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2001 LAW OF THE GAME
Introduction
Governing Bodies – Who Calls the Shots?
 | FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) governs international level soccer. USSF (United States Soccer Federation) professional level soccer follows FIFA LOTG (Laws Of The Game). USSF publishes an authorized FIFA LOTG book. See www.fifa.com or www.us-soccer.com |
| NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) governs US collegiate sports. Colleges use soccer referees from NISOA (National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association). Small colleges (NAIA, etc.) also use NCAA rules and NISOA referees. NCAA is not affiliated with FIFA. See www.ncaa.org |
| NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) governs US high school sports. IHSAA (Idaho High School Activities Association) is Idaho affiliated State Association (SA). The high school principals and athletic directors govern IHSAA. Each District hires a Commissioner of Soccer to administer assignments, pay rates, misconduct reports, etc. Officials must belong to the IHSAA to receive assignments. This includes membership in NFOA (National Federation Officials Association). NFHS is not affiliated with FIFA. See www.nfhs.org or www.idhsaa.org |
| Youth: USYSA (United States Youth Soccer Association) is a large youth affiliate of USSF. It modifies FIFA LOTG for young players. AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) does this also. IYSA (Idaho Youth Soccer Association) is affiliated with USYSA. Many local programs in Idaho are affiliated with IYSA. See www.usysa.org or iysa1.home.mindspring.com or www.cysaidaho.org |
Purpose and Scope of this Document
The purpose of this document is to be a handy study guide or quick reference for soccer referees who officiate matches under the authority of FIFA LOTG and other rules-making bodies. This document shows the essential differences in playing laws or rules between FIFA, NCAA, NFHS, and Youth, in the author’s opinion. It does not attempt to document the complete laws or rules.
For any point not mentioned here, assume the NCAA, NFHS, or Youth rule is the same as for FIFA. Referees are reminded to apply the appropriate law or rule depending on which governing body or its affiliates hired them. For authoritative interpretations, contact the official representatives of the governing bodies. Do your homework! Study the books!
Notes about the NCAA and NFHS rules in general:
| Vast majority of NCAA and NFHS rules are the same as FIFA, but usually are phrased differently. |
| NCAA soccer rules committee tries to keep current with FIFA. NFHS soccer rules committee usually meets earlier in the year than FIFA/IFAB, so NFHS changes often lag FIFA changes by a year. |
| NCAA and NFHS rulebooks are nicely numbered using Rule-Section-Article for easy reference. Each numbered "Rule" covers the same subject as the FIFA "Law" of the same number, for the most part. |
| NCAA and NFHS rulebooks often cover the same point in two or even three places. As a result, when changes are made, sometimes not all places get updated! |
| "Approved Rulings" (AR) (NCAA) and "Play Rulings" (PR) (NFHS) after the rules provide helpful examples and clarifications. In some cases, they specify certain details not spelled out in the rules. |
| NCAA & NFHS rules reflect the philosophy that school sports should build positive character. Generally, conduct inappropriate in the classroom is considered inappropriate on the soccer field. |
Major Similarities among FIFA, NCAA, NFHS, Youth
|
Exactly the Same |
Minor Differences |
Major Differences |
|
Law 11 – Offside Law 13 – Free Kicks Law 14 – Penalty Kick Law 16 – Goal Kick Law 17 – Corner Kick |
Law 1 – Field of Play Law 2 – Ball Law 5 – Referee Law 6 – Other Officials Law 9 – Ball In and Out of Play Law 10 – Method of Scoring Law 15 – Throw-In |
Law 3 – Players and Substitutes Law 4 – Players’ Equipment Law 7 – Duration of Play Law 8 – Start of Play Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct |
Essential Changes in Effect Starting in 2001
Summary
Every year the various governing bodies make some adjustments to the laws and rules. A professional approach to refereeing demands that every referee keep current in knowing and applying them.
