2-2-4
SECTION 2 BALL SPECIFICATIONS:
ART. 4…If the ball becomes
deflated during play, it is
declared dead
where it was last played
and the game is resumed by a
drop ball
between any two opposing players
at the spot where it was last
played. If the ball
becomes deflated within the goal
area, then the ball is dropped
between two opposing players
subject to the provisions of
Rule 9-2-2
and 9-2-3. Ball deflated
during a penalty kick results in
retaken kick.
Rationale: The provisions for a drop ball have changed, refer to 9-2.
4-1-1a SECTION 1 REQUIRED
EQUIPMENT:
ART. 1a…The visiting team shall
wear solid white jerseys and
solid white socks, and the home
team shall wear dark jerseys and
socks (dark is defined as any
color which contrasts with
white).
Prior to and during the game,
jerseys shall be tucked into the
shorts, unless manufactured to
be worn outside.
Rationale: Manufacturing practices have changed.
4-2-7e, f SECTION 2 OTHER
EQUIPMENT:
ART. 7…A tooth and mouth
protector (intraoral), if worn,
shall:
e. not to be
completely white; and
f. not to be completely clear.
Rationale: SMAC no longer recommends the mouth protector meet these two criteria; dropping these two requirements brings soccer in line with the other sports that allow mouth guards.
9-1-1b SECTION 1 BALL IN AND OUT
OF PLAY:
ART. 1…The ball is out of play
when:
a. it has completely crossed the
goal line or touch line, whether
on the ground or in the air;
b. the ball
touches an official and remains
on the field; and
1. a team starts a promising
attack;
2. goes directly into the goal;
3. possession changes
Rationale: This is to address situations where the ball touches a referee and a team gains an advantage.
SECTION 2 DROP
BALL:
ART. 1…The game is restarted
with a drop ball:
a. when the ball is caused to go
out-of-bounds by two opponents
simultaneously;
b. when the ball becomes
deflated; (2-2-4)
c. following a temporary
suspension of play for an injury
or unusual situation; (except
as noted in 14-1-7)
and the goalkeeper is not in
possession of the ball.
d. when simultaneous fouls of
the same degree occur by
opponents; or
e. when the ball
touches an official as per
9-1-1b.
Rationale: This proposal prevents an opponent from gaining an advantage.
9-2-3 SECTION 2
DROP BALL
ART. 3…The ball is dropped by an
official from waist level to the
ground.
The referee drops the ball to
one player of the team that last
possessed the ball at the
position where it was last
touched by a player(s), an
outside agent or match official.
If when play was stopped, the
ball was in the penalty area or
the last touch, by either team,
was in the penalty area, the
ball is dropped to the defending
team’s goalkeeper with all
opposing players outside the
penalty area. In all cases, all
other players must remain at
least 4 yards from the ball
until it is in play.
Any number of players may
contest a dropped ball
(including the goalkeeper); a
referee cannot decide who may
contest a drop ball or its
outcome.
Other Rules
Affected:
9-2-2 SECTION 2 DROP BALL ART.
2…The ball should be dropped at
the location where it became
dead unless this is within the
goal area, in which case, it
shall be dropped on that part of
the goal-area line which runs
parallel to the goal line
nearest the location where the
ball was when play was stopped.
If the ball was caused to go out
of bounds by two opponents
simultaneously, the ball is
dropped five yards inside the
boundary line to one player of
the team in possession of the
ball prior to the simultaneous
touch, unless this is the goal
area. (See
9-3) (See
9-2-3)
Rationale: Simplifies the drop ball procedure.
9-3 DELETE
SECTION 3 TEMPORARY SUSPENSION
In the case of a
temporary injury or unusual
situation the game shall be
restarted with a drop ball. As
in 9-2-3. The referee drops the
ball to one player of the team
that last touched the ball at
the position where it was last
touched by a player, an outside
agent or match official. If when
play was stopped, the ball was
in the penalty area or the last
touch, by either team, was in
the penalty area, the ball is
dropped to the defending team’s
goalkeeper. In either case, all
other players must remain 4 yds
from the ball until it is in
play. at the point where the
ball was when play was suspended
(except as noted in 14-1-7)
provided the ball was not in the
goal area and not in the
possession of the goalkeeper
(1The ball is dropped f2-8-2).
