2024-2025 NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer Rules Book

RULE 1

The Field of Play

1.1 DIMENSIONS

1�1�1 The field of play shall be rectangular, with a length of 115-120 yards and

a width of 70-75 yards� The optimum size is 120 yards by 75 yards�

1�1�1�1 Facilities used as a college soccer field before 1995 need only to be

rectangular, the width of which shall not exceed the length� Resurfacing

the playing field does not change this exemption�

1�1�2 If the field dimensions are smaller than recommended, it is the

responsibility of the home team to notify the visiting team prior to the date

of the game regarding the actual playing dimensions�

1�1�3 A team is not required to play on a field that is not in compliance with

the rules� However, the teams can agree to play the game by mutual consent�

It is recommended that teams agree on any changes in facility issues before

confirming contests or signing game contracts�

PENALTY—The game shall not begin and the referee shall file a report with

the governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)

1�1�4 Indoor Facility. It is permissible to conduct collegiate soccer games in an

indoor facility provided the dimensions are in compliance with Rule 1�1�

1�1�4�1 Balls striking any part of the upper edifice shall result in a dead

ball� Play shall be restarted with a drop ball to the opponent of the team

that last touched the ball prior to it striking the edifice from where the

ball was last touched� If the ball was last touched by the attacking team

inside the penalty area, play shall be restarted by dropping the ball for the

goalkeeper� If the ball was last touched by the defending team inside the

penalty area, play shall be restarted by dropping the ball to the attacking

team outside the closest penalty area boundary line to where the ball was

last touched�

1.2 BOUNDARY LINES

The field shall be marked with distinctive lines, in accordance with the

Plan of Field diagram on Page 10, the longer boundary lines being called the

touchlines and the shorter the end lines� The end lines shall meet at the corners

and shall extend from touchline to touchline� The goal lines shall be that part

of the end line that extends completely across the area between the goal posts�

The touchlines shall extend the entire length of the field� The home team is

responsible for proper marking of the field�

10 RULE 1 / THE FIELD OF PLAY

HASH MARK

(1 YD. in length beyond goal line;

11 YDS. from touchline; located

at each corner of field)

CIRCLE

10 YDS.

RADIUS

HALFWAY LINE

HASH MARK

PLAN OF FIELD

GOAL AREA

18 YDS.

10 YDS.

PENALTY KICK MARK:

9" DIAMETER OR 2'

LINE

6 YDS.

44 YDS.

18 YDS.

8 YDS.

20 YDS.

6 YDS.

20 FT.

SPECTATOR

RESTRAINING

LINE 20 FT.

from touchline

(both sides)

HALFWAY

LINE FLAG

(optional: 1 YD.

from touchline,

both sides)

TOUCHLINE

CORNER

FLAG

GOAL AREA

PENALTY KICK

MARK: 9" DIAMETER

OR 2' LINE

PHOTOGRAPHERS’ LINE

(behind each goal)

SPECTATOR LINE

(behind each goal)

5 YDS.

HASH MARK

6 YDS.

20 FT.

5 YDS.

CORNER

FLAG

CORNER ARC

1 YD.

TEAM

AREA

20 YDS.

10 FT.

10 YDS.

TOUCHLINE

CORNER

FLAG

CORNER

FLAG

5 FEET

THE FLAGSTAFF

MUST BE NOT LESS

THAN 5 FEET HIGH.

AND A KNOB IS

PREFERABLE TO A

SPIKE. IF A PYLON

IS USED, IT MUST

MEASURE NOT MORE

THAN 8 INCHES

ACROSS AT ITS BASE.

8 YDS.

8 FEET

GOAL

Note: For marking purposes, the

measurement of any line interfacing

with any other line must be taken from

the outside of the line to the outside

of the other line.