FIFA – USSF – Youth
| Player sent off must leave vicinity of the field. (For youth, consider that proper supervision may be best with the coach on the bench.) (Law 12, following the list of sending-off offenses) |
| Location of a foul or misconduct involving a thrown object is no longer
where the action begins, but where the thrown object strikes or would have
struck another person. (Law 12, Decision 1, is deleted) [NCAA 12-1 AR 143, 144 seem to be in line with FIFA’s 2001 change.] [NFHS does not seem to mention this point, so apply the same as FIFA.] |
| "Procedures To Determine The Winner Of A Match" (PTDTWOAM) now call for golden goal overtime, then "Kicks From The Penalty Mark" (KFTPM) to break a tie. (Following Law 17) |
| New mandatory caution for blatant holding and pulling. Of course, the decision of what is blatant and what is not blatant is ITOOTR (In The Opinion Of The Referee). (General instructions) |
| Caution is no longer mandatory, or even called for, for a player who removes his jersey in celebration of a goal. Provocative or excessive celebration, of course, is still to be cautioned. (General instructions) |
| Reminder: the safety of eyeglasses worn by players is ITOOTR. (General instructions) |
NCAA
| Referee shall signal that the clock be stopped at the beginning of each substitution, and then beckon the substitute(s) onto the field. At this instant, the substitute becomes a player and the player being replaced is no longer a player. (3-6, 3-6 AR 43) |
| A substitute (who is ready to go in when the referee stops the clock and
beckons them onto the field) does not have to enter the field, but shall be
charged with one substitution entry in that period. (3-6 AR 44, 45) |
| Referee shall stop the clock when a player is instructed to leave the field
for an equipment change. (6-3b(1)(b), (d)) |
NFHS
| On a throw-in, the team NOT in possession of the ball may now substitute, IF the substitutes had already reported in, and IF the team in possession is also substituting on that throw-in. (3-3-4) |
| Referee pregame responsibilities now mandate, "shall address coaches
and players concerning good sportsmanship"! (5-2-2f, Points of Emphasis 3) (Author’s opinion: a good address might be "Play fair!" or "Be good sports!" after checking player equipment. We all know how counterproductive pregame speeches can be!) |
| Four-step rule for goalkeepers is repealed. Goalkeeper possession with hands is now limited to six seconds. (12-7-1) |
| Throw-ins no longer require "equal force", just both hands, to reduce nit-picking. (15-1-2) |
Differences: Law 1 – Field of Play
Summary
The differences are generally trivial. Furthermore, the field is supposed to be marked properly by the home school or club, or the league. If there are problems, report them to the school or league, to be repaired before the next game. Expect help from the school or league to keep spectators back.
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Length & Width |
Minimum Length |
Maximum Length |
Minimum Width |
Maximum Width |
|
FIFA "International" |
110 |
120 |
70 |
80 |
|
FIFA |
100 |
130 |
50 |
100 |
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NCAA "Optimum" |
120 |
120 |
75 |
75 |
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NCAA built > 1995 Sep |
115 |
120 |
70 |
80 |
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NCAA |
110 |
120 |
65 |
80 |
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NFHS "Recommended" |
110 |
120 |
65 |
75 |
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NFHS |
100 |
120 |
55 |
75 |
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Youth: Contact your local league, or USYSA. Scaled-down dimensions for players 12 or younger are beyond the scope of this document. |
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Official / Technical / Team Bench Area
(field of play) |<-- halfway line
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| v-- touchline
---------------------------------+--------------------------
^
FIFA: 1 meter; NCAA, NFHS: 10 feet
v
+--------------+ +-----+-----+ +--------------+
|<-- 20 yds -->|<-5 yd->|<- 10 yd ->|<-5 yd->|<-- 20 yds -->|
| | | | | |
| Team Area | | Official | | Team Area |
| | | Area | | |
|<-- 20 yds -->|<---- NCAA: 10 yd total ---->|<-- 20 yds -->|
|<---------------- FIFA: Benches + 1 meter ---------------->|
Differences: Law 2 – Ball
Summary
The differences are trivial except for the lower age groups for youth soccer.
