Updated January 4, 2007
Rule 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17
Governing Sports Authority Language (page 8): As a region rep, I filed an ejection report for fighting. The AD sent a game tape to the conference and had it overruled. Can they do this? Your comments would be appreciated.
Response: The statement set forth on page 8 prohibits such action. There have been situations where a GSA determines that an injustice has occurred and reverses certain documented incidents. Example: During a melee, a referee issued numerous red cards including one to #7 in the white. Video play of the entire incident clearly showed that #7 in the white was standing on his own bench throughout the entire action. The commissioner of that conference chose to reverse the action. Notwithstanding, the rule concerning GSA powers is still clearly set forth on page 8. Tough, gray area.
Rule 1: The field diagram on page 10 of the 2006 rule book shows the benches at 10 yards apart. We have a facility in our conference that has bleachers between the benches putting much more than 10 yards between the benches. Is there any situation where this is acceptable?
Response: The rule is an administrative rule that allows a "whenever possible" option.
Rule 1-1-b: I had a call today from an administrator that because of all the rain in the Northeast whether or not they could play a game indoors with smaller field dimension than required? In reading Rule 1-1-b, it sounds like if there is mutual consent from both programs that it would be permissible. Is that a correct assessment?
Response: Correct. They have that option if both parties agree (written, mutual consent) in advance.
Rule 1-6 PENALTY: 1) Can a team refuse to start the game without three officials (assuming three officials were assigned)? Please note that the assigned referee attempted to obtain the services of a NISOA certified referee that was not available.
2) Failing (1) above, the game SHALL be officiated according the dual-referee system of control. I interpret "shall" to be a directive (i.e., mandatory); therefore, they must start the game.
Response: A team does not have the option to not begin the game unless one of the ?The game shall not begin?.? (e.g. - see Rule 1-6 PENALTY) factors are in play.
Response: The marking segment of the team/coaching areas rule is an administrative rule and, therefore, subject to modification by prior, written mutual consent. In short, it's nice if you can get it but not mandatory as a rule of conduct (meaning the game can still be played without the markings and/or the desired dimensions; albeit there shall be an area Rule 1-12-a).
Rule 1-8: The rules appear to call for corner flags to locate at the center of the intersection between the touch line and goal line. For years we have followed the FIFA instruction to locate the corner post at the outer edge of this intersection. I was always told the reason for this was so the assistant referee could use the corner post as reference to judge when the ball has passed fully over the line and out of play. If the corner post does not represent the outer edge of the touch line or goal line, then it is not a valid reference for this purpose. Why is it necessary?
Response: The NCAA corner flag rule was modified several years ago to accommodate "pylons," which served as holding forms for the flags used on artificial surfaces when holes were not bored for flags. Today's fieldturf facilities no longer require pylons because holes are provided. With reference to the intersection question, the language for NCAA rules is correct.
Rule 1-9: The rules also call for placing the goal posts at the interior edge of the goal line. This can result in instances where the back or outside edge of the goal post is not in line with the outer edge of the goal line (ex: 4 foot goal posts located on a 5 foot goal line), creating a situation like that described above. The goal post then cannot be used to judge if the ball has passed fully over the goal line. This can lead to critical game influencing errors.
Response: The 4 foot/ 5 foot issue is of no consequence if the 4 foot goal sits on a 4 foot or 5 foot goal line because the AR can see the ball cross the entire line. You may have a point - which will be addressed at our next meeting - if a 5 foot goal sits on a 4 foot line. My prediction is that we will hereafter require that if there is a disparity between the two then either must be changed to conform. (Example: If a five inch goal is used, the goal line must be five inches as well.)
Rule 1-9: I have a question regarding a change in the text of Rule 1-9 in the 2005 NCAA soccer rules as it relates to placement of the goal posts along the goal line. In 2005 the rule text provides that the front edge shall conform to the interior of the goal line (towards the field). In past NCAA rules books, rear edge was to conform with the exterior of the goal line, in keeping with FIFA and NF rules. I have seen no rule change announced to support this new language.
This problem only occurs when the goal posts and goal lines are of differing width.
Since the AR is visually dependent on the rear edge of the goal posts to determine whether the whole of the ball has completely crossed the whole of the goal line, alignment of the rear edge of the goal post with the exterior of the goal line has historically provided an accurate reference point. As written in the 2005 rules, a 4 inch post at the front of a 5 inch line, or a 5 inch post at the front of a 4 inch line now creates a 1 inch variance between what the AR will see using the post and what the players will see using the line. Is this intended?
