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By Don Dennison
NISOA National Clinician and National Assessor
John Puglisi
NISOA President
Based Upon:
NCAA Soccer Rules and Interpretations 2016-2017 and Mid-Year Changes
National Federation Soccer Rules Book 2017-2018
[USSF] FIFA Laws of the Game 2016/2017
And Other Officially Authorized Supplemental Materials
2017 NISOA Prepared by: Don Dennison, NISOA National Clinician 5/30/2017 1
National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RULES AND LAWS
Many High School officials officiate soccer matches using Rules and Laws of soccer organizations and rule-
making bodies other than the NFHS. As is to be expected, officials on occasion have some confusion regarding a specific
rule or interpretation. For these reasons a study guide is needed for the officials to have easy references to the
differences between NFHS, NCAA and FIFA Laws and Rules. Over the past twenty-five years the more significant rules
have been brought generally into conformity by the three groups. Nevertheless, there are distinct differences in language
and interpretation that still exist and each group has adopted specific rules that are believed to be more appropriate for
their players and their ages.
This guide is not an all-inclusive listing of each difference between the sets of Rules and Laws, but rather
only lists the more important differences where such differences exist. Many technical and administrative rules such as
player eligibility and accumulated cautions do not generally and directly concern the referee but rather the match
administrators and have therefore been omitted from this study.
The guide has been designed by the author for easy reference and many officials have carried this guide in
their kit or in their cars for quick review prior to a match. It is also useful as a teaching aid for High School entry level and
in-service clinics. Changes for the current year are shown in italics for easy reference.
The comparisons are in tabular form following the particular topic and are in order of the specific Laws or
Rules to which they are relevant except for the listing on page 3 which compares general Topics not referred to in specific
Rules or Laws and several miscellaneous topics which are referred to on page 15.
It should be noted that the three sets of Rules and Laws are constantly changing and the different bodies
publish their changes at different times of the year. Generally, the FIFA Laws are published in May and take effect the
following June. The NCAA Rules are enacted early in the year, but are not normally published until early or mid summer.
NFHS rule changes are enacted by their Rules Committee in January of each year and are distributed in late spring or
early summer. The NCAA Rule Book is published every other year and was published in 2016. Accordingly, this guide is
current only up to the date of its publication and includes all rules changes for the year as presently known by the author.
If any errors are noted, it would be appreciated if they are brought to attention of Don Dennison at donsar@comcast.net
NOTE: Modifications for the 2017 season are shown in italics.
2017 NISOA Prepared by: Don Dennison, NISOA National Clinician 5/30/2017 2
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A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RULES AND LAWS
TOPIC NFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA USSF
ABOUT THE
RULES AND LAWS
Terminology - Rules Disqualification Drop Ball Rules Ejection Drop Ball Laws Send Off Dropped Ball
(It is important to use Game Overtime Game Overtime Match Extra Time
the proper Penalty Penalty Sanction
terminology, especially Coaching and Team Area Coaching and Team Area Technical Area
in writing game reports Terminated Game Terminated Game Abandoned Match
if required) 4th Official Alternate Official (AO) 4th Official
Obstruction Obstruction Impedes progress of Opponent
Where the Rules or Most public high and intermediate NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, NIRSA and NCCAA International matches, professional
Laws are Employed schools and some private schools leagues, most club and semi-pro
matches, and some private schools
Interpretations Play rulings in the Rules book are Approved Rulings (A,R.) appearing in the Decisions of the Intl F.A. Board are
interpretations approved by the NFHS Rule book are official decisions of the NCAA. official interpretations. Additional
Soccer Rules Committee. Member The Secretary Rules Editor can be contacted Interpretations in the U.S. can be
state associations of the NFHS for interpretations. Generally,it is preferable obtained initially through the State
independently make decisions to first go through the local chapter clinician. Director of Instruction (SDI). The
regarding compliance with or The NCAA Rules Book does NOT contain the USSF Advice to Referees and
modification of the playing rules for the description of standardized procedures for Questions and Answers on the Laws
student athletes in their respective the allowed System of Mechanics. NISOA of the Game are also official sources
states. The Rules describe 3 possible describes the Diagonal System of Control in the U.S. The diagonal system of
systems of mechanics that may be (DSC) for its members in other publications. control (DSC) is described in other
used; the Dual Officiating System, the FIFA and USSF publications.