Ball Specifications
|
Size |
Circum. |
Weight |
Pressure |
Authenticating Mark |
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FIFA, U13-U19 |
5 |
27"-28" |
14-16 oz |
8.5-15.6 psi |
"FIFA" mark req’d for int’l match |
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NCAA |
5 |
27"-28" |
14-16 oz |
8.5-15.6 psi |
"NCAA" mark favored, not req’d |
|
NFHS |
5 |
27"-28" |
14-16 oz |
per manuf’er |
"NFHS" mark required |
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U9-U12 |
4 |
25"-26" |
11-13 oz |
8.5-15.6 psi |
n/a |
|
≤ U8 |
3 |
23"-24" |
11-12 oz |
8.5-15.6 psi |
n/a |
Number of Balls
FIFA
: One or more.NCAA 2-2b: "No fewer than three nor more than six balls shall be available for use in a game; the balls shall be identical in size, make, grade and color, and shall be furnished by the home team."
NFHS 2-1-1: "It is the responsibility of the home team to provide three or more official game balls of similar quality. If the home team cannot provide three balls, the referee shall choose game balls from those offered by both teams."
Differences: Law 3 – Players and Substitutes
Summary
Some of the differences regarding substitutions are very significant. These may become the subject of bitter disputes if not well understood by all involved.
Team Captains
FIFA, NCAA, Youth: No special privileges.
NFHS: 3-1-1: "Each team shall designate a team captain on the field who:
(Author’s note: This means the captain can ask questions, not engage in debate or dissent.)
Minimum Number of Players: 7; What happens if a team has fewer than 7?
FIFA, Youth: Abandon the match; report to league. Referee has no power to declare a forfeit.
NCAA: After 15 minute grace period, referee declares "no contest". (3-1 AR 12, 5-5d)
NFHS: Team with fewer than 7 players forfeits the game. (3-1-2) (PR 3.1.2C allows temporary delay)
Roster:
FIFA: Must be provided to referee before the match. No additions permitted later.
NCAA: Must be provided to referee, official scorekeeper, and opponent no later than 15 minutes before game time. Referee’s copy does not show misconduct history; others must. (3-2a) No additions permitted later, but corrections may be made. (3-2 AR 18, 22)
NFHS: 3-1-3: "Each coach shall submit a team roster, bench personnel and coaches names to the officials at least five minutes prior to the start of the contest. The game shall not begin until this is complete."
PR 3.1.3B: "…players may be added to the roster after the start of play, …" See also PR 6.3.2AYouth: Same as FIFA, but permit additions.
Substitution Procedure
FIFA: "a substitute only enters the field of play at the halfway line and during a stoppage in the match"
"a substitute only enters the field of play after the player being replaced has left, and after receiving a signal from the referee"NCAA: 3-6: Sub reports to scorer;
Timer signals when subs are waiting at legal substitution time;
Referee signals clock to stop, and beckons sub(s) onto the field.NFHS: 3-4-1: Sub reports to scorer, giving jersey numbers of people involved.
3-4-1b: Sub who has reported to scorer may enter the field at a kick-off without being beckoned by an official.
3-4-1c: Timer is supposed to signal for a sub at any other substitution opportunity.
3-4-1d: At throw-in, goal kick or corner kick, sub must have reported to scorer prior to the dead-ball situation.
Goalkeeper Changes Places with Another Player on Field w/o Ref’s Permission
(This is different from a substitution; no one enters or exits the field or bench area.)
FIFA: Players are cautioned at next stoppage. (Please don’t caution if they forget to tell you at halftime!)
NCAA:Players receive a verbal admonition at next stoppage (3-7)
NFHS: Players receive a warning at next stoppage (3-5-1)
(Substitutions continue on next page.)