Response: The rule wasn't changed; only the language to clear up confusion regarding the word "exterior." "Exterior" means the "back" of the 4 or 5 inch goal line. Clearly, the front facing of the goalposts must rise directly from the front edge of the goal line or else a situation would exist where the front facing of the goal post would be at the back (away from the field) edge of the goal line. Among other things this would create a situation where as the ball approaches the goal it conceivably could roll along the goal line and instead of striking the inside of a properly positioned goalpost would just roll on past. For a closer look, turn to page No. 7 of Law 1 in the most recent (2004/2005) FIFA Laws of the Game and you will see that no part of the goal line "shows" in front of the goal posts facing the field of play.
Rule 1-9: A game is started at
Response: Yes, the player is charged with the caution. See the last sentence in Rule 1-9.
Rule 1-9: A dual-purpose field shared has a football crossbar is protruding about 2 feet onto the playing area above the soccer goal-post. Also, the football stanchion is actually in the soccer goal approximately 3 feet from the goal line inside the goalpost and nets. The post is padded.
Response: The protruding goalpost does not constitute a legal playing venue and, therefore, the game cannot begin. Rule 1-9 specifies the style, type and measurements of a soccer goal and therefore, by inference, having a protruding bar two feet onto the playing surface - whether above, beside or growing out of it, violates the rule. Moreover, the presence of a stanchion inside the goal would represent the presence of an item that could prove dangerous to players (e.g. - a high speed run that ends in the net crashing into the pole?or the goalkeeper diving backwards only to break his neck in a collision with the pole. More probable is a ball that is rocketed into the net, hits the pole and ricochets back out causing danger to a player who may be unaware.)
Rule 1-12-a and b: There are no markings for the team/coaching area as stated in the NCAA rules. Is this acceptable? Rule 1-1: If a field was in use before 1994, then the soccer field could be 65 yards wide. One of the options our university has is to put us on one of the fields on campus (that has been there since before 1994) and resurface it with the new field turf. Can the field still be 65 yards wide even though it would be resurfaced? There is not room to make the field larger.
Response: Your field is legal because of the prior use clause applies.
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Rule 3-3h: This situation came up in a match where I was a fourth official. A player from team A is instructed to leave the field to remove jewelry, so team A is playing short until the next substitution opportunity. If team B had a player ready to enter at that time, I believe that they could have subbed (Rule 3, section 3h- I interpret ?equipment change? to include jewelry). However, what actually happened was team B sent a player up to be subbed while team A was playing short. Of course, the next sub opportunity was a throw-in for team A. So the question is:. can team B substitute when the team A player returns to the field (not really a sub) or must the substitution wait until the next team B opportunity. Rule 3-3-h only says when a player is instructed to ?leave? not when he is allowed to return. Assessing the spirit of the rules, I sent the sub on at that time. No one complained. Just want to know if I was right.
Response: You did the correct thing ? in the spirit of the game.
Rule 3-5b: How can AR 25, page 21 be true when there is no re-entry in overtime periods?
Response: This is the same situation as when a player replaced in the first period is eligible to re-enter in any subsequent period. Example: Player A is replaced in the first overtime period. Player A is eligible to play. (i.e. - ENTER in the second overtime period but is not eligible to RE-ENTER in the first or either overtime period.)
Rule 3-5-b following Exception: prior to A.R. 29: A1 is injured during a match, treated on the field, removed from the field and not substituted for. After 2 minutes go by, A1 cannot re-enter the game, so coach wants to sub A2. Question is: when can A2 enter the game - run of play? stoppage of play? or next substitute opportunity? I cannot find an A.R. or a reference in the substitution rule.
Response: If the injured player is the one returning he/she may do so either during the run of play or at any times for normal substitution (see Rule 3-5-b following Exception: prior to A.R. 29). Albeit an A.R. does not state it specifically, inasmuch as the entering player is now a substitute he/she must do so at any times for normal substitution.
Rule 3-5: Towards the end of a game, second half, Team A has already used the allotted re-entry for all the players left on the bench, and no more substitutions can be made. Suddenly, a Team B player commits a foul on Team A player. Team A player is injured, and the referee issues a yellow card to the Team B player that committed the foul. The question is, does Team A have to play short until the injured player can return because they do not have a substitute remaining? Or, because a substitution when a yellow card is issued does not count, can Team A bring in a substitute?