Diagonal System and the Double-Dual
System
2017 NISOA Prepared by: Don Dennison, NISOA National Clinician 5/30/2017 3
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A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RULES AND LAWS
TOPIC NFHSNFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA - USSF
FIELD OF PLAY RULE 1 RULE 1 LAW 1
11 Yd. Encroachment Optional Mandatory Correction should occur before Optional
Hash Mark match begins, if not game shall begin and
report filed
Penalty Kick Mark 2-foot line or 9 diameter spot Same as NFHS Penalty mark (no fixed size)
Goal Nets Mandatory Same as NFHS Not mandatory (may be used)
Coaching and Team 20 yds. long and 10ft from touchline Same size as NFHS. Caution to coach who Specifies Technical Area. Only one
Area Caution to coach who leaves this area leaves the area after a first verbal warning person in this area may give
R1, Sec. 5. Should be on same side of and IFK where ball was if game stopped. instructions to the players
field if not, benches should be Ejection for 3rd offence. R 1, Sec. 12. Coach
diagonally opposed from each other may use electronic tablet or white board.
Padded Goal Posts A white commercially made pad at least Not Sanctioned Not Sanctioned
72 in height and a max. of 1 thick may
be placed on the vertical posts
Goal Post Placement Rear of each goal post shall be on the Goal lines must be the same width as the Same as NCAA
outer edge of the goal line. R 1, Sec. 4, goal posts and crossbars
Art. 1
Field Conditions for Prior to start of game, host institution Determination is made by the referee Same as NCAA
play to start and representative determines; thereafter
continue determination is made by the referee
Games indoors No provision Match may be played indoors if field is proper No provision
size
Turf Fields No restriction No restriction Permitted must be green in color
Mixed surfaces not allowed
THE BALL RULE 2 RULE 2 LAW 2
Number of Balls 3 or more of similar quality. Must have Five or more identical. and recommended 1 required, others may be used if
NFHS logo displayed, supplied by home that at least 4 ball persons at least 10 yrs. available. For major international
team or referee can select from visitor if old. Recommended to wear colored vests matches FIFA marking required
unavailable. At least 2 ball holders. Use manufacturers suggested pressure. USSF up to 6 suggested
2017 NISOA Prepared by: Don Dennison, NISOA National Clinician 5/30/2017 4
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A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RULES AND LAWS
TOPIC NFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA - USSF
PLAYERS AND RULE 3 RULE 3 LAW 3
SUBSTITUTES REQUIRED to be presented to referee 5 REQUIRED to be presented to referee, Names of subs must be given to
Team Roster mins. before game time. Names may be scorekeeper and other coach 30 mins. prior referee prior to match. No other roster
added to roster after the start of play to game time. Copy given to referee should requirement. No more than 6 subs in
May be given by coach or player. Player not show total cautions and ejections. National A Team matches
numbers required on roster Terminate if roster is not provided
Substitutions Either team: Unlimited at end of period; Either team: End of period; goal; goal kick; At any stoppage with permission of
When? goal; goal kick (players must have player instructed to leave for equipment referee. (many local leagues have set
already reported to scorer) caution change (other team may sub equal number); times for subs). Player leaving field
(player must go out), injury; If referee injury or caution (only players involved for equipment repair or change may
stops clock, player must go out incl. GK, other team may sub like number) Bleeding reenter during run of play with referee
disqualification (but not for disqualified injury, blood on uniform or signs of permission
player), blood on player or uniform or concussion player must be subbed but can
sign of concussion-all unlimited in return at any stoppage with medical approval.
number Unlimited number of subs from Not charged with reentry. Player leaves field
bench on goal, end of period, injured for equipment change without sub may return
player removed from field. player must at next stoppage.