Differences: Law 3 – Players and Substitutes (continued)
Substitution Opportunities
|
FIFA: Any stoppage of play. Max 3-7 per team per game. No reentry. |
NCAA, NFHS, Youth: Unlimited number of subs, at stoppages as shown: |
|
Stoppage / Situation |
NCAA |
NFHS |
Youth (USSF Ref Admin Handbook) |
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Throw-In |
Team in possession; if they sub, then so may checked-in opponent(s) (3-4b) *1 |
Team in possession; if they sub, then so may checked-in opponent(s) (3-3-4) *1 |
Team in possession only |
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Goal Kick |
Either team (3-4a) |
Either team (3-3-1b) |
Either team |
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Corner Kick |
No subs permitted (not listed in 3-4) |
Team in possession only (3-3-5) |
No subs permitted |
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Kick-Off |
Either team (3-4c, d) |
Either team (3-3-1a, c) |
Either team |
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Injury, including any bleeding or blood on uniform |
Player(s) injured may sub out; if so, opponent may sub 1-for-1 (3-4h) |
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Either team, any number. *1 |
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Caution (Yellow Card) |
Player(s) cautioned may sub out; if so, opponent may sub 1-for-1 (3-4e) |
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Not defined as a time to sub, but it is wise to permit the cautioned player(s) to sub out, and opponent 1-for-1. |
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Sending Off (FIFA) |
When a goalkeeper is ejected, the GK must leave, but one field player may sub out for a new GK. Opponent may not sub (3-4f) |
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Not defined as a time to sub. Strict reading of USYSA rules means a field player must become the new goalkeeper to replace the GK sent off until NLSO* |
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Penalty Kick w/ injury, yellow card, or red card |
Incoming sub cannot take the PK (14-2) |
Only the injured, cautioned, or 12-8-2 DQ’d player may sub out; incoming sub cannot take the PK (3-3-1 Exception) |
See above. Incoming sub can take PK. |
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Player instructed to leave field to change equipment |
Player(s) w/ equipment problem may sub out; if so, opponent may sub 1-for-1 (3-4g) |
Not defined as a time to sub. |
Not defined as a time to sub. |
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Reenter after subbed out? |
1st ½, any OT period: No. 2nd ½: Once. *4 |
Yes, no limits (3) |
Yes, no limits. |
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Player/sub roles reverse: |
When ref signals to stop clock (3-6 AR 43) |
When referee beckons sub (3-3-6) |
When sub enters field of play (FIFA) |
*NLSO = next legal substitution opportunity
*1 "1-for-1" restriction regarding subs by opponent does not apply to this situation.
*2 NFHS: Injured player who was unconscious "may not return to the game without written authorization by a physician." (3-3-2a)
*3 NFHS: Technically, the NFHS rules for injury substitution apply only when the injured player is attended to on the field. However, it is pointless to force injured players who can leave the field under their own power to sit down and be tended on the field in order to qualify for substitution. This just wastes time.
*4 NCAA: Player’s & sub’s exit & reentry "don’t count": ▪ GK reentering as GK; ▪ player injured by carded opponent; ▪ player subbed for bleeding (3-5a,b)
Differences: Law 4 – Players’ Equipment
Summary
NCAA and NFHS rules regarding equipment are very detailed. The most important concern is for safety.
Required Equipment – All Levels
● Jersey
or shirt, tucked in. If team colors conflict, home team changes. NFHS: Home: white or light.
NCAA 4-3: All jerseys must have a front number ≥ 4" high, and ≥ 8" high on back. GK included.
NFHS 4-1: All jerseys must have a front number ≥ 4" high, and ≥ 6" high on back. GK excepted.
NCAA 4-2: Visible garment under jersey must be a solid color that matches the dominant jersey color.
NFHS 4-1-1a: Visible apparel worn under jersey must be of similar length, all alike, and solid color.● Shorts. Visible undergarment (slide/thermal shorts) must be the same main color. NCAA: solid color.
● Stockings. NCAA 4-2, NFHS 4-1a explicitly require teams to wear contrasting stockings.
