The end of October brings earlier sunsets and potentially inclement weather. Games played late in the season may have significant playoff implications and others will have none. One aspect of intercollegiate soccer which must remain the same throughout the season is covered in NCAA Soccer Rule 7.1 which states, “The duration of the game shall be two periods of 45 minutes.” This rule may not be altered in any way. The durations of each half and the overtime periods shall not be changed.
Allowable modifications to the duration of the game are limited to shortening halftime and/or other period intervals by mutual consent of the teams (Rule 7.2). Games that reach the 70th minute and can not be continued because of elements or other reasons are considered “suspended” if play is not resumed the same day.
NCAA Soccer Rule 5.6 describes the referee’s discretionary power during a game. Several sections of Rule 5.6 are very specific regarding when the referee is required to suspend the game and stop the clock. However, Rule 5.6.1 allows the referee the discretionary power to suspend the game for “…other cause, such action is deemed necessary.” There are some instances during the game where the referee should exercise the power to suspend the game and some instances where the referee should refrain from suspending the game. Read the rest of this entry »
The NCAA Soccer Central Hub posted the 10 most frequently missed questions from the 2014 NCAA Soccer Rules Test. You can go to the Central Hub or download the summary here. The summary is an excellent opportunity to brush up on the NCAA Soccer Rules and stay sharp for the conference and playoff seasons.
One of the challenges referees face throughout the college soccer season is understanding and applying the NCAA Soccer Rules particularly in areas that differ from other governing bodies like US Soccer or the NFHSAA. NISOA continually emphasizes the importance of understanding intercollegiate soccer match reporting requirements especially where player eligibility issues (a significant source of protests) are involved. Read the rest of this entry »
During the chapter meeting last night, we discussed the circumstances and procedures regarding a player who sustained an apparent head injury which required the match to be stopped so the player could receive medical attention. Read the rest of this entry »
During Saturday’s Rules Interpretation meeting, there was a discussion about management of ejected players, coaches and bench personnel. NCAA Soccer Rule 5.6.4 states:
An ejected player, coach or other bench personnel shall leave the premises of the field of play to the point that the individual, in the referee’s opinion, shall not be a disruptive influence on the further progress of the game. This means out of sight and sound of the field of play.
I recommend the following procedure:
- During the pre-game field inspection, the referee crew should discuss how they will manage ejections so it will conform to Rule 5.6.4 and ensure the ejected player or bench personnel are properly supervised while they are away from the premises of the field of play.
- During the pre-game meeting with the home team institutional representative, discuss the desired ejection procedure and ask for assistance to implement the procedure. Assistance should include, but not be limited to, having a staff member available to escort and supervise the ejected player or bench personnel. Ask the home team institutional representative to coordinate with both coaches to ensure adequate ejected player or bench personnel supervision.
Ejections are a highly emotional and often match critical event. The officiating crew must be prepared before the ejection to properly manage the situation.
The NCAA Soccer Secretary Rules Editor, Ken Andres has ruled on the issue of a player requesting to leave the field for religious reasons as follows:
As the Soccer Secretary Rules Editor, I am issuing a ruling that a player is permitted to leave the field of play for religious reasons and may re-enter the game when beckoned by the referee. If the player is not substituted for, the team shall play short. However, if the player is substituted for, the re-entry provisions of R. 3.5 apply.
I suggest that you provide the involved institution with a copy of this ruling for future reference.
Lastly, I recommend the involved institution advise the referee crew and the opposing team of this issue and my ruling prior to the start of any game.
Kenneth G. Andres, Jr.
NCAA Soccer Secretary Rules Editor
In summary, if the player is a field player, leaves the field in the first half (or overtime periods) for religious reasons and is substituted for, that player may not re-enter in that period.
