Soccer Rules Interpretations
November 2004
Date:
Question: If the substitute is taking the throw-in, does the player have to enter the field play prior to taking the throw-in or can the player walk down the touch line just outside the field of play and take the throw-in without entering the field?
Answer: Player is eligible to take the throw-in because he/she is a player of record at the moment the referee beckons or stops the clock (the last five minutes of the second period). Entering is a logistical step for a player of record when he/she is headed to another point on or in the field.
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Date:
Question: Do substitutes in the coaching and team area have to be seated, or can they stand in front of the bench or can they stand at the front edge of the coaching and team area?
Answer: The players do not have to be seated but if the coach, who shall control his/her players, violates the rules, then the coach is penalized accordingly (Rule 1-12-penalty; Rule 12-20-penalty).
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Question: If a player receives his fifth yellow card in his final regular season game, does that suspension carry over to the first conference tournament game?
Answer: The player must sit the first conference (i.e. postseason) game. See Rule 12-18.
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Date:
Question: Are face masks allowed?
Answer: The NCAA Men's and Women's
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Date:
Question: Is it necessary to remove a wedding ring during games?
Answer: There is sufficient evidence that jewelry of any kind can be injurious to a player or others. The referee, who is the sole judge of this matter, may permit a player to play with the ring if he/she tapes their finger as if he/she had a sprain, without the ring being visible. See Rule 4.
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Question: Where does an ejected player go?
Answer: The player must leave the sight and sound of the competition. See Rule 5-5-b.
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Question: With
Answer: Let the clock run.
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Question: When a game goes into penalty kicks, can the referee move fans out from behind the goal?
Answer: A.R. 49 gives the referee the authority to remove spectators if he or she deems them a distraction/interference.
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Question: We have a field constructed in 1970 that is 106 x 58 feet. Is this a legal playing field?
Answer: The field, regardless of how undesirable, is a legal field as long as the width does not exceed the length, because it existed as a soccer facility prior to 1995, and as long as prior, written mutual consent is in place. If the opposing team refuses to play on this field, then it is assumed that an alternate site must be secured.
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Soccer Rules Interpretations
October 2004
Date:
Question: If a game is suspended after 70 minutes have been played, does the game count (win, loss) if not resumed on the same day?
Answer: Any suspended game that is not resumed the same day is a no contest. All statistics are nullified except for cautions and ejections. If the game reaches the 70th minute and is not resumed the same day, it may be declared a completed contest but only if the governing sports association (commissioner's office for a conference; two athletics directors for a non-conference game, NCAA committee or chair for the postseason) makes that decision.
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Question: After the halftime whistle blows and all 22 players are leaving the field, A10 and B2 step over the touchline when A10 spits on B2 and B2 responds with a kick in the groin of A10. Both are shown a red card. Do both teams play short?
Answer: Yes, both teams play one player short because neither player had been substituted for before the action occurred.
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Question: Are fans allowed to bang pots and pans together during a match? I have heard that artificial noisemakers are allowed as long as they are not amplified.
Answer: There is no stipulation about amplification with respect to noisemakers. It is entirely up to the referee, who in his or her judgment, deems the noisemaker (of any kind) a distraction to the game.
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Question: A.R. Ruling 153: A player received two yellow cards in the same game. For accumulation purposes, how many yellow cards does he or she have? Ruling: One. It is impossible to accumulate more than one yellow card per game inasmuch as the second card issued to the same person in the same game shall be red.
With reference to the above ruling, could you elaborate on this as it relates to tallying the number of cards? For a player who receives two yellows in a match, will the official count be one yellow and one red, or would the count go as two yellows? Also, should the player be shown a second yellow card, then the red for the ejection, or should they always only be shown the red because of the fact that the second card issued to the same person in the same game shall be red??
Answer: The record for accumulations is one yellow and one red. Albeit the second card, in the same game, to the same player SHALL be red; it is possible that the second card is a yellow card violation. If that occurs, the referee?s mechanics require him or her to first show the yellow (for the type of violation), withdraw it and then show the red (indicating that it is the second card) and, therefore, an ejection.
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Question: If a player needs to leave the field to correct equipment, when may he or she return? Is it at the next stoppage of play or at the next allowable substitution opportunity?
Answer: It is at the next allowable substitution opportunity. See Rule 4-6, penalty.
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Question: If a player (someone who was on the field at the end of the first half) is subsequently red carded at halftime, does his or her team start the second half with 10 or 11 players?
Answer: The team plays short if he or she has not been replaced prior to the end of the period. If the player was substituted for before the half expired, the team does not have to play short. See Rule 5-4.b, A.R. 44.
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Question: Is there a rule prohibiting a player from switching to a different uniform number (not worn by any other player on the team) during the season?
Answer: The goalkeeper is allowed to change places with a field player but must have a field uniform with the same number that he or she wore as goalkeeper and colors, etc. See Rule 3-6, A.R. 39.
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Question: What is the NCAA policy regarding field players wearing head gear to prevent head injuries from heading the ball?
Answer: It is a legal possibility (no specific rule against it), but it is determined on a game-by-game basis by the referee before each match. See Rule 4-5 and 4-6.
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Date:
Question: How long has the use of an air horn been recommended by the NCAA? Are you aware of any alternatives to air horns that are currently in use?
Answer: The use of an air horn began in 1970. The alternative signaling device prior to that was a starter?s pistol.
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MEMORANDUM
August 4, 2003
TO: NCAA Men's and Women's Head Soccer Coaches, NCAA Conference Offices and National
Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association Members.
FROM: Crissy Schluep, liaison
NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer Rules Committee.
SUBJECT: Zero-Tolerance Foul Language Rule.
The zero-tolerance foul language rule will not be in effect for the 2003 season.
The Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet, under its purview to examine rules proposals affecting the image of the game, reviewed the proposal in June and did not approve a recommendation to adopt a "zero tolerance" rule for offensive, profane, insulting or abusive language. The Division II Championships Committee approved the proposal, as did the Division III Championships Committee, which encouraged a zero-tolerance policy for all sports.