NFHS: Both stockings shall be the same single dominant color, not necessarily the same color as the jersey. (4-1-1a) Stockings must not be multi-striped (bumble bee) pattern or tie-dyed (PR 4.1.1D)● Shinguards (covered by stockings; made of suitable material; provide reasonable protection)
NCAA, NFHS: must be worn as professionally manufactured; not altered to decrease protection.● Footwear (shoes) Generally, any shoe manufactured for soccer is OK, but safety is always ITOOTR.
● Goalkeeper jerseys must differ from the two teams and officials. GK shorts and socks need not match teammates. Field players on same team must match one another.
NCAA, NFHS – Additional Requirements
| Size limitations on manufacturer’s logo (max 2.25 sq. in.) (NCAA 4-1a; NFHS 4-1-1a) |
Prohibited Equipment – All Levels
| Anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry) |
NCAA – Additional Prohibitions
| Any jewelry, including earrings, chains, charms, watches, hair clips, bobby pins, tongue studs or items associated with piercing (visible or not visible) (4-6) |
NFHS (4-2, Related Play Rulings) – Additional Prohibitions
| Face or spectacle guards. |
| Helmets, hats, caps, or visors (except OK for goalkeeper) (4-2-1f) IHSAA does NOT allow teams to wear soft, matching hats in bad weather. |
| Adornment of any kind (ribbons, bandannas, leather or yarn friendship
bracelets, etc., etc., etc.) PR 4.2.1D prohibits "objectionable" face or arm paint, implying face paint is not in itself illegal. |
Optional Allowed Equipment – All Levels
| Goalkeepers may wear soft caps or visors. (NCAA 4-5 AR 58; NFHS 4-2-1f Exception (2)) |
| Knee, ankle, or other body braces, if suitably padded. Ankle brace covered by stocking. |
| Casts, splints, etc., if suitably covered and referee does not consider
them dangerous. NFHS 4-2-1c requires physician-signed medical release at game site. Recreational Youth programs usually prohibit casts or splints even if covered – check with league! |
| Medical alert jewelry, if taped to body, and not dangerous. |
NCAA – Explicitly Listed
| Commemorative patch (max 2.25 sq. in.) (4-1a) |
| Headbands are legal unless they constitute a danger to other players. (4-5 AR 55) |
NFHS (4-1-1a, 4-2, Related Play Rulings) – Explicitly Listed
| Commemorative patch (max 4 sq. in.) or American flag (max 2" x 3") |
| Hair control devices (including "scrunchies"), if soft, and not for adornment. |
| Sweatbands on head or wrist, if soft, and not for adornment. |
| Artificial limbs, if not more dangerous than normal limbs, and if padded with at least ½" foam. |
| Hearing aids, if they do not create the threat of injury. |
| Mouth guards. |
Differences: Laws 5 & 6 – Officials: Referee,
Assistant Referee, Ball Holders, Timer and Scorer
Summary
The overall powers and duties of the referee and assistant referees are generally the same under FIFA, NCAA, or NFHS. NCAA and NFHS rules 5 and 6 organize the information differently, and cover positions not specified by FIFA LOTG. They also duplicate some information from other rules.
Systems of Control
FIFA
: Diagonal System of Control (DSC) with one Referee and two Assistant Referees is mandatory.NCAA, NFHS: Permit the DSC or the 2-Referee system. NFHS also permits the 3-Referee system.
| Idaho ISOA & IHSAA use only the DSC. IHSAA uses 4th Official only at State Championships. |
Referee Uniform – Always wear the badge of the appropriate sanctioning body!
USSF
: Gold, black, or red pin-striped shirt; black shorts; black socks w/ 3 white stripes; USSF badge.NCAA: NISOA gold, black, or orange shirt; black shorts; black socks w/ 3 stripes; NISOA badge.
IHSAA: Any current USSF uniform (pin-striped shirt, even w/ USSF logo) is acceptable; IHSAA badge.