12 YDS.

COACHING AREA

TEAM

AREA

20 YDS.

COACHING AREA

5 FT.

10 FT.

SCORE

KEEPER'S

TABLE

10 FT.

PLAN OF FIELD

RULE 1 / THE FIELD OF PLAY 11

PENALTY—If it cannot be corrected before the start of competition, the

game shall not begin and the referee shall file a report with the

governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)

1.3 FIELD MARKINGS AND MEASUREMENTS

1�3�1 All lines, which are part of the areas they define, shall be the same width

and measure not less than 4 inches nor more than 5 inches in width�

PENALTY—If it cannot be corrected before the start of competition, the

game shall not begin and the referee shall file a report with the

governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)

1�3�2 Measurements shall be taken from the outside of the line to the outside of

the line with which it interfaces� However, when measuring the width of the

goal and penalty areas, the measurements shall be taken from the inside of

the goal post to the outside of the 6- and 18-yard lines, respectively�

1�3�3 In the case of a field that is playable but on which, during the course of

the game, the lines and markings have become invisible due to snow or other

such conditions, the lines and markings shall be assumed to be present and

decisions rendered accordingly�

1�3�4 All lines shall be clearly marked but may not be of a form (for example,

grooves, curbs or other items) that could prove dangerous to players�

1�3�5 NCAA, team or conference logos, names or abbreviations, and non-

commercial logos (e�g�, players’ names or numbers for senior day) are

permitted on the field provided they are not in the penalty area and do not

obscure any required field markings�

1�3�6 Two commercial logos (one in each half of the field), not larger than

15-foot-by-15-foot square, are permitted on the field provided they are not

in the penalty area and do not obscure any required field markings�

PENALTY—(1.3.2 to 1.3.6)—If it cannot be corrected before the start of

competition, the game shall begin and the referee shall file a

report with the governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)

1.4 HALFWAY LINE, CENTER CIRCLE

A halfway line shall be visibly marked across the entire field of play� The center

of the field shall be indicated by a suitable mark, and a circle with a 10-yard

radius shall be marked around it�

PENALTY—If there is no halfway line marked, and it cannot be corrected

before the start of competition, the game shall not begin and

the referee shall file a report with the governing sports authority.

(See Page 7.) If the halfway line is not visible across the entire

field, and it cannot be corrected before the start of competition,

the game shall begin and the referee shall file a report with the

governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)

1.5 GOAL AREA

At each end of the field of play, two lines shall be drawn at right angles to the

end line, 6 yards from the inside of each goal post� These shall extend into the

12 RULE 1 / THE FIELD OF PLAY

field of play for a distance of 6 yards and shall be joined by a line drawn parallel

with the goal line� The area enclosed by these lines shall be called a goal area�

PENALTY—If it cannot be corrected before the start of competition, the

game shall not begin and the referee shall file a report with the

governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)

1.6 PENALTY AREA

1�6�1 At each end of the field of play, two lines shall be drawn at right angles

to the end line, 18 yards from the inside of each goal post� These lines shall

extend into the field of play for a distance of 18 yards and shall be joined by

a line drawn parallel with the goal line� Each of the spaces enclosed by these

lines shall be called the penalty area�

1�6�2 At each end of the field, a 2-foot line or 9-inch spot shall be placed at a

point 12 yards from the midpoint of, and parallel to, the goal line� The line

shall extend 1 foot on either side of the undrawn center line� The spot shall

extend 4½ inches on either side of the undrawn center line� The penalty kick

may be taken from any position on this line or spot�

1�6�3 Using the center of this penalty-kick mark, describe a 10-yard arc outside

the penalty area and closing on the penalty-area line� This is the restraining

line for penalty kicks�

PENALTY—(1.6.1 to 1.6.3)—If it cannot be corrected before the start of

competition, the game shall not begin and the referee shall file a

report with the governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)

1.7 CORNER AREA, HASH MARK

From each corner, a quarter circle, having a radius of 1 yard, shall be drawn

inside the field of play� In addition, a hash mark 1 yard in length, situated

6 inches beyond (but not touching) the field of play and 11 yards from the

touchline shall be marked perpendicular to the end line at each corner of the

field� (See Plan of Field, Page 10�)

PENALTY—If it cannot be corrected before the start of competition, the

game shall begin and the referee shall file a report with the

governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)

