Since our officials travel outside of the region and officiate intercollegiate soccer matches between teams from other regions (New Jersey, New England, etc.), the fighting report requirements can be confusing. For example, if an official ejects a player from a school located in New Jersey for fighting, they should notify the NISOA Region III representative of the incident for further action.

The NISOA web site has a map of all NISOA regions as well as their representative and their contact information. If you're not sure who to contact or just want "1 stop shopping", go here, fill out and submit the form. I will take care of routing and filing the report. Other ejection requirements can be found here.

A complete NISOA/NCAA interpretation of the rule with restart outcomes is available for download as a pdf.

This interpretation was originally published on the NCAA Soccer Central Hub on arbitersports.com.

There are two major parts of this rule application:

• Know the signs of a concussion.
• Know who is the appropriate medical personnel that can provide clearance.

We strongly recommend officials view the online course, Concussions in Sports - What You Need to Know prepared by the National Federation of High Schools. The course is provided free of charge (you are required to register on their training web site) and will provide you with an understanding of how to recognize the signs of a concussion and the impact of a concussion on the health of a student athlete. Since 90% of all concussions do not result in loss of consciousness, recognizing signs of most concussions is subjective.

During the rules interpretation process, the definition of "medical personnel" has been a significant topic of discussion. While the definition might evolve over time, a "certified athletic trainer" is currently considered to be "medical personnel". Please be aware that not all athletic trainers are certified by the Board of Certification. We strongly recommend the team of officials ask both teams to identify their certified athletic trainer or physician present at the game site before the match begins.

We will discuss concussions at each chapter meeting this year so we are all consistent in applying this very important rule.

Not sure how 'inconsistency' slipped into the situation. Rule 3.6.2. is explicit: If the LEADING team makes a substitution the clock stops. No debate. It doesn't matter whether the losing team initiates substitutions or is substituting on its own or chooses to substitute at the same time…the minute a substitute from the LEADING team substitutes the clock stops. Rule 3.6.3. is equally clear: It addresses the issue of either team substituting when neither is LEADING…i.e. a tied game: the clock does not stop. If there is any issue whatsoever it may relate to the fact that the committee didn’t add a 3.6.4. (before the current one) and separate the tie situation from the reference to the 'losing' coach. When the rule was introduced the committee believed it was clear enough to include both the tie and the losing coach reference in one rule. If it will help we’ll separate the two in the 2010-11 book. Once again, if either team is not leading i.e. 'winning' the game the clock is not stopped on any substitution. If one team is leading and that team substitutes during the last five minutes of the second period only the clock stops…regardless whether the losing team substitutes.

My best to all and I hope this helps.

C. Cliff McCrath, Secretary-Rules Editor NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer Rules Committee

The NISOA 2008 Preseason Guide contains an article on Page 1 entitled "Second Card is Always Red," which sets forth an incorrect officiating mechanic with regard to NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer Rule 5.5.3. The Preseason Guide article incorrectly states that the referee should not display a yellow card when issuing a second caution to a player. This is not correct and wrongfully interprets a 2008-2009 clarification of R.5.5.3, which addresses the issue of a second caution for Accumulated Cautions and Game Suspensions purposes pursuant to Rule 12.18.1. A player cannot be "charged" with a second caution in the same game for card accumulation purposes within R.12.18.1, but this clarification does not change the NISOA officiating mechanic when a player commits a second cautionable offense. The proper officiating mechanic when a player commits a second cautionable offense is as follows: The referee shall display a yellow card, followed immediately by a red card. See R.5.5.3.

The policy also includes recommended attire for travel to the match site. A neat, professional appearance makes an excellent initial impression.

At the time of the ejection:

• Notify the player, head coaches and scorekeeper that the ejection was for fighting. It is very important that the players, head coach and scorekeeper are notified that the ejection was specifically for fighting before you sign the official NCAA score sheet and leave the site.

Immediately after the game:

• Contact the Regional Representative by email with the information about the fighting incident.
• Notify the conference assignor of the fighting ejection by phone with an email follow up, if necessary. Use this online ejection report for ECAC assigned games.

All other ejection forms and notifications must be made as well. Applicable forms and notifications are available on our web site.