All three championships cabinet/committee actions were subject to review at the July and August meetings of the Divisions I, II and III Management Councils and presidential bodies. Because of the late date and the need to produce a rules book for the 2003 season and because of the likelihood that the divisions will reach different decisions on this matter, it was decided not to implement the rule for 2003.
Assuming that the divisions do end up with different positions, the matter will be forwarded to the Playing Rules Oversight Committee, which is charged with providing a recommendation to the Executive Committee, which is charged with resolving differences among the divisions.
For 2003, the soccer rules relating to foul language will remain the same as in the 2002 NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer Rules Book, 12-14-d and 12-15-g:
A player shall be cautioned by the referee if the player: Is guilty of any incidental vulgar or profane language.
The referee shall eject from the game a player who cannot be replaced, a coach or any team representative if that individual: Uses offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures.
CMS:nkb
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Date: September 25, 2003
Question: A player entered last Friday?s match with one yellow card. During the game, she received two more yellow cards, giving her a red card and forcing her from the game. How do we list this on the official roster for the next game?
Answer: The player is not eligible for the next regularly scheduled game because of the red card. The game after that, her accumulation on the roster sheet should read: Two yellows (the first one and the one she got in Friday's game before the red card) and one red card. It is impossible to accumulate more than one yellow card in the same game inasmuch as the second card issued to the same player in the same game must be red (even though it may be for a yellow-card offense).
Rule: 12-18-A.R. 224.
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Date: September 25, 2003
Question: How is a goalkeeper credited with a shutout?
Answer: In order to be credited with a shutout, a goalkeeper must play the entire game.
Rule: 10-6-c.
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Date: September 25, 2003
Question: If a players number is listed incorrectly on the roster and it is brought to the referee?s attention a few minutes before the game begins, what happens?
Answer: Providing the player?s name is listed correctly on the game roster and the number is corrected, the player may continue. If it is determined after the game, the game stands and the player?s number is corrected on the official scoresheet.
Rule: 3-2-A.R. 23 and 24.
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Date: September 25, 2003
Question: In a recent game, a defender was going to take a goal kick on the left-hand side of the box. Due to rain before the start of the game, that side of the box was still wet, so the player moved the ball to the right-hand side of the box. At this point, the clock reads 6:55, and the referee issued the defender a yellow card for moving the ball after it had been placed. The referee said this was for a delay of game, and said once the ball is placed, it cannot be moved. Was the referee correct in his ruling?
Answer: This is neither a high school rule or a college rule. The NCAA rule is, ?The ball is placed on the ground at any point within the goal area and is kicked, etc. (Rule 16-2)? The high school federation rule is, ?Once spotted, the ball shall be kicked from the ground from any point within the goal area, etc. (Rule 16-Article 3).?
The delay of game is a different issue. A referee has the prerogative to address the delay of game item, but even when it was included in the NCAA rules book as a point of emphasis, the penalty was, the referee stops the clock and warns the offending party to refrain from such delaying tactics. The referee restarts the game with an indirect kick to the other team.
The governing sports authority (the commissioner in conference games; the athletics directors of the competing schools in non-conference matches) are the only ones who can rule in appeals during the regular season. During the postseason, the NCAA Championships Committees are the governing sports authority.
Rule: 16-2.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: What is the required distance from the field of play for sponsor banner boards?
Answer: 20 feet is the recommended distance.
Rule: 1-2-15.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: If the timer is supposed to stop the clock on all subs with 5 minutes or less remaining, if a team makes a sub at 84:45 and the sub takes a total of 25 seconds, does the referee stop the clock at 85:00 or let it run and not stop it?
Answer: Let the clock run because the substitution began during the no stoppage period. If the referee determines that the substitution process is being used as a delay tactic, he/she stops the clock in keeping with his/her jurisdiction of power, including controlling the use of delaying tactics.
Rule: 6-3-e.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: The coach at my institution wants to have the clock count up from 0:00 to 45:00. Is this permissible?
Answer: There is no specific rule prohibiting the clock from counting up or down. There is an ?implied? rule that the clock counts down (see Rule 3-2, the Sample Timing Sheet, where the game begins in the first half with the clock set at 45:00), but either way is acceptable.
Rule: 3-2.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: Can my player wear protective headgear to prevent concussions?
Answer: Referees should proceed to make game-by-game judgments just as they do with all other protective gear (such as braces, casts, etc.).
Rule: 4-5-A.R. 57.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: My player has a broken nose. What kind of mask/cover may be used?
Answer: The rules do not specify the type or make of such a protective device. The referee is to be guided by the statements pertaining as to whether the article is safe in his/her judgment. It is a game-by-game issue.
Rule: 4-5.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: The women?s soccer team jerseys this year were screened with numbers on the back that are six inches, not eight inches, in height. Purchasing and reprinting the jerseys would be expensive. Is it possible to get a waiver of this rule to allow the women?s soccer team to use these jerseys this year and order new jerseys next year?
Answer: A waiver cannot be issued that countermands a rule of conduct. The problem with your situation is that if the referee does his/her job properly, the penalty he/she mandates to impose on players whose uniforms do not conform to the rules, shall not be permitted to play. If you choose to take your chances and wear the uniforms, you will be taking that risk.
Rule: 4-1, and 4-3.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: I have only one goalkeeper on my team this year; my backup is a starting field player. If the starting field player comes off for a substitution during either half, can she re-enter as a sub for our goalkeeper if our first goalkeeper is injured?
Answer: No. Your goalkeeper may come off in any period and reenter as many times as he/she needs to (providing he/she reenters as the goalkeeper), but the field player, once out, may not reenter, in that period, unless his/her departure from the game was due to an injury caused by an opponent that was carded for causing the injury.
Rule: 3-5-a.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: What is the exact definition of noisemakers? Is there a list of artificial noisemakers I can reference?