Response: No. The confusion here may be that the ?injured player ? nor his/her replacement is charged with a substitution?; however, in order to enter the game ANYTIME, the player entering has to be an eligible player. Inasmuch as Team A no longer has ANY eligible players, none can be used.
Rule 3-5: What is the proper punishment for the illegally substituted players and/or coach? The book allows for a caution for an illegally substituted player, but that assumes the player is caught in the act. It references players who come on or off in an illegal manner. Once a player illegally re-enters the game in the first half, it appears there is no way to deal with it. The rules presume it is immediately noticed and not allowed. Is this an administrative matter, or should players be cautioned if illegally substituted at the commencement of the second half?
Response: The only references to the issues you have described should have adequately covered the situation. First half: NO RE-ENTRY. The rule is clear, and the players should not have received permission to re-enter.
Rule 3-6: If the referee stops the game to allow a substitution before the 85:00 minute but the player entering the game is not waved on (waiting for on field players that are to be substituted for to be identified and clear) by the referee until 85:00+, is the clock stopped? The players were not invited onto the field until 85:00+, but the play was halted for the substitution prior to 85:00. Should the clock stop?
Response: First, the player once waved on the field as a substitute DOES NOT HAVE TO WAIT AT THE SIDELINES. He/she enters at the first beckoning of the referee.
Second, if the clock is going to stop; it only does so IF THE LEADING TEAM MAKES A SUBSTITUTION and ONLY IN THE FINAL FIVE MINUTES. Inasmuch as the substitute can only enter the game after being beckoned by the referee - and does not become an official player of record UNTIL beckoned - or the clock being stopped - the issue of whether the clock stops or not is what the 'time' is WHEN the substitution actually occurs. If the player (must be from the leading team) is at the table at 84:47 but the opportunity for the substitution (and beckoning by the referee) doesn't occur until 85:00+ the clock STOPS when that occurs.
Rule 4-2: What is the ruling about the long sleeve undershirt/armor. I was told by an official that as long as the whole team wears the same color underneath, that it is legal. The reason I am concerned is because our school has gone to a Vegas gold and the pricing on that color under armor is out of our budget. With all of the night games and hosting the regional and national final four, we are going to need long sleeves under our jerseys. I can get a great price for white/black long sleeve turf gear, but not Vegas. Hope to hear from you soon Response: Although it is preferred, undergarments no longer have to be the same color as the outer garments.
Rule 4-6: Are plastic bracelets allowed? Response: Bracelets, other than medical bracelets (which shall be taped to the body), are not permitted. (See AR 45)
Rule 4-3: Does the 4 inch number have to be on the jersey shirt or can it be on the shorts? The rules book says front of the jersey, but are the shorts considered part of that?
Response: The rule requires that the 4 inch number on the jersey. The shorts are an added option.
Rule 4-3: Numbers Mandatory states the 8? numbers should be worn on the back of the jersey and the same number 4? should appear on the front of the jersey. The question is: the uniforms currently have a 4? number on the front of the shorts, do they also need to be on the front of the jersey? There is no mention of this situation in the A.R.s.
Response: The rule is clearly stated in Rule 4-3 paragraph two. No A.R. is needed.
Rule 4-2: Do the stockings have to match the color of the uniform?
Response: No, the stockings can be any color as long as they contrast with the opponents.
Rule 4-5: I understand a player can participate with a foam wrap over a small cast. Does this also apply for a goalie?
Response: The foam wrap is acceptable as long as it conforms to Rule 4-5 and is approved prior to each game by the referee.
Rule 5 and 12: My player scored the winning goal in the second half of our match and ran to our bench area and took off his shirt in celebration of the goal. The referee came over and issued him a caution. I told the referee that I believed that removing your shirt after a goal was not automatically considered unsportsmanlike conduct in the college game and that it was not addressed in our rule book. The referee said that if it that was the case he would rescind the card after the game.
I believe that the rule book does not address this issue specifically as does FIFA and that this act is not automatically considered taunting or unsportsmanlike in our rules. My player never taunted anyone, he simple took off his shirt (he had a long sleeve shirt underneath), and then he put it back on.
Normally, I would not even bother challenging a referee's yellow card issue even if I thought it given through an interpretation of FIFA but not the NCAA; however, as luck would have it, if this card stands, it would be the players fifth, and we have an important conference match as our next game this Saturday.
