The NCAA Soccer Secretary – Rules Editor, Ken Andres, has confirmed that a goal may not be awarded on a dropped ball by the referee (Rule 9) unless at least two players touch the ball before the ball enters the goal. This procedure aligns with Law 8 of the IFAB Laws of the Game. If the ball enters the goal without at least two players touching the ball, the game will be restarted with a corner kick if the ball enters the team’s goal or a goal kick if the ball enters the opponents’ goal.
One of the keen differences between the Laws of the Game and the NCAA Soccer Rules is the NCAA’s position of zero tolerance for profane and obscene language. “Using profane language in an incidental manner” is a mandatory caution. Abusive, threatening, hostile or obscene language is an ejection offense. As a clinician, every year I discuss this important rules difference and make it a point that referees correctly and courageously enforce the NCAA Soccer Rules in this area.
I want to share a recent email that was sent to me. Read the rest of this entry »
A very diligent chapter member asked me last night about the requirement for teams to warm up in front of their bench prior to the match. The member went on to say that he’d read the entire rules book and the only place this requirement was mentioned was in the Recommended Timing Sheets embedded in Rule 6. There was clearly some confusion about what “Recommended” meant in that context, as in whether the timing sheets were required like a rule or a general guideline that could be followed or not followed based on the governing sports authority’s guidance.
In the case of the Recommended Timing Sheets, the activities indicated are required as a rule. Unless the NCAA Soccer Rules do not otherwise specify when the activity takes place, the timing of the activity is recommended. Rule 6.3.4 indicates game rosters are exchanged 30 minutes before kickoff and teams clear the field with the captains and officials meeting for the coin toss 10 minutes before kickoff. The timing of these activities is a rules requirement and can not be modified.
The 2014-2015 NCAA Soccer Rules first indicated the requirement that teams are to warm up in front of their bench on the Recommended Timing Sheets. The 2016-2017 NCAA Soccer Rules additionally indicate when the halftime interval must begin on the Recommended Timing Sheets (immediately when the first half ends). In summary, as you review the Recommended Timing Sheets, consider the activities and the times indicated to be requirements just like any other rule.
Many scorekeepers exclusively use a computer generated scoresheet to record the events of the game. In some cases, the scorekeeper does not print out a scoresheet for the officiating crew to review and sign. So what action should the officiating crew take in this case? Read the rest of this entry »
I’ve been getting a lot of questions via email about the NCAA’s registration fee initiative and the NISOA/NCAA Soccer Rules Test. Here are some common questions and answers:
- Do I have to pay $65 to take the Rules Test on the NISOA Central Hub? No. The test is provided by NISOA at no cost to our members.
- Does the Rules Test really close on August 2, 2015? No. NISOA just approved an extension to August 16, 2015. The extension was granted to allow the National Referees (who take the test and need to correctly answer 90% of the questions) additional time and not delay the distribution of National Referee badges. I wouldn’t be surprised if the test closure is extended closer to Labor Day but please don’t bet on that occurring.
- If I want to register with the NCAA, do I have to take the test on the NCAA Central Hub? No. NCAA has agreed to accept the test results from the NISOA Central Hub for their post season eligibility criteria. You may take the test on either site but you will have to make your registration payment directly to NCAA on their site. This is not a NISOA requirement but an NCAA requirement.
- Do I have to take the Rules Test? Yes, if you are a NY Metro ISOA chapter member. The chapter is using this test as part of the good standing requirements to take an annual rules test. Chapter members have to complete the test only.
- I took the Rules Test on the NISOA Central Hub but didn’t get a confirmation email from ArbiterSports with my score. How will the chapter know that I took the test? Since the test is on the NISOA Central Hub, the chapter will have access from ArbiterSports to document that you completed the test.
Please post any questions you may have here and I will answer them for the benefit of all.
The NISOA Executive Board is working on publishing a single rules test on the Testing tab of the NISOA Central Hub which will be dually used to qualify NISOA National Referees and for members to meet their good standing requirements. I’ve been working very closely with the Instructional and National Referee staff to get the test ready for members on the NISOA Central Hub. The NISOA Executive Board is meeting this week to finalize and approve this initiative.
90% with two attempts will be the criteria for the NISOA National Referee program. We intend to share individual testing results with the NCAA for their use in determining post season eligibility. I expect the test will be published this week with a deadline of August 2, 2015.
Chapter members will be required to take the test pass/fail. You will receive email instructions separately.
Updated July 14, 2015 – The test has been published at the link above. All NY Metro ISOA members are directed to take the test and retain the confirmation email from ArbiterSports.
The 2014-2015 NCAA Soccer Rules include modifications to several aspects of the postseason tiebreaker procedure. Playoff officials should take a few minutes to review the tiebreaking procedure in Rule 7.1.1. NCAA-specific requirements (modifications are in bold) include: Read the rest of this entry »
