meters from the spot of the drop

until ball is in play. Ball is

dropped for one player and drop

is uncontested



TOPIC NCAA NFHS IFAB/FIFA

Ball strikes

overhead wire or

tree extending into

field

Drop ball from location of

last touching to the team

who touched it last.

Local ground rule to be

discussed prior to game. No

set rule

No provision in IFAB Law

Book. Check with local rules

of competition.

SCORING

RULE 10

No differences between the

three

RULE 10

No differences between the

three

LAW 10

No differences between the three

OFFSIDE

RULE 11

See Footnote on page 15

Same as IFAB

RULE 11

See Footnote on page 15

Same as IFAB

LAW 11

See Footnote on page 15

VIOLATIONS AND

MISCONDUCT

RULE 12

RULE 12 LAW 12

Caution-Reasons

(Yellow Card)

Entering or leaving field w/o

referee permission; persistent

infringement of rules; dissent;

incidental profane language;

unsporting conduct (includes

taunting and excessive

celebration); delays restart;

encroachment of free kicks

and corner kicks; coach may

be cautioned for coaching

outside of team area. Coach

and bench personnel may be

carded. (yellow or red)

Same as NCAA – also use of

video or communication, etc. to

assist in coaching; use of

tobacco at game site.

Unsporting conduct includes

coaching outside of box, faking

injury, simulating a foul,

excessive goal celebration,

reckless play. Cautioned player

must go off, if subbed for, may

return at next opportunity to

sub. Coach may be cautioned

for team or bench

misconduct

that cannot be

attributed to

specific player.

Coach and bench personnel

CAN be carded (yellow or red).

Coach carded if player illegally

equipped and player must go

off until next sub time Any

subsequent illegal equipment

infractions-player is carded, not

coach. Note that taunting is a

red card. Delayed or excessive

acts to focus attention

on player or prohibits timely

restart. Foul on obvious goal

scoring opportunity, but goal

scored.

Unsporting behavior (includes

removing jersey when

celebrating a goal and simulating

any action to deceive referee),

dissent, persistent infringement

of laws, delays restart,

encroachment on free kicks and

corner kicks, enters, re-enters or

leaves the field without referee’s

permission, excessive

celebration that causes safety or

security concerns, Coach and

bench personnel can be carded,

as well as subs on bench .

Some DOGSO offenses in

penalty area when attempting to

play the ball. Reckless

challenges



TOPIC NCAA NFHS IFAB/FIFA

VIOLATIONS AND

MISCONDUCT

RULE 12 RULE 12 LAW 12

Ejection-Reasons

(Red Card)

Serious foul play; violent

behavior; fighting; spits at

anyone; denies an obvious

goal-scoring opportunity-see

DOGSO footnote on page 15;

uses hostile or abusive,

language or harassment that

refers to race, religion, sex,

sexual orientation or national

origin, or other threatening or

obscene language, behavior

or conduct; receives a 2d

caution; 3rd occurrence of

coaching outside of team

area. Coach and bench may

be carded

2nd caution (cannot be

replaced); violent conduct;

taunting; serious foul play;

hand ball to prevent goal if ball

does not go into goal, foul

against an opponent who is

moving toward goal with an

obvious opportunity to score

(DOGSO), spitting at an

opponent, teammate or official;

using offensive, insulting or

abusive language or gestures;

leaves bench when a fight is

taking place. Coach and bench

may be carded.

Serious foul play or challenge

(includes any tackle which

endangers safety of opponent);

violent conduct; spits at anyone;

denies an obvious goal-scoring

opportunity (see footnote on last

page) by handling or any offense

punishable by a free kick; uses

offensive, insulting or abusive

language or and/or actions;

biting or

spitting; receives a 2nd

caution.

Excessive force

challenges.

Coach and bench personnel can

be carded

Player on field at

end of period is

ejected or

disqualified during

the interval

Team plays short in the next

half

Team does not have to remove

a player to start the next period

R12.8.2 Situation F

Team plays short the rest of the

game.

Charging

Goalkeeper

May not be charged or

interfered with while in

possession of ball within his

penalty area

Keeper cannot be charged in

his penalty area unless

dribbling ball with his feet or

obstructing

May be fairly charged in the goal

area if going for

the ball other

than with his/her

hands. May not

be charged while

holding ball or

having possession

of the same.

Addressing

Referee Between

periods

Only captain permitted unless

others

summoned by

referee.

Only team captain should

address referee

No provision

FREE KICKS RULE 13 RULE 13 LAW 13

Direct free kick

Offenses (See

footnote)

Spitting, kicking or attempt to

kick, striking or attempt,

tripping or attempt, using

blood to assault, jumping at,

handling ball, holding,

pushing, charging violently,

violently fouling goalkeeper

while in possession of ball in

the penalty area, all against

an opponent; accidental

handling and ball scores or

creates

scorin

chance

Basically, the same as NCAA,

but specifies also charging an

opponent while the opponent

in the act of playing the ball,

has both feet off of the ground.

Spitting at an opponent.