Pregame Duties & Responsibilities
NCAA
: Statement to captains: "Goalkeepers while in their own penalty area shall not be interfered with while in possession of the ball; and any player who, with obvious intent, violently fouls the goalkeeper shall be ejected without being cautioned." The referee also shall explain the penalties for language abuse and direct the captains to inform their teammages and bench personnel accordingly. (5-5 AR 67)NFHS: Address coaches and players concerning good sportsmanship (5-2-2f)
(Author’s opinion: a good address might be "Play fair!" or "Be
good sports!" after checking player equipment. We all know how
counterproductive pregame speeches can be!)
NFHS: Inquire of each coach whether players are properly equipped, then inspect each player (5-2-2d)
Postgame Duties & Responsibilities
NCAA
: Sign official scoresheet; report ejections, fights, and other issues to appropriate authorities.NFHS: Verify score; report cautions, disqualifications, fights, and other issues to District Commissioner.
Miscellaneous NCAA or NFHS Provisions not in FIFA
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NCAA Rule |
NFHS Rule |
Topic |
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5-5c, d |
7-5, 10-2-1 |
Forfeit : Referee may declare "forfeit" or "no contest" in certain cases |
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6-5 (option) |
6-1 (shall) |
Ball Holders : At least two, provided by the home team |
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6-3 (option) |
6-2 (option) |
Timer : Operate stadium clock as official time: Start/Stop Clock: see Law 7 |
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6-3d |
6-2-3b |
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6-3e |
6-2-3c |
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6-3f |
6-2-3e |
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6-1e(3) |
6-2-3g |
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6-4 (shall) |
6-3 (option) |
Scorer : keeps records instead of referee; IHSAA: Ref keeps official score |
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p. 96 |
p. 90 |
Time-Out Signal : Arms over head, crossed at wrists |
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n/a |
p. 90 |
Goal Scored Signal : First give Time-Out signal, then point to center circle |
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n/a |
p. 90 |
Offside Signal : Hands on hips. (Just like American football!) |
Differences: Law 7 – Duration of the Game
Summary
NCAA, NFHS, & Youth have some important differences from FIFA Law 7.
Duration of Periods (in Minutes; OT = Overtime; GG = Golden Goal)
|
Halves |
Halftime |
Regular Season |
OT period |
2nd ½ - OT |
OT - OT |
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FIFA, U17-U19 |
2 ´ 45 *1 |
= 15 |
Tie stands |
2 ´ 15 |
5 |
0 |
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NCAA |
2 ´ 45 *2 |
= 15 *3 |
Max 2 GG OT |
2 ´ 15 |
= 5 |
= 2 |
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NFHS (V, JV) |
2 ´ 40 *4 |
= 10 *3 |
IHSAA : Tie stands |
2 ´ 10 |
= 5 |
= 2 |
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U15-U16 |
2 ´ 40 |
5-10 |
Tie stands |
2 ´ 15 |
5 |
0 |
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U13-U14 |
2 ´ 35 |
5-10 |
Tie stands |
2 ´ 10 |
5 |
0 |
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U11-U12 |
2 ´ 30 |
5-10 |
Tie stands |
2 ´ 10 |
5 |
0 |
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U9-U10 |
2 ´ 25 |
5-10 |
Tie stands |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
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≤ U8 |
2 ´ 20 |
5-10 |
Tie stands |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
*1 FIFA: If league or tournament allows, referee and teams may agree to alter the duration of the periods of play prior to the start of play.