1.8 CORNER FLAGS

1�8�1 A flag on a post not less than 5 feet high and having a nonpointed top

shall be placed at each corner; a similar flag post may be placed opposite

the halfway line on each side of the field of play, at least 1 yard outside the

touchline�

1�8�2 The post shall be approximately 1½ inches in diameter� The corner flag

shall not be removed for any purpose during the game� The flag shall be of

some bright color, easily distinguishable from the surroundings, and shall be

about 2 feet long by 1 foot wide and securely fastened to the post or staff�

1�8�3 The flag post shall be implanted in the ground or shall rise from a pylon

that measures not more than 8 inches across at its base, providing the post

RULE 1 / THE FIELD OF PLAY 13

itself rises directly above the center of the intersection of the touchline and

end line�

1�8�4 It is permissible to have the institution, conference or NCAA name or

logo on corner flags�

PENALTY—(1.8.1 to 1.8.4)—If it cannot be corrected before the start of

competition, the game shall begin and the referee shall file a

report with the governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)

1.9 GOALS

1�9�1 The goals shall be anchored, secured or counterweighted� The goal posts,

which shall be superimposed on end lines of the same width and depth,

shall consist of two posts, equidistant from the corner flags and 8 yards apart

(inside measurement), joined by a horizontal crossbar of similar material, the

lower edge of which shall be 8 feet from the ground�

PENALTY—If it cannot be corrected before the start of competition, the

game shall not begin and the referee shall file a report with the

governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)

1�9�2 The width or diameter of the goal posts and crossbar shall not be less than

4 inches nor more than 5 inches, and the same as the width of the goal line�

1�9�3 The back edge of the goal post must align with the outermost edge of the

end line�

1�9�4 The posts and crossbar may be square, rectangular, round or elliptical in

shape, and shall be painted white�

1�9�5 No markings other than a single manufacturer’s identification/logo of

appropriate size may appear on the goal posts or the crossbar�

1�9�6 On fields where a combination football/soccer goal is used, the ball is

considered out of play if it touches any part of the football structure that

extends above the frame of the soccer goal� On fields where there is a

separate football crossbar that is even with the end line for soccer, the ball is

considered out of play if it touches any part of the football crossbar�

PENALTY—(1.9.2 to 1.9.6)—If it cannot be corrected before the start of

competition, the game shall begin and the referee shall file a

report with the governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)

1.10 GOAL NETS

1�10�1 Nets shall be attached to the uprights and crossbars and secured behind

each goal�

1�10�2 The goal nets shall be properly and firmly secured and put in order

before every game, and care taken that there are no holes or possible

openings for the ball to escape� The nets shall be properly supported so that

the top of the net will extend backward on a level with the crossbar for a

distance of about 2 feet�

1�10�3 Nets may be multicolored and include the institution, conference or

NCAA name or logo� Additionally, a single manufacturer’s identification/

14 RULE 1 / THE FIELD OF PLAY

logo of appropriate size may appear on the net� Further, banners shall not be

hung from the goals or nets�

PENALTY—(1.10.1 to 1.10.3)—If it cannot be corrected before the start of

competition, the game shall not begin and the referee shall file a

report with the governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)

1.11 DISPLACED CROSSBAR, GOAL POST

If any part of the goal becomes displaced during the game, play shall be

suspended, and every effort shall be made to repair or replace the goal� If, in

the referee’s opinion, it cannot be repaired to its original condition within

a reasonable period of time, the game shall be suspended� When the goal is

repaired or replaced, the referee shall restart the game by dropping the ball

where it was when play was suspended; or, if the ball was in the penalty area, it

shall be dropped for the goalkeeper�

1.12 COACHING AND TEAM AREAS

1�12�1 There shall be a coaching area marked parallel to the touchline and

situated at least 5 feet from the touchline beginning at least 5 yards from

the extension of the halfway line and extending 20 yards toward the corner

flag on that end of the field� The coaching area shall have a depth of at least

5 feet�

1�12�2 There shall be a team bench area marked parallel to the touchline

and beginning at least 5 yards from the extension of the halfway line and

extending 20 yards� The line marking the back edge of the coaching area

shall be considered the front edge of the team bench area�

PENALTY—(1.12.1 to 1.12.2)— If it cannot be corrected before the start

of competition, the game shall begin and the referee shall file

a report with the governing sports authority. (See Page 7.)