Answer: It is the referee?s decision whether artificial noisemakers are distractions to play.
Rule: 5-5-g.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: If a coach enters the field of play to attend to an injured player after being beckoned by the referee, is that injured player required to leave the field?
Answer: If medical personnel are beckoned, after the clock is stopped, the player must leave the field, but does not have to be replaced. Normally, when medical personnel are beckoned, coaches are permitted to approach the athlete as well. In either case, if the clock is stopped and personnel of any kind are summoned, the player must leave the game.
Rule: 5-5-e, and A.R. 66.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: If you have to decide which team advances in a tournament and you are going to use penalty kicks, who gets to decide which goal is used?
Answer: It is the referee?s choice from which end the penalty kicks are taken. Usually, the referee?s decision is influenced by a number of factors including which end is in the best condition, wind, sun position, spectator relationship, etc.
Rule: 5-3.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: Can a player who has reported to the scorer for a substitution be withdrawn before the substitution opportunity arises and not be charged with a substitution?
Answer: In the first 85 minutes of play and during both overtime periods, the withdrawn player will not be charged with a substitution if the referee has not yet beckoned the player. In the last five minutes of regulation, the withdrawn player will not be charged with a substitution as long as the clock has not been stopped.
Rule: 3-6, A.R. 45, 46 and 47.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: Where can I put a commemorative patch?
Answer: The choice of where you put the patch is up to you. The only stipulation is the size ? ?must be contained within a four-sided geometrical figure (i.e., rectangle, square, parallelogram) that does not exceed 2 ? square inches.
Rule: 4-1.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: Is the clock stopped at any point during the overtime?
Answer: No. The rule applies only to the final five minutes of regulation.
Rule: 6-3-e.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: A player leaves the field with the permission of the referee. The team elects to play short (the player is not substituted for). May the player return to the field during that period if he/she left in order to: remove blood from the uniform, get medical attention, change some of his/her equipment, sit down to rest and catch his/her breath, play short because the game/score is very one-sided, or any other reason?
Answer: A team may play up to four players ?short? albeit the reasons may not be clear ? nor necessarily need to be explained.
Rule: 3-1.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: After a player has accumulated five cautions, how is his/her eligibility affected? If he/she receives another caution, are they ineligible for the following game or does the rule of 5 accumulated cautions still hold?
Answer: A player must sit out the next regularly scheduled game after receiving his/her fifth caution. When he/she returns, he/she must sit out after the next three cautions; then the next three, and so on. There is no 10 caution element to the accumulation rule.
Rule: 12-18.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: What is the penalty for reentry in the same half? During a recent game, we re-entered a player in the second half. The player was allowed to re-enter without notice from the scorer?s table or the referee?s notice. Five minutes later, a goal was scored. At that time, the head coach of the opponent recognized the player who illegally reentered and pointed it out to the official. The official then sent the player off and disallowed the goal. Was this the correct course of action?
Answer: A specific penalty was not written when the single entry rule was established this year. However, since the player entering is not a legal substitute, the referee should caution the player or the coach and remove him from the game until the next period. Inasmuch as he/she is not a legal player, the same rule shall apply that pertains to illegal roster players: Remove the player and nullify the goal.
Rule: 3-2.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: Player A starts the first half and is subbed out for Player B. Later in the first half, Player A puts on a goalie shirt and enters as a substitute for the starting keeper. At the next stoppage, Players A and B switch places, with B putting on the goalie shirt and Player A resumes his/her original position as a field player. Then, at the next substitution opportunity, the coach substitutes the original, starting keeper for Player B, who is now the keeper. Is this legal?
Answer: No. A goalkeeper, once subbed out, cannot reenter in that period except as a goalkeeper. If the player who subbed in for him/her chooses to remain in the game as a field player, when the original goalkeeper return, then so be it, but some other field player must exit. Neither of them may reenter as anything but a goalkeeper. I assume your player A is a field player who is subbed out for B. Inasmuch as he/she left as a field player, he/she cannot reenter as a goalkeeper. If Player A is a goalkeeper and Player B subbed in for him/her, then the two of them have unlimited reentries as goalkeepers only, but they can still change places with a field player as long as whoever takes over in the goal is either that field player (who switches positions but does not leave the field) or a new goalkeeper who has not yet entered the game in that period.
Rule: 3-5.
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Date: September 16, 2003
Question: A player injured as the result of a foul where the player causing the injury is cautioned or rejected can be substituted for. The injured player can return in that period. If the injured player replaces the player who came in, can that player then return in the same period?
Answer: If a card is issued to an opposing player because he/she caused the injury, neither the injured player nor his/her replacement is charged with a substitution. Therefore, the person who subbed in and then exits upon the injured player?s return may return in the same period.
Rule: 3-5.
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Date: August 18, 2003
Question: In the event of an injury, the player comes off the field and the coach decides to sub. When can the new player come onto the field?
Answer: If the injured player is cleared to play, he/she may reenter at the beckoning of the referee (during the run of play) and/or at the stoppage of play, including normal times for substitutions. If it is determined that a substitute must replace the injured player, he/she may report to the official scorekeeper and be beckoned into the game by the referee at one of the approved times for substitutions.
Rule: 3-5-b.
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Date: August 18, 2003
Question: During the last five minutes of the game, when the clock must be stopped for a substitution, does the clock stop when it goes to five minutes, or does the clock stop when the substitution occurs on the five minute mark or after?
Answer: The clock stops at the moment of the substitution if the clock has reached the 5:00 mark or less (e.g., 4:47). If the substitute is beckoned in at 5:03 but by the time he/she gets to where the referee is satisfied that the game can continue, the clock continues to run because the moment of the actual substitution began prior to 5:00 or less.
Rule: 3-6.
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Date: August 18, 2003
Question: Can I have a number on the front of the player?s shorts and the back of the jersey instead of the front and back of the jersey?
Answer: The numbers (8? minimum) on the back and (4? minimum) on the front of the jersey are mandatory. You may also put numbers on the shorts, but they are not required.
