2005-06 NFHS Soccer Rule Changes

Rule 4-2-1(g): Modify to read: “knee braces with exposed metal. Any covering/sleeve made by the manufacturer may be worn.” Rationale: The current statement is vague and would permit a covering not necessarily made by a brace manufacturer.

Rule 5-2-2: Re-organize 5-2-2 d, e and f to read as follows: “conduct a pregame conference with each team’s head coach and team captain(s) to:
1. review pertinent rules
2. conduct a coin toss at least five minutes before the scheduled starting time of the game…
3. inquire of the head coach whether each of his/her players is properly equipped. Examine the uniform…”
The new (e) would be: “address head coaches and players concerning good sportsmanship.” Rationale: Most of the NFHS rules books require the presence of the head coach at the pregame conference. This change would allow for more positive dialogue with both teams’ head coaches and the officials at one time, prior to the game. Soccer has a high incidence of rules violations and cards for misconduct. We would like to bring soccer in line with our other sports, especially as we train officials.

12-8-1 Penalty Unsporting Conduct: An indirect free kick shall be awarded to the nonoffending team from the spot of the infraction, unless the match has been stopped for some other reason calling for a different restart, subject to 13-1-3 and 4. Rationale: Makes the NFHS consistent with other rules codes and with 13-1-2 and 13-2-2(j).

12-8-2 Penalty Yellow/red: An indirect free kick shall be awarded to the nonoffending team from the spot of the infraction, unless the match has been stopped for some other reason calling for a different restart, subject to 13-1-3 and 4. Rationale: Makes the NFHS consistent with other rules codes and with 13-1-2 and 13-2-2(j).

12-8-3(a) Penalty Violent Conduct: Direct or indirect free kick, depending on the circumstances, from the spot of the infraction, unless the match has been stopped for some other reason calling for a different restart, subject to 13-1-3 and 4. Rationale: Makes the NFHS consistent with other rules codes and with 13-1-2 and 13-2-2(j).

12-8-3(b) Penalty Serious Foul Play: Direct free kick from the spot of the infraction, unless the match has been stopped for some other reason calling for a different restart, subject to 13-1-3 and 4. Rationale: Makes the NFHS consistent with other rules codes and with 13-1-2 and 13-2-2(j).

12-8-3(c) Penalty Spitting: Direct/indirect free kick, depending on the circumstances, from the spot of the infraction unless the match has been stopped for some other reason calling for a different restart, subject to 13-1-3 and 4. Rationale: Makes the NFHS consistent with other rules codes and with 13-1-2 and 13-2-2(j).

12-8-3(d) Penalty Language: An indirect free kick from the spot of the infraction, unless the match has been stopped for some other reason calling for a different restart, subject to 13-1-3 and 4. Rationale: Makes the NFHS consistent with other rules codes and with 13-1-2 and 13-2-2(j).

12-8-3(b): Move taunting (12-8-2[a]) and Note from Article 2, page 55, to Article 3. Rationale: This change makes taunting a “hard red card” rather than a “yellow/red card” infraction. Taunting is a serious violation and the team should have to play a person down.

Sample Tournament Progression
Change the order in Making the Call by the official to the following:
1. give a short, sharp blast of the whistle;
2. visually indicate signal for the foul;
3. visually indicate the direction and type of free kick (direct or indirect) and the spot of the throw-in.
Rationale: The official does not have to give any signal more than once. The previous order was difficult for the official to execute.