In the absence of lines, cones shall be used to demarcate the

boundaries of the coaching and team areas.

1�12�3 Coaches, players and bench personnel shall remain inside their respective

coaching and team areas� Exceptions: (1) Players warming up in preparation to

enter the field of play are permitted to use the area that extends beyond the respective

area nearest their bench and opposite their opponent’s areas. (See Rule 4.1.6.) (2)

Athletic trainers and coaches may enter the field only if instructed to do so by the

referee; however, it is not permissible to provide coaching instruction to any player(s)

while attending an injured player(s). (3) A member of the coaching staff who is

listed on the game roster is permitted to view the game from the press box or other

suitable areas.

PENALTY—Caution or eject as appropriate and restart play by an indirect

free kick from the location of the ball (if in play) at the time of

the infraction. Exception: Nearest point outside goal area if ball

was in goal area when infraction occurred.

1�12�4 Members of the official coaching staff who are eligible to participate are

permitted to communicate with each other via electronic devices, tablets, dry

erase boards or other coaching aids during the game�

RULE 1 / THE FIELD OF PLAY 15

1�12�4�1 Electronic devices may not be used to question decisions made by

game officials�

1�12�4�2 Coaches who are ejected or serving a game suspension are not

permitted to communicate with other members of the coaching staff via

electronic devices or any other means of communication�

1�12�4�3 Drones may not be used at any time from the beginning of

warmups through the conclusion of the game�

1�12�5 No person(s) other than the players legally in the game are allowed on

the field of play without permission from the referee� Athletic trainers and

coaches may enter the field only if instructed to do so by the referee�

1�12�6 No coach, player or team representative other than the team captain shall

approach or speak to the center referee during an interval between periods,

unless summoned by the center referee�

Note: This does not prohibit the coach from approaching an assistant referee or the

fourth official on the sideline in a sporting and timely manner.

PENALTY—(1.12.5 to 1.12.6)—Warn, caution or eject as appropriate.

1.13 PHOTOGRAPHERS’ LINE

There shall be a designated photographers’ area� (See Plan of Field, Page 10�)

1.14 SCOREKEEPER’S/TIMEKEEPER’S TABLE

If the scorekeeper and timekeeper are not located in a press box, they shall

be placed at a table on the same side of the field as the team benches, situated

equidistant between the two team benches and at least 10 feet (whenever

possible) from the touchlines�

1.15 SPECTATOR RESTRAINING LINE

All spectators should be behind a rope, fence or some form of demarcation

that is a minimum of 20 feet (whenever possible) from the touchlines and end

lines�

1.16 SCOREBOARD AND CLOCK

It is recommended that an electronically controlled clock and scoreboard,

which can be seen by spectators and both benches, be provided and maintained

in proper working order� (See Rule 6�3�1�)

1.17 LIGHTING

The field should be uniformly and adequately lighted� Lighting engineers shall

be placed in charge of this important factor when planning new installations�

Please consult the latest version of the NCAA Broadcasting Manual at ncaa.org

for specific lighting standards�

1.18 GRADING, SLOPE OF FIELD

1�18�1 The rules of conduct in the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Soccer Rules do

not specify, nor do they legislate, matters pertaining to the areas surrounding

the field of play, or the slope or grading of playing facilities�

16 RULE 1 / THE FIELD OF PLAY

1�18�2 The following guidelines appear to be generally accepted standards for

new facilities: It is preferable that surfaced drained native soil grass fields

have a slope of 1�5% from the center of the field toward the touchlines�

For vertically draining sand-based grass fields and synthetic turf fields, it

is preferable that they slope at less than �75% from the center of the field

toward the touchlines� Architectural engineers shall be consulted with

reference to the actual height references that pertain to grading percentages

or broken-back construction