Apparently, there is still confusion about substitutions in the last five minutes of a match. From Cliff McCrath:
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 2008 NISOA Preseason Guide contains an error regarding the display of cards for an ejection when a player receives a second caution in the same match. From Ken Andres, Jr., NISOA National Rules Interpreter:
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.
As I finish my second term as chapter president and a new college soccer season approaches, I get to deal with many issues affecting our members and their responsibilities to maintain good standing status. Typically, these issues concern preparing for and taking the fitness test, taking the refresher test and attending the rules interpretation and requisite number of business meetings. The other day I received a copy of an email from a friend who happens to be a National Referee which made me think of what it is to be professional. Read the rest of this entry »
The NISOA Dress/Attire Policy specifies all match officials shall dress alike. The policy also stipulates the color of stripes on the officials’ socks shall match the primary color of the shirt except white striped socks shall be worn with the black grid shirt.
The policy also includes recommended attire for travel to the match site. A neat, professional appearance makes an excellent initial impression.
When a player, coach or other bench personnel is ejected for fighting, there are several additional administrative requirements for the referee. Fighting is defined in the NCAA Soccer Rules Book as, “deliberately strikes or attempts to strike another player, coach or bench personnel in a malicious manner or leaves the bench or coaching area to participate in an altercation.” The referee must:
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:
All other ejection forms and notifications must be made as well. Applicable forms and notifications are available on our web site.
The NCAA soccer rules are very strict and specific regarding shirt and shorts pulling. From Page 74 of the 2007 NCAA Soccer rules book:
A.R. 108. A player holds an opponent by grabbing his or her clothing. RULING: Caution the offending player and award a direct free kick or penalty kick if the offense occurs in the penalty area.
We need to be consistent applying the Approved Ruling.
As a reminder, if you are the ECAC assigned referee and have to terminate the game or eject a player, make sure you fill out and submit the ECAC ejection/termination online form. In addition, you have to fill out and submit the Supplemental Ejection report. If the ejection is for fighting, you must notify the Region 2 coordinator, Neil Edkins via email. You can download these forms and view these links in the Library and Documents section of our web site.