Should there not be clear
possession at the time play is
suspended due to an injury or
unusual situation, there will be
a drop ball at the spot where
the ball was declared dad
subject to the provisions of
Rule 9-2-2.
Rationale: Information was redundant.
13-2-3b DELETE
SECTION 2 WHEN AWARDED
ART. 3b…For
temporary suspension of play for
injury or unusual situation and
the goalkeeper has possession to
the ball as per Rule 9-3 (9-3).
Rationale: Provisions for drop ball changed.
13-3-1 SECTION 3
HOW TAKEN
ART. 1…Players opposing the
kicker shall be at least 10
yards from the ball until it is
kicked, unless they are standing
on their own goal line between
the goal posts. If the free kick
is awarded to the defending team
in its penalty area, players
opposing the kicker shall be
outside the penalty area at
least 10 yards from the ball and
shall
must remain there until
the ball
is in play
clears the penalty area.
Where 3 or more
defending team players form a
wall, all attacking team players
must remain at least 1 yard from
the wall until the ball is in
play.
Rationale: This will allow the ball to be put back into play quicker and will lead to a decrease in confrontational moments during free kicks.
13-3-2 SECTION 3
HOW TAKEN
ART. 2…The ball shall be kicked
while it is stationary on the
ground at the spot specified by
the official. To be in play, the
ball shall be moved in any
direction.
If the free kick is awarded to
the defending team in its
penalty area, the ball is not in
play until it is beyond the
penalty area and into the field
of play. Failure to kick
the ball as specified shall
result in a rekick.
Rationale: Allows the ball to be put back into play quicker.
13-3-4 NEW
SECTION 3 HOW TAKEN
NEW ART. 4…For
indirect kicks, the referee
shall signal an indirect kick
(using Official NFHS Soccer
Signals Rule 5-3-1b) by raising
an arm above the head; this
signal shall be maintained until
the kick is taken and the ball
touches another player or goes
out of play. If the referee
fails to signal the kick is
indirect and the ball goes
directly into the opponent's
goal, the kick shall be retaken.
Rationale: This clarifies the need to make the signal and prevents punishing the team taking the kick when the referee fails to give the proper signal.
14-1-3 SECTION 1
PENALTY KICK
ART. 3…The opposing goalkeeper
shall stand
with at least one foot on or
in-line with the goal
line, facing the kicker, between
the goal posts,
and shall not be touching the
goal posts, crossbar, or nets,
until the ball is kicked.
Lateral
or forward movement is
allowed, but the goalkeeper is
not permitted to come off the
line
with both feet
by stepping or lunging forward
until the ball is in play.
Rationale: This clarifies the goalkeeper’s position during the taking of a penalty kick.
16-1-2 SECTION 1
GOAL KICK
ART. 2…Players opposing the
kicker shall remain outside the
penalty area until the ball
is in play
has cleared the penalty area.
Rationale: Clarifies when the ball is in play.
16-1-3 SECTION 1
GOAL KICK
ART. 3…Once spotted, the ball
shall be kicked from the ground
from any point within the goal
area by a player of the
defending team.
The ball is in play when it is
kicked and moves.
A goal kick shall
clear the penalty area and enter
the field of play. If the ball
is not kicked beyond the penalty
area, the goal kick shall be
repeated.
Rationale: Clarifies when the ball is in play.
16-1-4 SECTION 1
GOAL KICK
ART. 4…After the goal kick
is properly taken
leaves the penalty area,
the ball may be played by any
player except the one who
executes the goal kick. The
kicker may not play the ball
until it has been touched by
another player.
Rationale: Clarifies how the kick is taken and when it is in play.
3-4-3 NEW: The clock shall be stopped when a substitute by the team in the lead is beckoned on the field in the final five minutes of the second period only.