*2 NCAA: For live telecasts, a timeout that may not exceed two minutes in length may be taken after the 23rd minute of each half before a throw-in near the halfway line of the field or before a goal kick. (7-1)
*3 NCAA, NFHS: Referee and teams may agree to a shorter halftime interval. (NCAA 7-2; NFHS 7-2-1)
*4 NFHS: The time may be shortened in any emergency by mutual agreement or by order of the referee. If the game must be abandoned after one complete half has been played, the referee shall declare it an official game. Otherwise, report the incident to IHSAA for case-by-case disposition. (7-1-2, 3)
Time-Out and In (FIFA 7; NCAA 6, 7; NFHS 6, 7)
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FIFA |
NCAA |
NFHS |
Youth |
Situation |
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Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Clock starts /restarts when ball is properly put into play |
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Clock stops when: |
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Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
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Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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No |
Yes |
No |
No |
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No |
Yes |
No |
No |
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No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
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No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
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No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
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Whistle |
Buzzer |
Buzzer |
Whistle |
At end of half, ball becomes dead when whistle/buzzer sounds |
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Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Extend time at end of half to complete a penalty kick |
Differences: Law 8 – Start of Play
Summary
The kick-off is the same under all codes. NCAA & NFHS differ somewhat on coin toss and drop ball.
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Situation |
FIFA, Youth |
NCAA |
NFHS |
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Coin toss to begin Game or OT |
Winner chooses end of field to attack. Loser must kick off. |
Visiting captain calls; winner may choose end of field or kick-off. If winner chooses end, loser must kick off (8-1) |
Same as NCAA |
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Coin toss to begin Kicks From The Penalty Mark |
Winner must kick first. |
Visiting captain calls; winner may choose to kick first or last (7-1b(2)) |
Same as NCAA (p. 70: Sample Tournament Progression A-3c) |
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Drop ball to restart after any temporary stoppage not otherwise provided for: |
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Drop ball |
IFK to team in control (2 AR 8) |
IFK to team in control (9-3-1) *1 |
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Drop ball |
Drop ball (9-3b) |
Drop ball (9-2-1c) *1 |
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*1 NFHS: includes the above, but spells out some additional details about when to drop the ball:
| When the ball is caused to go out-of-bounds by two opponents
simultaneously. (9-2-1a) Drop the ball 5 yards in from point on the touch-line or goal-line. (9-2-2) |
| Always use a drop ball to restart after the ball became deflated. (2-2-4, 9-2-1b) |
| When a simultaneous foul of the same degree occurs by opponents. (9-2-1d) |
| The ball must always be dropped between two opposing players. (9-2-3) |
Differences: Law 9 – Ball In and Out of Play
Summary
When the ball is in play, and when the ball is out of play, is the same under all codes. NCAA & NFHS rule 9 also cover the Drop Ball; see above under Law 8.
Whistle for Restart
NFHS
9-1-3: Whistle is required to restart play: | for the taking of a penalty kick, |
| after a substitution is made, |
| after a caution, disqualification, injury or encroachment [i.e., when referee has to set wall for free kick] |
Differences: Law 10 – Scoring
Summary
Scoring of goals is the same under all codes.
Score of Forfeited Game
FIFA
: This is left to each league or competition (tournament). The referee cannot declare a forfeit.NCAA 10-8: The score of a forfeited game shall be 1-0.
NFHS 10-2: "The score of a forfeited game shall be 1-0 if the game is not started, the score is tied or the offending team is ahead at that time. If the offending team is behind at the time of forfeit, the score at that time is the final score."
Differences: Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct
Summary
The lists of DFK (direct free kick) fouls, IFK (indirect free kick) infractions, and yellow card and red card misconduct cover substantially the same things under all codes. Unfortunately, there are a few major differences, and a few very subtle differences.
è Judge all fouls and infractions as you would in the corresponding age under FIFA/USYSA competition.
