• Tiebreaker Procedure of Penalty Kicks (Rule 7.1.2)
• • Coin toss determines who kicks first or second. We recommend the referee chooses which goal the kicks will be taken at before the game with the governing sports authority.
  • 10 different kickers are selected. If all 10 kickers take kicks, the order of taking kicks must be repeated.
  • The goalkeeper may not be replaced during the taking of kicks unless injured. The injury must be verified by an attending physician or certified trainer with approval from the governing sports authority.
• Accumulated Cautions (Rule 12.18)
• • Player eligibility is to be determined by the governing sports authority. In some cases, coaches will ask the referee team whether a player is eligible to play because of their accumulated cautions. Please review the referenced rule and be prepared to advise the governing sports authority representative accordingly. If there's any doubt or question about a player's eligibility, allow the player to participate and file a report with the governing sports authority.

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

Substitutions:

1. Unlimited substitutions (NJCAA exception to the NCAA rule)
2. A team may sub on their own throw-ins, their own corner kicks, and any goal kick.
3. If the proper team does sub, and the other team has a sub waiting at half-field, they may also sub at that time.
4. Subs should always be waiting a half-field to enter the game, not in front of their team bench.
5. When a player receives a yellow card, a substitute must report for this player, until the next legal substitution period. This includes the goalkeeper.

Timing Procedures:

1. The clock does not stop during substitutions (Exception to the NCAA rule).
2. The clock only stops on goals, injuries where the referee indicates stoppage of play, and when the referee is issuing caution and ejection cards (referee indicates stoppage of play).
3. At the end of the game, the clock operator is to call out the last ten seconds, and sound the horn,  indicating the end of the match.

Overtime:

1. two-ten minute sudden-death periods.

1. Download the test from our website. We recommend printing the test and writing your answers on the test itself.
2. Log on to the web site and fill out your answer sheet. You do not have to fill out the entire answer sheet in one session. When you click on the 'save and submit' button, your answers will be saved. You may come back and finish at any time before the annual rules interpretation meeting.

As always, you may use the NCAA Soccer Rules Book as a reference when you take the test. Please post any questions in the comments section.

Reference is made to the annual Rules Survey distributed to all college coaches and NISOA Officials. Our NCAA liaison, Teresa Smith, Assistant Director of Playing Rules Administration, informed me yesterday that her office has not yet received returns from any referees. I immediately contacted John Van de Vaarst and Ken Andres to obtain approval for sending this note asking that all able-bodied NISOA members take a few minutes - from what I know are very busy schedules - to help us out.

Please take a minute and fill out the online survey.

1. Download the test from our website. We recommend printing the test and writing your answers on the test itself.
2. Log on to the web site and fill out your answer sheet. You do not have to fill out the entire answer sheet in one session. When you click on the 'save and submit' button, your answers will be saved. You may come back and finish at any time before August 23, 2008.

As always, you may use the NCAA Soccer Rules Book as a reference when you take the test. Please post any questions in the comments section.

Overall, the rule changes are minor (more details here). The most significant rule changes include:

• The penalty for a team which fails to provide an official game roster before the beginning of the game is a forfeit.
• The diagonal system of control shall be used. There are listed exceptions for using the dual system only when an assigned official fails to appear for the game.

Rule changes will now be considered on a two year cycle. The current edition of the soccer rules book will apply for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Specific rule interpretations and points of emphasis will be presented at the mandatory rules clinic in August.

• Rules changes will occur on a two year cycle.
• The diagonal system of control shall be used. Reference to the dual system of control appears to have been deleted.

Full text of the rules changes with interpretation is available for review or formatted for printing (pdf). Please note the new interpretation regarding the expiration of time in the rules changes (Rule 6.3.11).