Rule: 4-3.
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Date: August 18, 2003
Question: Here is the situation: It is the second half, the game clock shows 5:50, a coach decides to sub. While this is going on, the clock now shows 4:50 and is counting down. One of the coaches gets off the bench asking for the clock to stop, under the new ruling. What should the referee instruct the time keeper to do?
Answer: Whatever rule is in place at the moment the substitute(s) is beckoned onto the field by the referee is the rule that applies. If the substitute reports in prior to the 85:00 minute mark and an opportunity to enter occurs at 84:47, then the referee beckons the player on with the clock still running, even though play may not restart until 85:47. Conversely, if the substitute reports in at the 83:00 minute mark, and the player to enter does not occur until 85:30, the referee signals to stop the clock because the actual substitution occurs in the final five minutes of regulation. In short, the officials? mechanics follow the rule.
Rule: 3-6.
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Date: August 7, 2003
Question: On the rule video, it says if a player leaves the field for normal illness/injury, he/she may not reenter the game in that period. Is this correct?
Answer: Yes; if you don?t sub, he/she can reenter.
Rule: 3-5.
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Date: August 7, 2003
Question: We are putting in a new soccer field surrounded by a track. Do we need to move the track further away for corner kicks? Is it possible to have a 75 x 120 field?
Answer: As long as the soccer field is a minimum of 115 yards long and 70 yards wide, the issue of safety and the approach distance for corner kicks is completely up to the institution and the architects. If the field can be the optimum length and width (i.e., 120 x 75), that is to be preferred and if corner kicks are restricted or hampered by tight dimensions, it is preferred that something can be done to avoid it.
Rule: 1-1.
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Date: August 22, 2002
Question: (The following question comes from the Greater Iowa Chapter of NISOA's 2002 Rules Refresher for the Soccer Officials exam.) A player who is not listed on the official NCAA game roster scores a goal during a sudden victory overtime period. This fact is made known to the referee before the official end of the game occurs. What is the ruling?
a. -Allow the goal.
b. -Remove the player from the game, nullify the goal and restart with an indirect kick to the opponent.
c. -Disallow the goal, declare the opposing team the winner and end the game.
d. -Disallow the goal, caution the player and indirect kick to the opponent.
Answer: d. is not the correct action for the violation described. There obviously is a discrepancy in the Refresher Exam which is not developed by the NCAA Men's and Women's Rules Committee. The committee has not imposed a caution penalty on the player in violation because the failure to list a player is obviously the coach's responsibility.
Rule: 3-2
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Date: August 22, 2002
Question: (The following question comes from the Greater Iowa Chapter of NISOA's 2002 Rules Refresher for the Soccer Officials exam.) #40. - While inside his / her own penalty area, the goalkeeper intentionally throws the ball at and strikes an opponent, who is standing outside the penalty area. The referee's action(s) should be:
e. - Penalty kick, eject the goalkeeper for serious foul play.
b. - Direct free kick from the spot where the opponent was struck; eject the goalkeeper for serious foul play.
c. - Penalty kick; caution the goalkeeper for unsporting behavior.
d.- Direct free kick from the spot where the goalkeeper was when he / she threw the ball; caution the goalkeeper for unsporting behavior.
e. - Either a or c.
Answer: The following is the interpretation provided for Ken Andres and Charles Hagen earlier this year. The goalkeeper issue is a gray area. If the referee judges that the incident should result in a penalty kick it is clear he/she has determined that the incident occurred "inside" the penalty area. If the referee judges that because the "victim" was outside the area, it is not a penalty kick, but a direct free kick, then Rule 5-3-a applies, "The referee shall enforce the rules and decide any disputed point. The referee's decision is final so far as the result of the game is concerned."
Rule: 5-3-a
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Date: August 22, 2002
Question: (The following question comes from the Greater Iowa Chapter of NISOA's 2002 Rules Refresher for the Soccer Officials exam.) #45 - Team A is in possession of the ball near the halfway line and is building up play to advance to goal. A nonparticipating player for Team B engages in unsporting conduct that warrants the issuance of a caution. The referee allows play to continue and Team A takes a shot on goal which is collected by the goalkeeper for Team B. What action should the referee take?
a. - Allow the goaltender to simply play the ball since the referee chose to play advantage.
b. - Stop the clock, caution the nonparticipating player and award an indirect free kick to Team A from the point where the ball was when the infraction occurred.
c. - Stop the clock, caution the nonparticipating player and award an indirect free kick to Team A from the point where the goalkeeper collected the ball.
d. - Stop the clock, caution the nonparticipating player and award an indirect free kick to Team B from the point where the goalkeeper collected the ball.
Answer: d. is correct because the referee allowed play to continue under the advantage clause. Team A was allowed an opportunity to maintain possession and indeed experienced a shot on goal. Once that advantage had been allowed, the referee stopped play and awarded an indirect kick to the possession team. To award the indirect free kick to Team A would be double jeopardy for Team B - who is now charged with a caution or ejection. Since the goalkeeper is the one in possession, an indirect free kick against Team B would be doubly jeopardy.
Rule: 5-4, A.R. 62
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Date: September 4, 2002
Question: Are there any NCAA specifications that require a minimum distance for permanent objects in relation to the field boundaries, e.g., light poles?
Answer: The NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer Rules do not stipulate guidelines with reference to lighting. The safety factors set forth are under the purview and are the responsibility, as is any question concerning liability, of the University and the builder. As a matter of practical concern, if I were placing poles within 10 feet of the touchlines (2 1/2 strides for a 6'0" male), I would probably consider covering them with some sort of cushioning material.
Rule: N/A
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Date: September 4, 2002
Question: According to the rules, a coach can recall a player from being substituted but the player is still charged with a reentry. The substitute becomes the player of record when the clock is stopped and no beckoning on is required. Technically, the coach can undo the sub becoming the player of record before he or she enters the field. If the sub commits a Red Card offense after the clock is stopped, before he or she enters the field, and the coach recalls him or her, does the team play with 11 or 10?