be removed until cleared by health care
professional. Bench player is carded
when subs have already reported. On
goal kick or injury, sub must wait until
beckoned. All subs must be beckoned
by referee, except at start of a period
Team in possession: Throw-in or corner Team in possession: throw-in or corner kick
kick (if sub, other team may also sub). (if sub, other team may also sub. Players
Players must have reported to scorer must have reported to scorer prior to time ball
prior to the time ball went out of play). went out of play); Goal keeper ejected: (team
plays short but may put in a goal keeper no
sub allowed for other team
When substitute When beckoned onto the field by the When beckoned on by the referee during the When substitute actually enters the
becomes a player of referee first 85 mins of game. During last 5 mins., field (must be at the halfway line)
record when referee signals the clock to stop if
leading team substitutes
Withdrawing a Once beckoned onto field by referee, Player not required to enter, but is charged No similar rule
reported sub player must enter with one reentry
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A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RULES AND LAWS
TOPIC NFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA - USSF
Restrictions on A player substituted for may reenter an During first half and in each overtime period- Player replaced may not return to the
substitutions unlimited number of times. no reentry. One reentry in second half. (R3 match. (This Law differs in many local
Sec. 5). GK is allowed one reentry each competitions and youth matches)
period and each OT. Injured player may re-
enter without being charged if card is issued
to player causing the injury.
Changing Goal Whenever clock is stopped or at a During any stoppage after notifying During any stoppage after notifying
Keeper with field substitution time after notifying referee. refereeVerbal warning to the players at referee. Caution both players for
player Verbal Warning to both players for a next stoppage. No sub from bench for GK violation when ball is out of play
violation. during penalty kick.
Minimum No. of 7 to start and play forfeit if less 7 to start and play Same as NCAA
Players
Uniform numbers 6 number on back of jersey including 8 number on back of jersey and 4 number Nothing specified in the Laws
GK and 4 number on front of jersey or on front of jersey, including Goal Keeper
shorts
2017 NISOA Prepared by: Don Dennison, NISOA National Clinician 5/30/2017 6
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A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RULES AND LAWS
TOPIC NFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA - USSF
Visible apparel under If worn under shorts or jersey, all on Visible apparel worn under shirt or shorts Any visible undergarment (shirt or
uniform and team must be alike and of similar length must be a solid color and recommended that shorts) must be same main color as
stockings, includes and solid color matching predominant it matches the dominant color of the garment. the uniform shirt or shorts. Shirts must
arm or leg sleeves color of garment. Both socks must be of Same color must be worn by all team have sleeves. Tape applied over sock
a single dominant color, If tape. stays or members wearing undergarments must be same color as that part of
straps are applied over sock, it must be sock
similar color as that part of sock. Capt.
arm band if used- worn on arm Nothing specified, but no political,
Uniform Colors Home team white jerseys and socks; Home team has responsibility to ensure that religious or personal statements
visitors, dark jerseys and socks their uniforms contrast to those of the visitors allowed.
Same as NCAA
Shirts tucked in Mandatory Not specified generally required Must differ from all other players,
Goal Keepers Jersey Must differ from all other players except Jersey must differ from all field players and except opposing goal keeper, and the
and Color - Socks can be same color as other Goal Keeper socks must differ from opponents officials
Socks must differ from opponents socks
Not permitted
Jewelry, etc. Not permitted Except for medical or Not permitted Except Medic Alert
religious medals which must be taped bracelets or necklaces, if taped to body.
under uniform. Medical alert bracelet Penalty-clock stopped, player leaves field (no
must be taped and visible. Colored sub allowed) until next sub opportunity.
mouth protectors allowed Electronic data monitoring devices may be
Shinguards NOCSAE approved. Marked on outside worn Shinguards required no standard
with seal and height range of player Same as NFHS but no marking requirement specified
specified
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A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RULES AND LAWS
TOPIC NFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA - USSF
Authority Begins and Begins when officials arrive at game site Begins when officials enter the field
Ends Begins when referee enters field or Referee should arrive at least 30 minutes. area and ends when they leave the
surroundings and at least15 min. prior before scheduled game time and authority area.
to start of game and ends when officials ends when officials leave the game site after
leave the field and its Immediate signing the score book.
surroundings.