Response: The rule book does not provide a ?shopping list? of what behaviors are acceptable beyond those set forth in Rules 5 and 12, which places the onus of interpreting unsporting behavior in the shoulders of the referee. He/she is the sole judge of what is permitted beyond those specific behaviors (e.g., spitting, vulgar language, etc.) that result in cautions or ejections. I hasten to say that the act of stripping the jersey and running agog after a goal in a critical game is fairly common, and the usual reaction is for the referee to move toward the scene of such activity in order to speed the celebrants along to the next segment of the game.
Rule 5-3-a: For suspended coaches, what constitutes the start of the contest?
Response: The start of the contest is when the whistle blows to begin play. The referee?s jurisdiction begins 30 minutes prior to kickoff and ends when the official has left the site of the competition, which includes the parking lot where cars are parked.
Rule 5-4: Are referees still required to make a statement to the captain in the pregame meeting?
Response: This statement is no longer required by the rules.
Rule 5-4-b A.R. 51: 1.) During the half time interval a player is ejected and shown the red card. Does the team play down one in the second half? Why or why not?
Response: Yes! If the ejected player was on the field of play (i.e. ? one of the 11) and was not substituted for prior to the interval his/her team plays short because he/she is still considered a player of record. See Rule 5-4-b-A.R. 51.
2.) At the end of the match the score is tied. A player, during the interval before the first overtime, is ejected and shown the red card. Does the team play down one player? Why or why not?
Response: Yes if ?active? no if substituted for prior to the end of the previous period.
3.) At the end of the first overtime period, during the interval before the second overtime, a player is ejected and shown the red card. Does the team play down one player? Why or why not?
Response: Same as #s 1 and 2 above.
Due to inclement weather a match was delayed and in jeopardy. As the weather began to clear, it seemed unlikely that we would be able to get a full match in. Both head coaches asked the officials if we could still play and just shorten the match. The referees said that we could play two 35-minute halves, which both coaches agreed to. I was disappointed to find out later that the game result would not stand. I checked the NCAA rules and it sates that a match is official when it lasts 70 minutes or more. I searched hard to find language that would exclude this match from being official, and I found none. Would you please refer me to the literature that would explain the game only being considered as an exhibition.
Response: Please refer to page 8 in the 2006 NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer Rules and Interpretations that states: "Conduct rules are those that pertain directly to the competition. These rules may not be changed by mutual consent. All NCAA member institutions are required to conduct their intercollegiate contests according to these rules." (Note: This ruling also applies to NJCCA and NAIA, inasmuch as these associations do not have rules making committees and their bylaws state that their matches will be conducted according to NCAA rules.)
With reference to the prospects of inclement weather, and the administrative options available to the Governing Sports Authority (GSA), to declare a game that has progressed to the 70th minute a completed contest, officials, and/or officials et al, are not permitted to change the rules IN ADVANCE, because they predispose that something might happen; e.g., thinking it might rain or thinking it might get dark. Games are played by the rules proscribing each aspect of the contest (e.g., duration of play) and if, for any reason, the game cannot be completed, rules are in place to address those conditions. What should have happened is as follows: Begin and play the game according to the rules; assume the first half gets played; shorten the interval (rule in place allows this); begin the second half and play until the weather requires suspending the game. Assuming the game progressed to the 70th minute, the GSA then has the option to consider the game a completed contest and the leading team wins...all within the rules.
Rule 5-4-b, A.R. 52: A regular season game is tied 0-0 at the end of regulation. The officials on the field during a game incorrectly apply overtime rules by having the teams play two full 10-minute overtimes instead of sudden victory. More than one goal is scored in the overtime periods. The rules clearly state regular season overtimes are sudden victory. Should the official results of the game be recorded as a 1-0 victory, as it would have been overtime was played correctly? Or should the game be recorded as it was called on the field (in this case 3-0)?