Answer: During the committee's annual meeting in February, this issue will be revisited. Until then, it is hereby interpreted as a "technicality" and will not result in the team playing short. Rationale: The way the question is stated you have the player displaying ill temper AFTER the coach called the player back. Once called back, the player of record is no longer a player of record, i.e., the coach has de facto nullified his or her status as player of record albeit he or she is still charged as having been a player of record.
Rule: 3-6, A.R. 43 and A.R. 44
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Date: September 6, 2002
Question: If a player received a red card during the second round of the 2001 NCAA tournament, does he or she have to sit out the first regular season game of 2002?
Answer: Yes, if it was the final postseason or regular season game of the 2001 season.
Rule: 12-16a, 12-18a A.R. 223
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Date: September 6, 2002
Question: In my (the referee's) opinion, the goalkeeper gloves which both starting keepers intended to wear, presented a safety hazard to opponents. Each is manufactured with hard, though flexible, plastic or other man-made material backing the fingers, and the mechanism by which they are made flexible is a series of grooves cut or manufactured into the surface of the hard material. Although the edges of these grooves did not feel sharp, the material itself was noticeably firmer than the surface of one's fingers, and in my opinion, presented a potential hazard similar to what would be present if the keepers were wearing "brass knuckles". In addition to the rigidity/reinforcement, I felt the grooves presented the potential for severely lacerating other players if they were contacted, albeit legally, by the clenched fist(s) of either keeper, say in the course of his punching the ball. Without any clear ruling that the gloves were legal, I disallowed their use. Did I make the correct decision?
Answer: Yes. Except in very rare situation, the NCAA does not rule on specific manufactured products. The referees in question acted in accordance with Rule 4-5, which is commendable. Any other given referee may not have ruled so, but Rule 4-3 as well as 5-3a is stated accordingly to allow latitude in the referee's judgement and decision making.
Rule: 4-5, 4-3, 5-3a
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Date: September 11, 2002
Question: A player broke her nose last week and the coach bought her a "hockey" style plastic mask with foam on the inside, but not on the outside? Is it legal to wear or is it considered dangerous to another player?
Answer: Casts and other protective devices are legal, but the referee determines if it is dangerous and cannot be worn.
Rule: 4-5
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Date: September 11, 2002
Question: In a game played on September 1, a player was suspended from the game for receiving a yellow and red card. The opposing team forfeited the next regularly scheduled game on September 3. The player sat out the very next game on September 7. When is this player eligible to play again?
Answer: The player is eligible now. The forfeited game does not count but because he sat out the next regularly scheduled game on September 7, he is now eligible to compete.
Rule: 12-16
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Date: September 11, 2002
Question: A.R. 256 states, "If a goal is not scored and the ball rebounds into play, an indirect free kick shall be awarded against the offending team. If the ball goes out of play over the goal line, a goal kick shall be awarded." I have two questions regarding this A.R. Where is the free kick taken from? Is a goal kick awarded even if the ball is deflected over the goal line by the goalkeeper?
Answer: The indirect kick is taken from the point of infraction except if the infraction occurs within the goal area (tough to do and would need a lightning runner?) in which case the ball may be placed anywhere inside the goal area. Inasmuch as the infraction almost always will be near the defense, the indirect free kick is taken from the point of infraction. Inasmuch as the kicking team is the offending team, it doesn't matter how if deflects; it is an indirect free kick for the defending team.
Rule: 14-3, A.R. 256
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Date: September 11, 2002
Question: What is the ruling on spectators behind the goal? If the can be there, how close can they be? If they can be there and they start harassing the players, what is the proper procedure to make them stop and leave?
Answer: It is the judgement of the referee to determine whether the spectators are distracting from the game. It is within the referee's jurisdiction to rule that any vulgar or distracting comments interfere with the progress of the game, including if it interferes with the referee's ability to concentrate. In such a situation where this is the case, I would suspend the game, stop the call, call the appropriate administration and instruct the administrator to remove the spectators. Should the home school not comply, the referee will need to file a report.
Rule: 5-5 a.
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Date: September 11, 2002
Question: What should I do about a football goalpost obstacle? The crossbar and uprights were located approximately three inches in front of the soccer goalposts, posing a safety issue. The support column for the football goal was also located within the soccer goal four yards behind the goal line, although it was padded.
Answer: This is an issue for the referee to determine if this is a safe situation, and then act accordingly.
Rule: 5-3a, 5-4a and 5-5a.
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Date: September 11, 2002
Question: The field width measured during the field inspection was 56 yards. The field in question is surrounded by a rubber track and little room is left to safely increase the width. The institution claims they are an exception because "Facilities with architectural plans dated before September 30, 1995" says there are no minimum width requirements. What should the referee do?
Answer: As long as the field/facility was constructed prior to 1995 and had been used as a soccer facility previously, the field meets the requirements of Rule 1-1-a. Prior written mutual consent is not required, but Rule 1-1-b states, "it is the responsibility of the home team to notify the visiting team of field dimensions, etc.".
Rule: 1-1a and 1-1b.
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Date: September 12, 2002
Question: Are artificial noisemakers prohibited at regular season games?
Answer: No. Artificial noisemakers are considered interference by spectators.
Rule: 5-5a and A.R. 69.
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Date: September 12, 2002
Question: Am I allowed to paint my school's logo on the playing field?
Answer: This is not allowed. "All lines shall be clearly marked but may not be of a form (i.e. grooves, curbs or painted logos, designs or other permanent field markings) that could prove dangerous to players.
Rule: 1-2
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Date: September 17, 2002
Question: The head soccer coach has been suspended for our upcoming game. Our assistant coach is unable to attend for a family emergency. What do we do?