Referee Uniform As set by the State Associations, Gold, orange, blue, green or black in a, USSF Shirts- Gold, black, red,
usually the same shirt as USSFBlack checked grid pattern. Socks black with 3 top green or blue, all with thin vertical
shorts or long trousers, black stockings bands of white, gold, orange, green or blue. stripping. Socks black with three
with white top stripes, predominantly All dressed alike. Cap permissible but not white top bands or solid black with
black shoes. In some states, black and commonly worn. Shoes should be mainly USSF logo. Caps not specified, but
white stripped shirts are worn black. Except for a watch, Referee should generally permitted if conditions
Solid black cap may be worn. Must wear no jewelry. Electronic aids and field warrant in club matches, not usually
differ from field players, but not marking spray are permitted worn in top level matches
necessarily the goalkeepers
Whistles and hand Whistle used for kickoff, penalty kicks, Whistles, same as NFHS Other whistles Whistle used for kickoff, penalty kick,
signals and to signal play stoppage such as discretionary. The only recognized hand restarts and stoppages as necessary
fouls, injuries, substitutions and to signals are for advantage with verbal play- Signals are the same as NCAA
signal restart after substitutions injures on, indirect and direct free kicks, throw-in except no clock stop signal. May use
and time stoppageAlso when a card direction, clock stopped, goal and corner kicks a single arm signal if necessary for
is given and on encroachment. and penalty kicks, all by pointing to the spot indicating advantage
Discretionary and if needed when ball and giving direction.
goes out of play. Signals same as
NCAA plus windup motion to start clock
Time Keeping Referee keeps time only by agreement Backup to home team clock which is official Referee keeps official time. May
of the coaches or state association- unless there is a malfunction. Match ends allow additional time for time lost
otherwise home team controls clock. when timekeepers signal sounds or clock
Timer counts down last 10 seconds shows 0:00. Timer counts down last 10
seconds to zero
2nd Caution Display yellow and then sequentially the Same as NFHS Same as NFHS
Mechanics for red card)
Displaying Cards
2017 NISOA Prepared by: Don Dennison, NISOA National Clinician 5/30/2017 8
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A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RULES AND LAWS
TOPIC NFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA - USSF
Pre-game Head coach presence required with Nothing specified at coin toss Same as NCAA
Conference captains - Address sportsmanship and
inquire of coach if players are properly
and legally equipped.
Post-game score Head referee must verify score All officials must sign the score sheet. Match report required to be
verification Thereafter all statistics are final Once score submitted to appropriate authority
sheet is signed, coaches, players and other
personnel bear burden of the infractions.
Articles worn by Officials should not wear anything that Protest may be filed up to 48 hrs. after match Same as NFHS, however in senior
officials is not allowed to be worn or carried by Same as NFHS and professional leagues, caps are
players (watches and caps excepted) not usually worn
2017 NISOA Prepared by: Don Dennison, NISOA National Clinician 5/30/2017 9
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A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RULES AND LAWS
TOPIC NFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA USSF
Half-time and 10 mins. for half time unless otherwise 15 mins. for half time, (may be extended in Players are entitled to a halftime
Overtime (OT) agreed by the coaches. Between end of post-season play) May be lessened by prior interval if desired, not exceeding 15
Intervals game and first OT period 5 minutes. consent of coaches and officials. OT same mins.
Between OT periods 2 minutes. as NFHS.
Clock Stops Goal, Penalty kick, yellow and red Same as NFHS, plus when subs are made in Referee discretion, e.g. serious injury,
cards, and at discretion of referee the last 5 mins of match by team that is time wasting, substitutions. Clock
(to assess possible injury, time wasting, leading. Player shows signs of concussion does not stop but time is added on
etc.) Also TV timeouts as specified in R 7.1.
During last 5 minutes of regulation play,
stopping clock for a caution to a player on the
losing team is discretionary with referee
START OF PLAY RULE 8 RULE 8 LAW 8
Coin Toss winner Choice of goal or kick off. Same Same as NFHS Must choose goal to attack. Loser of
procedure for 1st overtime toss always kicks off
Kickoff Same as FIFA Same as FIFA Ball may be kicked in any direction
including backward.