Rationale: Rule affected by change in 7-4-3.
4-3: Improperly Equipped Players (18-1-1u)
Cautions will not be issued for improperly equipped player(s).
If not immediately correctable, improperly equipped player(s) shall be instructed to leave the field of play when the ball next ceases to be in play. The player(s) may be replaced. The removed player(s), if not replaced, may re-enter at the next dead ball only after reporting to an official, who shall be satisfied the player’s equipment and uniform are in order. Play shall not be stopped for an infringement of this rule except that the referee may stop play immediately where there is a dangerous situation.
Rationale: The change corrects an injustice. For the far more serious infringement of illegal equipment, the offending team does not play shorthanded. For the less serious offense of improper equipment, they are required to play shorthanded. The change addresses this inequity.
5-3-1d: The officials shall:
(d) call out "play on" and, with an underswing of one or both arms, indicate a foul which was observed but shall go unpenalized because penalizing the offending team would give an advantage to the offending team. If the referee applies the advantage, which was anticipated but does not develop at that time, the referee shall penalize the original offense.
Rationale: This change permits the use of one arm to signal advantage.
7-4-3 NEW: The clock shall be stopped when a substitute by the team in the lead is beckoned onto the field in the final five minutes of the second period only.
Rationale: Coaches in the lead will make multiple substitutions in the later stages of the match. This tactic is being used as a time-wasting ploy. Adding this rule will help the game to be decided by the players and not a coach who is wasting time when in the lead. These substitutes are usually players from the far side of the field that take more time off the clock. This addition would stop this practice.
9-2-1: The game is restarted with a drop ball:
a. when the ball is caused to go out of bounds by two opponents simultaneously;
b. when the ball becomes deflated;
c. following temporary suspension of play for an injury or unusual situation and a goalkeeper is not in possession of the ball
d. when simultaneous fouls of the same degree occur by opponents.
Rationale: This rule changes the awarding of a free kick to a drop ball thereby possibly creating a scoring opportunity for a team underserving.
9-2-3: The ball is dropped by an official from waist level to the ground. Any number of players may contest a dropped ball (including the goalkeepers); a referee cannot decide who may contest a dropped ball or its outcome.
Rationale: This addition helps to provide clarity in the application of this rule.
9-2-5 NEW: ART. 5 . . . The ball shall be dropped again if it touches a player before it touches the ground or leaves the field of play after it touches the ground without touching a player.
Rationale: This addition helps to avoid confusion and allow the rule to be more equitable under the circumstances.
9-2-6 NEW: ART. 6 . . . If a dropped ball enters the goal without touching at least two players, play is restarted with a goal kick if it enters the opponent’s goal or a corner kick if it enters the team's own goal.
Rationale: This addition helps to avoid confusion and allow the rule to be more equitable under the circumstances.
9-3: In case of a temporary suspension due to injury or any unusual situation the game shall be started by a drop ball at the point where the ball was when the play was suspended (except as noted in 14-1-7), provided the ball was not in the goal area and not in the possession of the goalkeeper. 12-8-2
Rationale: This change will eliminate free kick opportunities that often create scoring opportunities that are not deserved.
Points of Emphasis
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury Prevention.
Pre-game Communication Between the School Administration and Game Officials.
Official’s Communicating Misconduct with Coaches.
4-1-1a, b: a.
The home team shall wear dark jerseys and socks (dark is
defined as any color which contrasts with white), and
the visiting team shall wear solid white jerseys and
solid white socks. Prior to and during the game, jerseys
shall be tucked into the shorts, unless manufactured to
be worn outside.
b. Both socks shall be the same color, with the home
team wearing socks of a single dominant color, but not
necessarily the color of the jersey and the visiting
team wearing solid white sock. If tape or a similar
material (stays/ straps) is applied externally to the
socks, it must be of similar color as that part of the
sock to which it is applied.
Rationale: This change allows home teams to wear the school-colored jerseys at home. The change would provide the opportunity for teams to use an alternative color uniform for "special" events, if approved by the state association.