Answer: Any administrator assigned by the University can coach the game in order to allow the game to continue. Anyone can be appointed from the janitor to the bus driver; it does not even have to be a member of the athletics staff. The coach can meet with the team until the opening whistle, but after that cannot have any contact with the team until after the game, overtime included.
Rule: 12-17
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Date: September 17, 2002
Question: When a second caution offense if committed, a referee does not have to show the yellow card and then the red; we just show the red, correct?
Answer: You are correct. To clarify in the rules book, Rule 12-15-h should say, "Receives a second card in the same match." The book currently reads, "Receives a second caution in the same match."
Rule: 12-15-h.
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Date: September 17, 2002
Question: What is the difference between the reentry for a jewelry violation and an equipment violation? Shouldn't they have the same penalty?
Answer: When the rule was established, it was the sense of the meeting that jewelry violation, especially piercings should receive the more severe penalty, e.g., delayed reentry. A jewelry violation (including wearing earrings, chains, charms, watches, hair clips, bobby pins, tongue studs or items associated with piercing, visible or not visible) has the following penalty: "The referee stops the clock and the player must leave the field of play. Once the player has complied, the player or a substitute may reenter at the next allowable substitution opportunity." An equipment violation has the following penalty: "If the referee considers any article liable to cause injury to another player, including head, face or body protective equipment, the referee shall signal the clock to be stopped and instruct the player to leave the field of play and remove the legal article. After being instructed to leave the field, a player shall not reenter the game without first reporting to the referee, who shall be satisfied that the player's uniform, shoes and equipment are in order."
Rule: 4-5 and 4-6.
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Date: September 17, 2002
Question: Per Rule 3-6, a substitute must report to the scorer's table prior to entering the game. Rule 3-4 allows a substitution in case of a caution or injury. I do not find anything in the rules book that limits the substitution if a substitute has not reported prior to the injury or caution. What is the correct enforcement of this situation? Since the incident is unexpected, can the referee waive the reporting requirements of Rule 3-6?
Answer: The standard procedure, logic prevailing, is for the entering player to do a courtesy "wave" to the scorer that he or she is entering for the injured player. Inasmuch as there is no way to anticipate the injury, the normal procedure is assumed to be irrelevant. The committee will review this at the annual meeting in February.
Rule: 3-4 and 3-6.
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Date: September 17, 2002
Question: One area of concern for referees is A.R. 142 and 143, dealing with the goalkeeper throwing the ball at a player. Can you please clarify this?
Answer: The goalkeeper area is a gray area. If the referee judges that the incident should result in a penalty kick, it is clear that he or she has determined that the incident occurred inside the penalty area. If the referee judges that because the victim was outside the area, it is not a penalty kick but a direct free kick, then Rule 5-3-a applies, "The referee shall enforce the rules and decide any disputed point. The referee's decision is final so far as the result of the game is concerned." The committee will address this at the annual meeting in February.
Rule: Rule 5-3-a, and A.R. 142 and 143.
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Date: September 19, 2002
Question: The game is stopped for an injury. Where is it specifically stated in the rules book that the opposing coach may not coach his team while the coach of the injured player attends to his/her player?
Answer: Indirectly, Rule 12-20 restricts coaching from the sidelines to verbal communication, confined to the coaching and team areas. This means no coaching anywhere else, specifically not out on the playing field where an injury has occurred. Presumably, if the injury occurs in front of the coaching area, the coach is permitted to coach as long as the terms of 12-20 are upheld. The committee will review this rule at the annual meeting in February.
Rule: 12-20.
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Date: September 19, 2002
Question: The referee missed my offside flag and before I can get his attention, a foul is committee by the defense on the player who was offside. The referee calls the foul, administers the red card and sends the player off the field. What do we do?
Answer: If play continues and there is no jeopardy, e.g., a goal being scored, then no harm means continue with the play. In this situation, the flag should remain up as a signal for the referee to consult with the assistant, and incorporate that information into the action he or she decides to take. However, because the referee must punish the more serious action and the restart will belong to the attacking team, the one offside, because the penalty accompanying the more serious offense overrides the less serious issue.
Rule: 5-4, A.R. 62, 5-5, A.R. 79, 12-14, A.R. 192.
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Date: September 19, 2002
Question: May a referee allow a player who is being substituted to exit the field at a place other than the halfway line or his or her own team bench area, in order to keep the flow of the game going?
Answer: The player exiting the field must exit at the halfway line unless injured and unable to leave the field unassisted.
Rule: Rule 3-6, A.R. 39.
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Date: September 19, 2002
Question: May a player be cautioned if he or she exits the field in front of the opponents team area, stops there and engages opposing players and/or coaches in a verbal exchange?
Answer: A player may be cautioned or ejected for any action addressed by the rules of conduct anywhere on the field of play or that falls within the definition of the "site of competition" from the moment the referee arrives at the playing site until they depart from the parking lot after the contest is over. The site of competition includes the locker room, the field area, general athletics facilities, etc.
Rule: 5-3-a, A.R. 59.
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Date: September 19, 2002
Question: What constitutes a game as being a forfeit or being a no contest?
Answer: In college soccer there are only three conditions under which a forfeit can be awarded, all of which occur after a game has begun:
1. A coach prolongs a discussion with an official or refuses to leave the field after the request by the referee to do so;
2. A team refuses to return to the field of play within three minutes after being ordered to do so by the referee; and
3. A player ejected earlier in the game reenters as a substitute and is later detected as an illegal substitute. Games considered no contest are games that have not begun and are scheduled but not played cannot be considered forfeits (Bylaw 31.10.5.2). Conferences have the option to declare a forfeit a "win" or a "loss" for conference standing purposes only, but the games are not counted in the won-loss record.
Rule: 5-5-c.
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Date: September 19, 2002
Question: Is it allowable for a team to only play a game for 70 minutes?
Answer: The only way a "shortened" game can be counted officially is if the referee suspends the game, usually due to weather or other elements. In such cases, the governing sports authority (the conference commissioner or athletics director of the competing schools), determine whether the game is counted as official.