Drop Ball Where ball was when play stopped and Same as NFHS but does not require 2
5 yds. from touchline if simultaneous opposing players and need not be 5 yds. from Same as NCAA, but cannot score on
touched out by opposing players. If in touchline. Can score direct a dropped ball directly
goal area, drop on 6 yd line nearest to
location of stoppage. Must be dropped
between 2 opposing players, can score
direct
BALL IN AND OUT RULE 9 RULE 9 LAW 9
OF PLAY
Restart after injury, If one team is in clear possession, Same as FIFA, except if stoppage and GK Dropped ball where play was stopped
inadvertent whistle, indirect free kick, otherwise drop ball. has possession of ball when play stopped by referee. Goal cannot be scored
etc. Goal can be scored directly from a drop then IFK to GKs team at place of GK directly from a dropped ball.
ball. possession or if in goal area, on 6-yard line.
Ball strikes overhead Local ground rule to be discussed Considered as an outside agent. Ball dropped Considered part of field. Ball remains
wire or tree extending prior to game. No set rule at nearest point where ball landed in play (Advise to Referees- 1.8c and
into field 1.8d)
2017 NISOA Prepared by: Don Dennison, NISOA National Clinician 5/30/2017 10
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TOPIC NFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA - USSF
SCORING RULE 10 RULE 10 LAW 10
No differences between the venues ==== ====
2017 NISOA Prepared by: Don Dennison, NISOA National Clinician 5/30/2017 11
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TOPIC NFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA - USSF
Disqualification- 2nd caution (cannot be replaced); violent Serious foul play; violent behavior; fighting; Serious foul play or challenge
Reasons conduct; taunting; serious foul play; spits at anyone; denies an obvious goal- (includes any tackle which endangers
(Red Card) hand ball to prevent goal if ball does not scoring opportunity (see DOGSO footnote on safety of opponent); violent conduct;
go into goal; foul against an opponent page 16); uses abusive, threatening or spits at anyonedenies an obvious
who is moving toward goal with an obscene language, behavior or conduct; goal-scoring opportunity (see page 16
obvious opportunity to score; spitting at receives a 2d caution.; footnote; uses offensive, insulting or
an opponent, teammate or official; using 3rd occurrence of coaching outside of team abusive language or gestures;
offensive, insulting or abusive language area. Coach and bench may be carded receives a 2nd caution. Red card
or gestures; leaves bench when a fight cannot be shown to coach or non-
is taking place. Coach and bench may player but they may be sent off. Some
be carded. youth leagues differ
Charging Goalkeeper Keeper cannot be charged in his penalty May not be charged or interfered with while in May be fairly charged if going for the
area unless dribbling ball with his feet or possession of ball within his penalty area ball other than with his/her hands.
obstructing May not be charged while holding
ball or having possession of the same
Player on field at end Team not required to play short in next Team plays short in next period Same as NCAA
of period is ejected period 12.8.2 F
during the interval
Addressing Referee Only team captain should address Not permitted between periods except for No provision
Between periods referee captain unless summoned by referee1st
occurrence verbal warning; 2nd occurrence
caution; 3rdl - ejection
FREE KICKS RULE 13 RULE 13 LAW 13
Direct free kick Spitting, kicking or attempt to kick, Basically the same as HS Federation, but Basically, the same as NCAA, but
Offenses striking or attempting, tripping or does not specifically mention charging an specifies also tackling an opponent in
attempt, jumping at, handling ball, opponent while the opponent in the act of a manner deemed careless, reckless
holding, pushing, charging, violently playing the ball, has both feet off of the or with excessive force. Impedes
fouling goalkeeper while in possession ground; also assaulting an official and using progress with contact; assault on
of ball in the penalty area, all against an blood to assault anyone. official, team mate or non-player
opponent. Specifies charging an
opponent while the opponent in act of
playing the ball, has both feet off ground
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TOTOP TOPIC NFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA - USSF
Indirect free kick Playing ball a 2nd time before it is played Same as NFHS additionally, improper Dangerous play involving an
offenses or touched by another player at kickoff, coaching from the touchline after verbal opponent, impedes progress of
throw-in, free kick, corner kick, goal kick warning. but dangerous play must involve an opponent when no contact is made,
or penalty kick; GK holds ball opponent, not team mate. IFK for stoppage prevents goalkeeper from releasing
more than 6 seconds.; sub at improper only when GK is in possession of the ball; (in ball, commits any offense
time or without being beckoned by all other cases of injury and inadvertent not sanctioned by a direct free kick for
referee; persons other than players whistle drop ball), assault on official, team which play is stopped to caution or
entering field without referee mate or non-player send off a player; goalkeeper takes
permission; dissent; unsporting more than 6 seconds. before
behavior or inappropriate language; releasing ball; touches ball again with
dangerous play against opponent or hands after releasing; goalkeeper
teammate, offside; charging when ball touches ball with hands after it has
not within playing distance; interfering been deliberately kicked to him by
with goalkeeper before release of ball; team-mate, or handles the ball on a
illegal obstruction; leaving field without throw in to him by team-mate, offside.