Rule 5-5 A.R. 52: Team A scored off what they believed to be a direct kick. After the goal was put up on the scoreboard, the referee placed the ball at the middle of the field, blew the whistle and the ball was played for a few passes. Then the ref stopped play and ordered the goal removed since he said it had been an indirect kick and the ball was untouched going into the net. Team A lost the game by a goal and has filed a protest. My question is: once the game is resumed, does the referee have the right to stop play and reverse a goal? Does A.R. 58 (page 34) of the rule book apply here? Is it too late to take away the goal once play is resumed?Response: First, there is no provision for protests in the NCAA Men?s and Women?s Soccer Rules. Moreover, on page 8 of the rules book there is set forth a strong statement that GSAs cannot alter or reverse decisions made by referees. Having said that, there is a rule 5-5-A.R. 52 that asks what follows when an official fails to follow the rule in the book. The ruling is that ?the rule in the book shall be followed.? Clearly, the official failed to follow the rule, and in this case, even did something he/she is not empowered to do in violation of A.R. 58. What remains is a case where the status of the game is up to you.
Rule 5-5 A.R. 65 and A.R. 66 through 68: As a clarification, if an official is injured and cannot continue in his/her duties, the game will continue to be played under the direction of the two remaining officials. Is this correct?
Response: That is correct. Provided the remaining officials cannot find a third certified assistant who is immediately available (See Rule 5-5-A.R. 65.), in order for the senior assistant to assume the referee?s duties, the answer is YES! Also see A.R. 66 through A.R. 68.
Response: The score is 1-0.
Rule 5-5: I noticed the changes this year to the "what happens if the referee doesn't show," AR now requires the schools to agree to the substitute official(s) for a match. Was there a problem with the officiating crew selecting qualified individuals?
Response: The 2005 rule (A.R. 61) states that the two coaches must agree on substitute officials prior to the game beginning. It is assumed that coaches would not agree to use an official that was not certified.
Rule 5-5-b: A player received a yellow card Saturday, then another, which obviously gave him a red. How do we count that for card accumulation? Does it count as a red or a yellow and a red? He will obviously sit out in the match this afternoon. Also, he entered the match with two yellow cards. If the accumulation is one yellow and one red for Saturday?s game, this would equal five. Does he sit our next game after today as well?
Response: Your player has three yellows in his accumulation and must sit one game for the red - unless it was a fighting red - or he had a previous red. (See Rule 5-5-b for the 'second card' ruling, and Rules 12-16 and12-18 for the explanations.)
Rule 5-5-b and Rule 12-16: I currently have a player that has earned either three or four yellow cards to this point. She is not earning cards for fighting or bad language, she is just very aggressive. Here is how her carding has gone:
Game 1: Nothing
Game 2: Yellow Card
Game 3: Nothing
Game 4: Nothing
Game 5: Nothing
Game 6: Yellow Card
Game 7: Nothing
Game 8: Yellow Card, Yellow Card (Subsequent Red Card)
At this point, I assume she has to sit out today because of her red card Saturday. However, the fact that she received two yellows to get her red, gives her a total of four yellows this season. Does this mean that she will sit out today, come back Saturday (for the sake of argument we?ll say she gets a fifth yellow that day), then sit out next Tuesday? Does her accumulation only count as three yellow cards at this point since her second on Saturday equaled a red? Does she start back at zero after sitting out a game?
Response: Your player has the following card accumulations: Red: 1 = one game suspension. Yellow: 3. It is impossible to receive more than one yellow card (accumulation) per game to the same player inasmuch as the second card SHALL be red. (See Rule 5-5-b.)
Once the suspension has been served the player then has three additional yellows, and so on, before sitting again. Red card repeats have a different penalty. See Rule 12-16 and the charts on pp. 84-86.
Rule 5-5-g: What is the NCAA policy relative to "noisemakers" during soccer matches? What if anything is allowed?
Response: Rule 5-5-g prohibits the use of artificial noisemakers in the spectator area. To whatever extent the referee allows the use of press box generated noise can only be answered by the referee in each game. Lacking that, the rule is rather clear that the any artificial noisemaker representing a distraction to the game will not be permitted.
Rule 6-4: The rules state that the scorekeeper must notify the referee if an illegal substitution is made. Does this mean that the referee is not recording substitutions during the game and the scorebook is the ONLY record of substitutions? Is our school/conference required to provide someone at the table to track substitutions?
Response: The scorekeeper, regardless his/her location (e.g. field, press box), is responsible for recording substitutions. The referee nor the assistant/alternate referees are required to record substitutions. If the fourth (alternate) referee is present, he or she is required to "manage" (usually interpreted as ensuring that proper procedures are followed) substitutions as one of his or her duties. However, recording such is the duty of the scorekeeper.
Rule 7: What if a game has proceeded past the 70-minute mark but has not yet completed the full 90 minutes. Is it a completed game, or do you have to play 90 minutes in tournament play?