Same as NCAA but specifies

also tackling an opponent in a

manner deemed careless,

reckless or with excessive force.

Impeding progress when there is

contact, assault on official,

teammate or non-player. Biting

anyone, Sendoff player, sub or

team official who enters field and

interferes with play or opponent.

Throwing or kicking ball onto field

to interfere



TOPIC NCAA NFHS. IIFAB/FIFA

FREE KICKS RULE 13 RULE 13 LAW 13

Indirect free kick

offenses (See

Footnote)

Playing the ball a 2nd time

before

it is played or touched

another player at kickoff,

throw-in, free kick, corner

kick, goal kick or penalty kick;

GK holds ball more than 6

secs. sub at improper time or

without being beckoned by

referee, persons other than

players and

ARs entering field with

referee permission; improper

coaching from the touchline

after verbal warning; dissent;

unsporting behavior (includes

excessive celebration) or

inappropriate language;

dangerous play involving an

opponent; offside; charging

when ball is not within playing

distance unless obstructed;

interfering with goalkeeper

before release of ball; illegal

obstruction; leaving field

without referee permission;

goalkeeper receives ball in

the hands deliberately kicked

or thrown by teammate;

goalkeeper handles ball after

relinquishing possession; use

of tobacco; when game is

stopped for injury to goal

keeper when in possession of

ball. Assaulting a game

official, teammate, or non-

player. See footnote

regarding wall.

Same as NCAA, but no

mention of restart for 2nd

violation of improper coaching

from touchline. Adds that if play

is stopped for misconduct of

player, coach or bench and no

other restart takes precedence,

an IFK is awarded.

Spitting at teammate or

game official. If on field, from

spot of offence, if off field, from

spot where ball was, when

match stopped.

Dangerous play may involve

an opponent or a teammate.

Player, coach, or bench

personnel enters or leaves field

w/o permission of an official

and does not interfere with

play. Once ball is released by

goal keeper, GK may not touch

it again with hands until

it has been played or touched

by a teammate outside of

penalty area or by opposing

player either inside or outside

the penalty area.

Dangerous play, impedes

progress of opponent when there

is no contact, prevents

goalkeeper from releasing ball,

commits any offense not

sanctioned by a direct free kick

for which play is stopped to

caution or send off a player;

goalkeeper takes more than 6

seconds. before releasing ball;

touches ball again with hands

after releasing and before it has

touched another player;

goalkeeper touches ball with

hands after it has been

deliberately kicked to him by

team-mate, or handles the ball

on a throw in to him by team-

mate, offside.

verbal offences. An offense

committed outside field with ball

play against own team, IFK

from

boundary line.

PENALTY KICKS RULE 14 RULE 14 LAW 14

Ball Placement and

keeper position

On the 9” spot or 2-foot line.

Keeper must have one foot on

or over the

goal line

Ball placed on 9” spot of 2-foot

line

Same as FIFA.

On the penalty mark. Keeper

must have at least part of one

foot touching, in line with, or

behind the

oal line.

Stutter stepping or

faking by the kicker

Same as IFAB – Player

cannot stop completely

Same as IFAB – cannot fully

stop and there is continuous

movement toward the ball

Permitted – no infraction if during

run-up to kick. Cannot stop fully



TOPIC NCAA NFHS IFAB/FIFA

PENALTY KICKS RULE 14 RULE 14 LAW 14

Player taking kick

infringes or team-

mate encroaches

and ball does not

go into goal

If ball goes directly out of play

without being touched – goal

kick. If ball rebounds into or

out of play, an indirect free

kick is awarded

Goal kick if ball goes directly

over goal line. If deflected out

by goalkeeper or ball bounces

into play – Indirect free kick to

defenders. If saved by

goalkeeper, play continues

Indirect free kick given to

defenders at the point of

infraction. If GK and kicker both

offend and ball goes into goal,

indirect free kick, and caution to

keeper.

Kicks from the

penalty spot/mark

(tiebreaker)

No player reduction if other

team is less than 11. Coach

not allowed in center circle

during kicks. 10 kickers to be

designated from the roster to

remain at center circle. Order

can be changed if more kicks

required. Need not have been

on field at end of match.

Coin toss to determine

goal to be used.

Same as NCAA Coach selects

the first 5 kickers. If still tied, 5

different players are selected.

Any player on the roster may

take part. Coach and non-

kickers must remain in team

area.

If one team playing short, other

team, must reduce number of

kickers to equalize, coach not

permitted on field. Each team

must have same number of

kickers. Only players on the field

at the end of the match may take

part. Kickers to remain in center

circle. After all are taken order

can be changed.

Kicker plays ball

backwards

Indirect Free Kick to defending

team.

Indirect free kick to defending

team.

Indirect Free Kick to defending

team.

After kick is taken,

but before being

touched by another

player or hits the

goal, necessitating

a suspension (i.e.

outside agent).

Kick is retaken Kick is retaken Same as NCAA

THROW-IN RULE 15 RULE 15 LAW 15

Position of

Defenders

Same as IFAB Same as IFAB

All must stand no less than 2

meters (2 yards) from the point

on the touchline from where the

throw-in is to be taken, may not

jump about or distract – caution

is given.