4-1-1d, e: d. If visible apparel is worn under the jersey and/or shorts, it shall be of similar length for an individual and a solid liked-color for the team.
Rationale: The previous rule caused financial hardships for some players and schools. The rule allows for the purchase of one set of cold-weather undergarments per player.
4-2-10 (NEW): In addition to the above permitted uses, state associations may on an individual basis permit a player to participate while wearing a head covering if it meets the following criteria:
1. For medical or cosmetic reasons – In the event a
participant is required by a licensed medical physician
to cover his/her head with a covering or wrap, the
physician’s statement is required before the state
association can approve a covering or wrap which is not
abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player and
which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely
that it will come off during play.
2. For religious reasons – In the event there is
documented evidence provided to the state association
that a participant may not expose his/her uncovered
head, the state association may approve a covering or
wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any
other player and which is attached in such a way it is
highly unlikely to come off during play.
Rationale: The addition of this exception allows for the participation of students who for religious reasons must maintain a covered head in all situations. The same is true for the student who for medical or cosmetic reasons needs to cover the head.
8-1-2: At the moment of the kickoff, all players, except the player taking the kickoff, shall be in their team's half of the field. Players opposing the kicker shall be at least 10 yards from the ball until it is kicked.
Rationale: This 2017 rule change allowing the kickoff to be taken in any direction has created difficulty for the player taking the kick to easily kickoff into his/her own half of the field without physically being in the opponent’s half of the field. This addition to the rule would permit only the player taking the kickoff to be in the opponent’s half of the field, in order to take the kickoff.
11-1-4: A Player is offside and penalized if, at the time the ball touches or is played by a teammate, the player, in an offside position, becomes involved in active play by:
A player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent, who deliberately plays the ball (except from a deliberate save), is not considered to have gained an advantage. Indirect free kick at the spot of the infraction (even in own half), subject to the provisions in P 13.1.3
Rationale: This change better articulates the difference between being in an offside position and an offside violation. It also places the penalty language in a more logical place within the rule.
12-8-1f, 15 (NEW): 1. A player, coach or bench personnel shall be cautioned (yellow card) for:
f. unsporting conduct, including, but not limited to: 15. A player who commits an offense against an opponent within his/her team penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, if the offense was an attempt to play the ball. 12-8-2d3, 4 2. A player, coach or bench personnel shall be disqualified (red card) for: (NEW) d. committing serious foul play: 3. a player commits a foul, outside the penalty area, attempting to deny an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, and the goal is not scored; or 4. a player commits a foul, inside the penalty area, while not attempting to play the ball, and the goal is not scored.
Rationale: This change addresses the issues of denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) that occur in the game that places a player and team in double jeopardy when applying a penalty.
13-2-1j (NEW): ART. 1 . . . Direct free kicks are awarded and taken from the point of the infraction (Except as in 13-1-3 and 14-1-1):
j. if a player, coach, or bench personnel enters or leaves the field of play without permission of an official and interferes with play or an official (12-8-1).
Rationale: This change emphasizes the importance of proper decorum and behavior from the benches.
13-2-3: ART. 3 . . . The following indirect free kicks are taken from where the ball was when the referee stopped play: (Subject to restrictions in 13-1-3 and 13-1-4.)
a. if a player, coach or bench personnel enters or leaves the field of play without permission of an official and does not interfere with play or an official (12-8-1);
Rationale: This change maintains a focus on the proper decorum and behavior of the benches.
18-1-g (NEW): A deliberate act is one in which a player chooses to act, regardless of the outcome of that action. This deliberate act is neither reaction nor reflex. A deliberate action may result in the opponent benefiting from the action (e.g., a deliberate, but misplayed ball that goes directly to an opponent). A reaction or reflex may result in that player benefiting from the action (e.g., a ball inadvertently contacting the arm and falling directly to the player's feet).
Rationale: This definition provides guidance for interpretation of rules that contain the word deliberate or phrase deliberate act.
Major Editorial Changes
4-2-4: Clarifies a religious medal or other religious items must be taped to the body