Response: You do not. The GSA (NCAA site rep; Comm. etc.) can declare it a completed contest. If one team is ahead 2-0 with 20 minutes to go, it is a touch situation (because many teams still can come back) but if in the judgment of the GSA the score probably won?t change, it can be considered a completed contest. Having served as a commissioner of two conferences for a total of 29 years, postseason playoff games take on giant life proportions, so if the game is suspended with 20 minutes to go, as opposed to five minutes with a 2-0 lead, it probably is one that should be replayed in its entirety the next day.
Rule 7: Is there a minimum amount of time that must be put on the clock in between games? I believe basketball requires 30 minutes, not sure is soccer requires
Response: The decision is under the supervision of the GSA (Governing Sports Authority) for the game (e.g. ? athletic director, commissioner, NCAA tournament committee, where applicable). The rules do not address the issue of time between men's and women's games nor doubleheaders during the regular season.
Normally, the time allowed between two games ? scheduled on the same field ? is determined by assuming the worst-case scenario and then determining the game times. Example: Game No. 1 will be 90 minutes regulation time, plus 15 minutes halftime, plus 20 minutes for overtime periods, plus 7-10 minutes stoppage time for goals and intervals, and then add necessary time for warm-up. It should bring you to a safe time between games.
Rule 7-1: Should the game clock count up or count down?
Response: The rule permits either at the discretion of the host institution's management. The International rules count up, while most American sports traditionally count down to the end of the contest.
Rule 7-1: Is it mandatory to play overtime after a game is tied, if the two coaches both agree that they do not want to do so?
Response: Mandatory. No one, including coaches, administrators, nor referees, can alter the rules of conduct. A referee CAN suspend a game because of rain, lightning or the elements and then the game is subject to the provisions of Rule 10-8,9,10. For more information, see page 8 in the rules book.
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Rule 10: Scenario 1: Tom starts the game in goal for team A. Jim replaces Tom in goal for the start of the second half with Team A leading, 1-0. Jim gives up a game-tying goal in the second half. Tom returns to goal for Team A during the entire overtime period. Which player should be credited with the tie for Team A?
Scenario 2: Same as scenario one but the game ends in 0-0 tie with neither goalie allowing a goal. Which player should be credited with the tie for Team A?
Scenario 3: Same as scenario one but the game ends 2-2 after Tom allows goal in first half and Jim allows goal in second half. Which player should be credited with the tie for Team A?
Response: If goalkeepers share duties neither gets credit for a shutout. Coincidentally with reference to goalkeepers, there is no statistic for ?ties.? Goalkeepers get credit or charged for goals scored against, so Tom and Jim will be charged for goals allowed regardless the outcome.
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Rule 12-6 and 7 and Rule 12-10 and 11: I am looking for a ruling on whether or not it is possible for an opponent to pressure a goalkeeper during a drop kick.
Response: No. See Rule 12-6 and 7, but also Rule 12-10 and 11, with particular interest in A.R. 110 through 113.
Rule 12-10b and 12-11b: What constitutes "possession" of the ball by a soccer goalkeeper? I have seen reference to "IFAB Decision 2" and "Advice 12.19," which apparently state, "The goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hand or arms. Possession of the ball includes the goalkeeper deliberately parrying the ball, but does not include the circumstances where, in the opinion of the referee, the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper, for example after he has made a save." Is a mere touch of the ball by the goalkeeper with his hand(s) the same as "possession," or must the goalkeeper have a firm grasp of the ball to have "possession" or "control?" What is the distinction between "possession" and "control?"
Response: A mere touch does not constitute possession. Let me see if I can use some transliterations to help: The parrying item involving the goalkeeper: Possession is not just "touching" the ball. It is possession when the goalkeeper clearly demonstrates that the ball has been stopped form going in the goal and yet does not have full possession (i.e. "holding it securely") but gains that secure possession by parrying (e.g. - "popping" it up to herself or "lifting" it from one hand to the other prior to "secure" or 'holding') possession. Deflecting the ball away, which requires "touching" is not possession. "Pinning" the ball to the ground with one or both hands IS POSSESSION. These definitions of possession constitute "control" and "possession."
Rule 12-14: During a game, a yellow card was given to a player on the opposing team. The coach from the opposing team agreed that the card was given to the wrong player, but the official signed off on the scoresheet. Is there a way to change the card to the correct player?