Ball never enters

field

Throw-in awarded to

opponent

Same as NCAA

Throw-in retaken. Cannot kneel

or sit. Must stand

Throw-in by

impaired player

using only one

hand

No provision

Legal – One-handed throw-in

allowed in such cases

Same as NFHS



TOPIC NCAA NFHS IFAB/FIFA

GOAL KICK RULE 16 RULE 16 LAW 16

Ball is in play and

Free Kicks in

penalty area

Same as IFAB Same as NCAA

Ball is in play as soon as kick is

taken, and the ball clearly

moves. Ball need not leave

penalty area.

Also, for free

kicks in the

enalt

area

Moving ball in goal

area after it is

spotted

No prohibition unless

movement is for purposes of

time wasting

Once spotted, ball may not be

moved to another part of goal

area

Same as NCAA

CORNER KICK

RULE 17

No significant differences in

the three sets of Rules and

Laws

RULE 17

No significant differences in

the three sets of Rules and

Laws

LAW 17

No significant differences in the

three sets of Rules and Laws

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Foul indicated by

Assistant Referee

Flag held vertically overhead

with a slight circular wave

Flag held vertically overhead

until referee acknowledges and

then a slight circular wave of

the flag is made and point in

direction of restart

Same as NCAA, but make eye

contact with referee before

waving flag

Coach conveying

tactical information

to team and coach

and player

restrictions

Coach cannot leave coaching

and team area to give

instruction. Cannot instruct if

on the field during an injury.

Coach may

use electronic

tablet or dry-

erase board.

No player,

coach or team rep.

except

captain may approach

speak to referee between

periods, unless summoned by

referee. Coach permitted to

view from press box and can

communicate with bench

electronically but not with

players

No restriction, coach may give

instructions to team during an

injury. Coach may use

electronic equipment and

tablets on sideline but cannot

use them to communicate with

players during play.

Only one person at a time is

allowed to convey tactical

instructions from the technical

area

Future

Requirements or

proposals under

consideration

Nothing on the agenda for the

next 2 years that is not

coming from IFAB first

None presently known

Goal line technology may be

used. Leagues may allow

“Sin

Bin” for

cautioned players

(youth, etc.)

Protest by Coach

Allowed up to 48 hours after

end of match. Limited to

player

identification, illegal

participation, or violent

behavior II or fighting

ejection

No protests permitted No Provision

Outside agent

touches ball as it

goes into goal

Drop ball Drop ball

Referee may award goal if

the

touch had no impact on

the

defenders



TOPIC

NCAA

NFHS

IFAB/FIFA

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Video Review

Equip. must be at field level

or scorer’s table. Call on field

can only be overturned if

evidence is indisputable. Only

six situations can be

reviewed: ball over goal line

for a goal, identify players for

discipline, determine if a fight

or violent behavior occurred

and to identify participants,

timing issues, and if foul

committed inside

enalt

area

No provision May be used

Video Assistant Referees (VAR)

Now used in MLS and

elsewhere

Ball in Play on

Free Kicks

Ball must be touched and

moved

Ball must be kicked and visibly

moved

Same as NFHS. Note for free

kicks by defender in the penalty

area, in

when bal

is kicked

Restart after

Delays

No contest may be started or

restarted more than 3 hours

after the originally scheduled

start time unless mutually

agreed upon prior to the start

of the game.

No similar provision No similar provision

Footnote to the IFAB Offside Law 11 concerning interpretation of “INTERFERING” and “GAINING AN ADVANTAGE”.

“Interfering with an Opponent” means preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly

obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or movement for challenging an opponent for the ball.

“Gaining an Advantage” by being in an offside position means playing a ball that (1) rebounds or is deflected to

him/her off

the goal post, crossbar or an opponent; (2) that rebounds or is deflected to him/her from a deliberate save

by an opponent; (3) receiving the ball from an opponent who deliberately plays the ball such as a miskick or

misdirected header (except for a deliberate save), is not considered to have gained an advantage and is not offside.

Footnote regarding DOGSO

IFAB Law 12 regarding DOGSO: In IFAB Laws of the Game, if the offense occurs inside the penalty area a penalty

kick is

awarded. A caution is awarded if the foul was an attempt to play the ball. It is still a penalty kick and a red

card for

handling, holding, pushing, pulling or violent conduct and serious foul challenges. If direct free kick offense

occurs outside

of the penalty area, and denies an obvious goal, a red card is given. This is also in effect for NCAA

and NFHS. Note

that in NCAA DOGSO outside of the penalty area must be a direct free kick foul, whereas in IFAB

any free kick offense.

Footnote regarding free kicks – In IFAB, NCAA and HS Fed. Laws, attacking team must be at least 1 yard or 1 meter away

from the defensive wall until the ball is in play. “Wall” is defined as 3 or more defensive players. Attacking player cannot be

in such a wall and if attacking player is less than 1 yard from wall, an IFK is given.