Please note that administrators or coaches/referees do not have the authority to predetermine that a game's duration can be other than that set forth in the 2002 Men's and Women's Soccer Rules Book (see page 8, Point of Emphasis).
Rule: 10-9.
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Date: September 19, 2002
Question: After numerous head injuries, I found a simple soft padded, ventilated headband for my players to wear. Is this legal?
Answer: The referee determines whether this headband, or any other protective equipment, has the potential to be dangerous to another player. If so, the equipment cannot be worn. The oversight for approving the use of this specific headband is under the control of the referee in each contest the item is worn.
Rule: Rule 4-5.
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Date: September 27, 2002
Question: What is the ruling when a goalkeeper is standing inside the penalty area throws the ball and strikes an opponent standing outside the penalty area - is it a penalty kick or a direct kick from the point of where the opponent was standing?
Answer: Whatever the referee decides is the appropriate action, "referee shall enforce the rules and decide any disputed point." The committee will further discuss this issue at the annual meeting in February.
Rule: 5-3-a.
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Date: September 27, 2002
Question: Player "A" is substituted for. Upon leaving the field, he or she gets into an altercation and is ejected from the game. Does the team play short or is he or she considered a non-field player because they have already been substituted?
Answer: The team does not play short. As soon as the referee stops the clock for the substitution, the player entering the field is the player of record replacing the player departing the field. If the entering player is guilty of the altercation, the team plays short because he or she is the player of record the moment the referee stops the clock for the substitution.
Rule: 3-6, A.R. 42.
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Date: October 11, 2002
Question: How many games must a coach serve as a suspension for receiving a second red card?
Answer: The coach has to follow the same rules as a player. In this case, the coach must sit out two games.
Rule: Rule 12-18 and A.R. 224.
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Date: October 11, 2002
Question: Is there a violation if a player removes his or her jersey after scoring a goal?
Answer: According to Rule 12-12, players, coaches and team representatives are expected to conduct themselves in the tradition of fair play and sportsmanship. It is within the jurisdiction of the referee to determine if this is unsportsmanship-like conduct.
Rule: Rule 12-12.
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Date: October 11, 2002
Question: What is the ruling on the use of video playback used by a coach to make his point during halftime?
Answer: There is no rule against the use of film or video at halftime of a regular season game. The championship handbook has specific guidelines for the videotaping of postseason games and their usage (Reference: http://www.ncaa.org/library/handbooks/index.html#soccer ).
Rule: N/A.
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Date: October 11, 2002
Question: Please clarify the substitution rule during overtime.
Answer: At the beginning of the first overtime period, any player on the roster, including players that were substituted for in the first or second periods, up to 11 players, may begin play in the overtime period. If that player is replaced, he or she may not enter again in the overtime period. When the second overtime period begins, any player on the roster, including players that were substituted for in the first or second periods, as well as any player who played in the first overtime period, may begin play. If any of those players are replaced during the second overtime, he or she may not reenter.
Rule: 3-5.
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Date: October 11, 2002
Question: Please review the enclosed video regarding the issuance of a yellow card.
Answer: Thank you for your interest, but please note the NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer Rules Committee does not adjudicate appeals for cautions or ejections. The Governing Sports Authority is the only authority in such matters. If the game involved two teams from the same conference, the Governing Sports Authority is the commissioner or designee of the conference. If it was a non-conference game, the athletics director of the two institutions create the Governing Sports Authority.
Rule: Review page 8 of the 2002 Men's and Women's Soccer Rules Book for further information.
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Date: October 11, 2002
Question: Please explain Rule 12-3, Handling.
Answer: When this rule was first written into the collegiate rules, it was specifically linked to restarts and defensive walls. In subsequent years, the committee has not limited Rule 12-3, A.R. 153 to defensive walls. It is a normal reaction for women to cover their chests and men to cover their private areas in a last-second reaction to a hard shot being taken. The rules does not specify what kind of kick, rather saying, "before a kick." The issue for the referee to decide is whether the player moves his or her hands after the kick is taken and the ball is deflected or touched as a result, as opposed to keeping the hands still and the ball hits the hand.
Rule: 12-3 and A.R. 153.
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Date: October 21, 2002
Question: After a match was played, it was discovered the victorious team used a suspended player in that match. That player had received her second red card, but only sat out one game of her required two-game suspension. How should this situation be handled?
Answer: The administration of this game is in the hands of the Governing Sports Authority who, in non-conference games is the athletics directors of the two institutions, and for conference games, is the commissioner. This individual has the authority to determine which team shall claim the win. The statistics will be counted regardless of the outcome of the game.
Rule: Review page 8 of the 2002 Men's and Women's Soccer Rules Book for further information.
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Date: October 21, 2002
Question: The head coach of an institution received his second red card this season. What is the penalty?
Answer: The coach must serve a two-game suspension, as coaches and other bench personnel are subject to the same penalties as players.
Rule: Rule 12-18 and A.R. 228.
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Date: October 21, 2002
Question: During a recent game, a referee awards a throw-in to Team A, while the assistant referee signals the other direction. The referee goes with his original call and the next time the ball leaves the field of play, it is Team A who scores. Before the kickoff, the assistant referee explains that a last minute deflection should have caused the throw-in to be awarded to Team B. Even though the referee acknowledges a mistake has been made, the goal is awarded and Team B kicks off. Is the referee correct or can the goal be disallowed?
Answer: The goal stands. If the mistake is detected before the restart of play, the decision to award a throw-in can be reversed. Once the game has been restarted and the ball is in play, the decision cannot be reversed.
Rule: Rule 5-5, and A.R. 77.
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Date: October 21, 2002
Question: A player received his fifth yellow card on Sunday, after which he received his second card, a yellow offense, in the same game which led to a red and an ejection. How many games is this player suspended, and what is the card accumulation?
Answer: Because the red card was the player's second red, he has to sit for a two-game suspension. In addition, he must sit a third game because he has accumulated five yellow cards. His accumulation now reads: 2 red cards; 5 yellow cards.