Response: No. Once given and once the scoresheet is signed and released for publication, the people involved (e.g. cautions, ejections etc.) bear the infractions.
Rule 12-14-d and 12-15-g: Has the NCAA interpreted, defined, or codified what constitutes a profane word as opposed to an obscenity?
Response: The rules committee has wrestled with the language (and gestures) issues for several years culminating in a zero tolerance proposal four years ago, which subsequently was rejected by NCAA legal. The issue continues to be a matter of serious discussion at each annual meeting; however, developing shopping lists of what constitutes profane/vulgar/obscene ? albeit discussed at great lengths ? has not been voted.
Rule 12-14-e PENALTY: Red has ball attacking White goal. Red has ball on wing, nearing the top of the penalty area. While this is going on, at midfield Red and White player tangle up. The referee stops play to caution Red player for the misconduct. Where and what is the restart?
Response: Restart is indirect free kick from the point of the infraction. See Rule 12-14-e PENALTY.
Rule 12-15 A.R. 137: Game tied 1-1 after 90 minutes and before the start of overtime ,we had an ejection, I would like to know if the team plays short for the overtime or not.
Response: If the player was not substituted for PRIOR to the ejection, his/her team plays short in the OT.
Rule 12-14, 12-15: I'm hoping you can clarify the correct re-start under these various situations. In each situation below, the Referee stops play to caution a player while the ball is still in play. What is the correct restart for each situation? The player being cautioned and the ball are at opposite ends of the field.
Response:
1. Player cautioned for dissent?Restart with an indirect free kick from the point of infraction. (See Rule 12-14, penalty)
2. Player cautioned for incidental profane language?Restart with an indirect free kick from the point of infraction. (See Rule 12-14, penalty)
3. Player cautioned for taunting/baiting?Restart with an indirect free kick from point of infraction. (See Rule 12-15, penalty)
4. Player cautioned for pushing?Restart with an indirect (or direct penalty kick, if applicable) from point of infraction.
5. Player ejected for punching?Restart with a direct free kick (or penalty kick, if applicable). (See Rule 12-15)
Rule 12-16: Can the suspended coaches visit with the team at half-time?
Response: No. No contact from opening whistle until final whistle, including overtime.
A.R. 51 and Rule 12-16: One of the referees ejected a player for throwing a punch at another player during halftime. His team came out and played short the entire second half. Can you clarify? I am under the impression that before the game, during intermission and after the game, if an ejection occurs, the player is dealt with but the team does not suffer. The team would not play short. Can you please refer me to the correct rule?
Response: If the player who threw the punch was a player of record in the first half ? and was not substituted for before the interval then he/she is still one of the 11 players of record. Therefore, he is ejected and his team plays short for the remainder of the game. (Provided the player does not have any previous reds he sits out the next two games.)
Rule 12-16, 12-17 and 12-18: Do red cards hold over from the previous year? For instance, if a player receives a red card in the last match of 2004, does the game suspension(s) take effect in 2005, provided the player has eligibility? The second part of the question is, if the previous statement is true, do preseason games count toward the suspension or does it apply to conference matches?
Response: The answer is YES! Cards carry over to the next season and NO, preseason games, scrimmages/exhibitions/alumni games, assuming they are not part of the allowable/countable 20 games, DO NOT qualify as games that satisfy the suspensions.
Rule 12-16a: We had an ejection incident recently where a player was ejected from the game (second caution), went to the bench, then sat there and proceeded to deride the referee until the coach was finally instructed to shut him up. (How a coach allows such behavior is a whole other question.) My question is: Should the ejected player have even been allowed to sit on the bench in the first place? Rule 12-16-a seems to say no, he/she must leave, but if that is the case, why was the player allowed to stay?
Response: The ejected player, coach and bench personnel shall leave the site of competition. The rule states: "The ejected ?shall be out of sight and sound of the competition."
Rule 12-16-a and Rule 12-18-a: The NCAA Rules Book doesn't discuss scrimmages at all. So if a player accumulates a caution (yellow, for instance) in a formal scrimmage, does the yellow count in their season totals?
Response: No. With reference to the book, please see Rule 12-16-a (page 79, last sentence in the paragraph) and Rule 12-18-a (page 80).
During the last five minutes of regulation does the clock stop if:
1) Winning team wishes to sub? Response: Yes.
2) Both the winning team and the losing team wish to sub? Response: Yes.