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 or unusual situation and one
team has clear possession of the ball.
if game is stopped for misconduct of
player, coach or bench and no other
restart takes precedence, an IFK is
awarded. Spitting at team mate or game
official taken from spot of offense if
committed on field. If off field, from spot
where ball was when play stopped
PENALTY KICKS RULE 14 RULE 14 LAW 14
Ball Placement On the 9 spot or 2-foot line Same as NFHS On the penalty spot
Stutter stepping or Permitted, Kicker cannot stop and there Same as FIFA. Kicker cannot stop completely Permitted no infraction if during the
faking by the kicker is continuous movement toward the ball. run-up. Cannot stop completely
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TOPIC NFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA - USSF
Player taking kick Goal kick if ball goes directly over goal If ball goes directly out of play without being An indirect free kick is given to
infringes or team- line. If deflected out by goal keeper or touched goal kick. If ball rebounds into or defenders at point of infraction
mate encroaches and ball bounces into play indirect free kick out of play, an indirect free kick is awarded
ball does not go into to defenders. If saved by keeper-play
goal continues
Kicker plays ball Kick is retaken Kick is retaken Indirect Free Kick for Defenders
backwards
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TOPIC NFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA - USSF
Ball never enters field Throw-in awarded to opponent Same as HS Federation Retake throw-in
.
Use of Stickum on No Provision Not allowed. Also applies to Goalkeeper No Provision
Hands or gloves
Throw-in by impaired Legal One-handed throw-in allowed in No provision Same as NFHSSee USSF Advice
player using only one such cases to Referees 15.3
hand
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TOPIC NFHS NCAA-NISOA FIFA - USSF
Coach conveying Coach may give instructions during Cannot leave team area. May use electronic Only one person at a time is allowed
Tactical Information injury, otherwise cannot leave team tablet or dry-erase board. No player or coach to convey tactical instructions from
to team and Coach area. May use electronic may approach or speak to referee between the technical area
Restrictions communication devices on sideline only periods, except captain, unless summoned.
cannot communicate with field players Coaches on roster and on site can
communicate with each other electronically.
Cannot give instruction during an injury
Video Review No Provision Must be agreed upon before game. Initiated May be used in certain situations
only by referee. Equip. must be at field level
or scorers table. Call on field can only be
overturned if evidence is indisputable. Only
three situations can be reviewed: ball over
goal line for a goal, identify players for
discipline, and to determine if a fight occurred
and to identify participants.
Outside agent Drop ball Drop ball Referee can award the goal if the
touches ball as it touch had no impact on the defenders
goes into goal
Ball in play free kick Ball must be kicked and visibly moved Ball must be touched and moved Same as HS Fed.
Footnote to the FIFA 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
opponents 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 off the goal post,
crossbar or an opponent; (2) that rebounds or is deflected to him 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.
Additional footnote regarding DOGSO in FIFA Law 12 - In FIFA if 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. Its still a red card send-off/ejection for handling, holding,
pushing, pulling or violent conduct and serious foul challenges. This change is also now in place for NCAA.
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