Rule: Rule 12-16-a, and Rule 12-18-a.
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Date: January 2, 2003
Question: What is the correct call for the following situation ? the goalkeeper is standing on the top of the 6 and hastily punts the ball. The ball strikes an attacker who is standing on the 18 and deflects to another attacker who is standing on the 12 just wide of the goalkeeper. The attacker scores a goal; both attackers were in an offside position. The rules state that if the ball is touched or played by a teammate, you are committing an offense if you are in an offside position. The confusion is because the ball was not played by the attacker but was an unintentional deflection. What is the correct call?
Answer: No goal and award an indirect free kick to the goalkeeper?s team. If the goalkeeper kicked the ball off the first opponent and the ball deflected back into the net, it would be a goal. The scenario described below results in no goal because the deflection goes to a player of the opposite team who is in an offside position and received a ball from a teammate. She/he is in an offside position because when the ball is played to him/her, she/he is involved in active play and gains an advantage by being in that position.
Rule: Rule 12 ?7 through 12-11.
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Date: January 2, 2003
Question: Is it acceptable for the coach(es) to stand with the players in the center circle at the taking of kicks from the mark to determine a winner of a playoff game?
Answer: Yes, this is generally allowed. The only rule a referee may choose to enforce is Rule 1-12-a, ?Coaches and players, etc., must remain inside their coaching and team areas?? Inasmuch as the coach is usually involved in the center circle activity, this has been allowed.
Rule: 1-12-a.
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Date: January 2, 2003
Question: Can we substitute a soccer 6-stud with a football cleat? We are unable to locate any such cleat for some of the women.
Answer: Our rules do not restrict nor specify what ?kind? of shoes, e.g., soccer shoes, football, etc., can be used in a game. Further, several years ago the committee removed the measurement factors from the cleats. The current rule allows soles containing aluminum, leather, rubber, nylon or plastic cleats. Anything the referee does not consider dangerous is acceptable.
Rule: 4-4 and 4-5.
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Date: January 2, 2003
Question: In a game situation, a player was given a yellow card in the first half. Later in the game, the same player was taken down and her opponent held her down; she fought to free herself. The referee carded both players with a yellow. There was no showing of a red card. The referee approached the scorekeeper and told them to enter it as two yellows, not a yellow then a red, stating that if it was done that way, she would have to sit out tomorrow?s game. Should this player sit the next game?
Answer: There is no such option for a referee to give two yellow cards to the same player in the same game. The second card must be red. As such, the player must sit out the next game. In her accumulation, she has one yellow and one red.
Rule: 5-5-b, 12-16, 12-18, 12-20 and A.R. 228. Also reference the charts on page 80-81.
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Date: January 2, 2003
Question: How are college officials assigned?
Answer: College officials can be assigned a number of different ways. Some institutions contract them directly and some are part of a conference, which does the assigning. Coaches and institutions certainly have the freedom and right to lodge protests against certain officials who are assigned to their games, but to my knowledge, if the conference assigns, the coach is stuck with this official. During postseason play, officials are assigned by the championship committee. Coaches of the competing teams have the opportunity to submit their evaluations, but in the end, must submit to the governing sports authority?s decision.
Rule: N/A.
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Date: January 2, 2003
Question: A game was suspended after the standard 90 minutes of regulation due to lightning. The game resulted in a tie. Was this the correct decision?
Answer: Yes. The game was conducted according to the best judgment of the official, who officially suspended the game. Therefore, according to Rule 10-9 and 10-10, the game resulted in a tie. The governing sports authority is the ultimate authority to declare the game a ?completed contest? because the official?s purview ends when the game is suspended.
Rule: 10-9 and 10-10.
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Date: January 2, 2003
Question: A player has been issued four yellow cards this season. Is the conference tournament considered postseason? If so, are the previous cards wiped out or does the number of cautions he can received now move to eight?
Answer: If this player did not receive a fifth yellow card in the final regular season game, he will enter the postseason, the conference game included, with an additional four for a total of eight yellow cards before he has to sit a game.
Rule: 12-18 and chart on page 81.
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Date: January 2, 2003
Question: Who has the ability to determine if a game is counted after 70 minutes have been played?
Answer: The governing sports authority has the power to declare a 70-minute game an official contest. The governing sports authority in a conference game is the commissioner; in a non-conference game, the governing sports authority is the athletics directors of the two schools.
Rule: See page 8 of the rules book.
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Date: January 2, 2003
Question: If a trainer is called onto the field to help an injured player, must the injured player leave the game? Does it matter if the injured player is the goalkeeper?
Answer: If the medical trainer is summoned to attend to a player other than the goalkeeper, the player must leave the field. The player does not have to be replaced and when ready to reenter, may be beckoned onto the field during the run of play, or at any of the normal substitution opportunities or stoppage of play. If the player is the goalkeeper, the trainer may attend to the goalkeeper on the field of play and the goalkeeper does not have to leave the field of play, assuming that the injury is treatable within a reasonable time period and the game can resume. At some point, the referee still has the authority to require the player to be removed and the game to continue.
Rule: 5-5-e and A.R. 63 and A.R. 64.
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Date: January 2, 2003
Question: A conference playoff game is suspended due to weather after the 70th minute and is unable to be resumed the same day. Must it be considered a complete game, or, assuming it is a very close or tied game, can the two teams resume the game at the point of interruption the following day? If they cannot resume at the point of interruption and the game is tied, must we have a conference tiebreaker to determine who advances without replaying the game; or can we replay the game from the beginning, ignoring the result of the suspended game?
Answer: If the game has progressed to the 70th minute, it can be considered a completed contest. If you choose not to use it as a completed contest, it is recorded as a no contest and all stats are nullified except cautions and ejections. If you determine that the game should be replayed, it must be replayed in its entirety. Again, the exception is that any cautions and ejections received in the no contest must be carried forward to the replay.
Rule: 10-9.
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