3) The losing team has a sub waiting to go in and the winning team sends one up as well? Response: Yes.
4) The losing team has a corner, has a sub and the winning team sends a player to sub? Response: Yes.
Response: Note the answer is that anytime during the final five minutes that the winning team substitutes ? regardless of the circumstances ? the clock stops.
Rule 12-18: In September, a player gets red card, sits out one game. In October, the same player gets a second red card. While getting the card, the player assaults the referee. How many games does he sit out? My reply would be five games: one for the October card and the second game for having two reds in the same season and three additional games for the referee assault. Are we on the same page with this?
Response: Correct.
Rule 12-18: A student-athlete received a second yellow card in a game, which equals a red. This means the student-athlete must sit the next game too, correct? As for the accumulation, does this count as two yellows toward the season total?
Response: For the accumulation, it is one red card and one yellow card. It is impossible to receive more than one yellow (accumulation) in the same game because the second card to the same player in the same game SHALL BE RED. (See Rule 5-5-b.)
Rule 12-18: A student-athlete picked up his/her second red card in the second to last game of the 2005 season (16th of 17 games). Neither red card was for fighting. The player sat out the final game of 2005, and the team did not participate in postseason play. Does the player still have to sit out the first game of 2006?
Response: Yes, the player must sit out the regularly scheduled first game (not scrimmage or exhibition) of the new season.
Rule 12-18: If a player receives a red card in a pre-season scrimmage/exhibition game, does a player have to sit out?
Response: Cautions and ejections do not count in scrimmage, exhibition and non-counting preseason games. See Rule 12-18-a
Rule 12-18: A student-athlete entered the second to last game of the regular season with a regular red and four yellows and during the game picked up a fifth yellow card and a fighting red card. The student-athlete sat out the last game of the season. How many does he need to sit to start this season?
Response: The player must sit out the next three games. Here?s how it works: In the second-to-last 2005 game the player had one red (non-fighting) and four yellows. In that game he received a yellow which means he sits out the next game for accumulation of five yellows. Later in the game he picked up a fighting red card, which carries an automatic two-game suspension. The two-game suspension plus the accumulation for five yellows makes it a three game suspension. However, since he had a previous red card (non-fighting), he is required to sit out one additional game for a total of four games. Inasmuch as he sat out the final game of the season, deduct one of the four which nets him three more to go beginning the 2006 season. Note: Exhibitions and scrimmages do not qualify as regularly scheduled games for suspension purposes so he will sit out three regularly scheduled games (counters).
Rule 12-18-a: A player receives his fifth yellow on the last regular-season game. Must he sit the first postseason game? The conference tournament is postseason, so do they go to eight cards before they sit? What about the next level, NCAA championship. Do they now go to 11 cards?
Response: See pages 80-81 for your answers. Rule 12-18-a sets forth the five yellows leading to one game suspension. If the card is reached in the final game of the regular season (schedule), the player sits the first game of postseason, which includes conference tournament, play-ins and NCAA tournament games. (See page 81, Rule 12-18-b.) If the player reaches the postseason with four yellows, he/she automatically has an additional four (totaling eight) before he/she sits. Thereafter, it is every three.
Rule 12-18-a and 12-16-a: Player X receives in same game, his fifth yellow card followed later in the same game by a red card (received yellow followed by second yellow). Player X has a total of five yellows and one red. How many games does he sit? Does he sit the following two games or just one game?
Response: Provided he has not had a previous red; he sits two games. One for the five yellow card accumulation (See Rule 12-18-a.), and one for the red card, which carries its own one game suspension (See Rule 12-16-a.).
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Rule 14 A.R 174: Can a player taking a penalty kick push the ball forward for a teammate to run to it and score? I have no problem with the answer YES...but in (2) it states the ball MUST travel the length of its own circumference.
Response: You are correct that only the KO and PK shall travel forward (its own ?circumference? no longer applies) all others need only to be ?touched.?
Rule 15: Player throws the ball in, toward the goal. Ball goes off the goalkeeper's hands into the goal. Obviously it's a goal, because it touched somebody. According to the NCAA, is it an own goal or does the player throwing the ball in get credited with the goal?
Response: Inasmuch as a throw-in counts as a goal - IF IT TOUCHES ANOTHER PLAYER (it is not possible to score on a throw-in if no one touches the ball) - the rule applies and the player throwing the ball receives credit if all other factors (set forth in your example) are in place.
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