Direct Free Kick Fouls
|
FIFA: DFK Foul |
NCAA: DFK Foul |
NFHS: DFK Foul |
|
Kick / attempt to kick opponent (C, R, UEF*) |
12-1 (12-7: does not include kicking ball held by ’keeper) |
12-1-1 (does not include kicking ball held by ’keeper) |
|
Trip / attempt to trip opponent (C, R, UEF) |
12-1 |
12-1-2 |
|
Jump at opponent (C, R, UEF) |
12-1 (or attempt) |
12-1-1 |
|
Charge opponent (C, R, UEF) |
12-5 (if violent or dangerous; defines fair charge) |
12-4 (detailed discussion of charging) |
|
Strike/attempt to strike opponent (C, R, UEF) |
12-1, AR 143, 144 |
12-1-1, 3 |
|
Push opponent (C, R, UEF) |
12-4 |
12-3-1 |
|
Contact opponent before the ball |
(consider a form of tripping) |
12-1-2 (a form of tripping) |
|
Hold opponent (body or uniform) |
12-4 |
12-3-1, 2 (punish "hand(s) on an opponent" only if it really is a push or hold) |
|
Spit at opponent |
12-1 (or attempt to spit) or intentionally, avoidably contact opponent using blood |
12-1-1 |
|
Handle ball deliberately |
12-3 |
12-2 |
* C, R, UEF = Careless, Reckless, or Using Excessive Force.
Indirect Free Kick Infractions
|
FIFA: IFK Infraction |
NCAA: IFK Infraction |
NFHS: IFK Infraction |
|
GK holds ball > 6 seconds |
12-11a |
12-7-1 |
|
GK second possession (incl. after a parry) |
12-11b |
12-7-1, 12-7-2 |
|
GK handles ball deliberately kicked to GK by teammate |
12-11b(2) |
12-7-3 |
|
GK handles ball direct from throw-in by teammate |
12-11b(2) |
12-7-4 |
|
Dangerous play |
12-9 (12-7: includes kicking ball held by goalkeeper) |
12-6 (13-2-2e: includes kicking ball held by ’keeper) |
|
Impede opponent (includes fair charge not in playing distance of ball; see USSF Advice 12.14, 12.22) |
12-8; 12-5 AR 159 |
12-5 Obstruction; 12-4-4 Charging |
|
Interfere with GK holding ball |
12-10 (omission is typo) |
12-4-3 |
|
Any misconduct not otherwise listed above |
12-14, 15 |
12-8-1, 2, 3, 4 |
è Four-step limit on goalkeeper with ball is abolished from all codes (FIFA, NCAA: 2000; NFHS: 2001)
(Misconduct is on the next page.)
Yellow Card Offenses
|
FIFA: Caution |
NCAA: Caution |
NFHS: Caution |
|
1. Unsporting behavior (USB) |
12-14e |
12-8-1f (USC=unsport. conduct) |
|
? taunting: caution for USB |
same as FIFA |
* 12-8-2a "Soft Red Card" |
|
? excessive celebration: caution for USB |
same as FIFA |
* 12-8-2b "Soft Red Card" |
|
? remove shirt to celebrate goal: OK |
(no mention) |
* PR 12.8.1 and 2A "Soft Red" |
|
2. Dissent by word or action |
12-14c |
12-8-1c |
|
3. Persistent infringement |
12-14b |
12-8-1b |
|
4. Delay restart |
12-14f |
12-8-1f(2) a form of USC |
|
5. Not respect required distance on restart |
12-14g |
12-8-1f(5) a form of USC |
|
6. Enter/reenter field w/o ref’s permission |
12-14a |
12-8-1a |
|
7. Leave field w/o referee’s permission |
12-14a |
12-8-1a |
|
(no mention) |
12-14d Incidental vulgar or profane language |
12-8-1d Incidental use of vulgar or profane language |
NCAA
: Tobacco user is "disqualified for remainder of practice or competition" (12-13)NFHS: Caution also for: ▪ Use of tobacco at game site (12-8-1g) ▪ Use of video replay, or electronic or mechanical amplifying devices (12-8-1e)
Red Card Offenses
|
FIFA: Send-Off |
NCAA: Ejection |
NFHS DQ Disqualification |
|
1. Serious foul play (SFP) |
12-15a; 12-6 Violent foul vs. ’keeper w/ ball |
12-8-3b; 12-4-2a Flagrant foul against goalkeeper with ball |
|
2. Violent conduct, including fighting |
12-15b; 12-15c Fight; 12-2 Leave team area to join altercation |
12-8-3a; 12-8-3e Leave team area to join fight |