Please click the link to watch 2022 NCAA Soccer Webinar #3 - Deliberate Play and Deflection Clarification Guidelines, from October 3. 

Please click the link to view 2022 Webinar #1 - Controlling Overly Aggressive & Rough Play from September 7.  

Please click the link to view Stopping a Promising Attack. 

We are excited about the new season and look forward to the opportunities to communicate important soccer information with you this year on the NCAA Soccer Central Hub. 

REGISTRATION is now available.  After registering, please visit the Center Circle Central Hub frequently to stay current on the latest soccer officiating news and information.  On the central hub, you will be able to read the latest rules interpretations from Rich Grady, Secretary-Rules Editor, bulletins from the National Coordinator, review VIDEO clips on correct application of the RULES AND MECHANICS, and click TESTING to take the test when available.

The NCAA will host an officiating seminar this summer that will provide free educational opportunities for officials. 

Saturday July 30, 2022
Chester PA (Philadelphia) – Widener University
9:00am - 4:00pm 
Presenters: Ryan Cigich, Rich Grady, Sandy Hunt, Rachel Woo 

To register, please click HERE

Have a great season!

Ryan Cigich

National Coordinator of Soccer Officials

The NCAA is requesting applications from interested individuals to serve as a Regional Advisor for NCAA men’s and women’s soccer officiating program. The regional advisor serves at the direction of the National Coordinator to improve the overall quality and consistency of officiating throughout NCAA soccer. Additionally, the position will assist the national coordinator and the NCAA Divisions I, II and III Men’s and Women’s Soccer Committees in the identification, training, selection and evaluation of officials for each of the NCAA soccer championships.

Click here for a full description of the position. To apply for the open positions, please submit a cover letter, resume and list of references no later than May 6, 2022 to Mark Bedics via email at mbedics@ncaa.org.

Sincerely,

Ryan Cigich, NCAA National Coordinator of Soccer Officials

The referee initiates video review for a valid, possible violent behavior I or II.  During review the referee determines that violent behavior has not occurred.  If, in the process of review, the referee identifies other misconduct that has occurred that must be penalized, caution(s) may be issued to offenders.

A.R. 5.7.o. The referee uses video review to determine whether violent behavior I or II occurred. When must that video review be conducted?

RULING: Before the restart after the first stoppage after the incident occurred. The referee can review any misconduct directly involved with the violent behavior offense and assess appropriate penalties against any individual(s) involved in the violent behavior incident.

Please click here to view the 2021 NCAA Soccer Officiating Requirements and Policies. 

Watch the final webinar in the Fall Educational Series:

Officiating in the Post Season

Watch the most recent webinar from the NCAA Soccer Fall Educational Series:

Soccer Officiating Hot Topics

Join us for the final webinar in the Fall Series

Officiating in the NCAA Post-Season
Tuesday, October 26
8 P.M. Eastern
Registration

Watch the most recent webinars from the NCAA Soccer Fall Educational Series

Referee & Coach Partnership

Officiating at the DII and DIII Level

Join us for future webinars:

NCAA Soccer Officiating Hot Topics
Tuesday, October 12
8 P.M. Eastern
Registration

Officiating in the NCAA Post-Season
Tuesday, October 26
8 P.M. Eastern
Registration

Please click the link to view NCAA Soccer Rules Questions and Interpretations 2021 Season, Volume 2.

The position of regional advisor for NCAA men’s and women’s soccer shall provide assistance to the National Coordinator for NCAA men’s and women’s soccer officiating (and, ultimately, the NCAA Soccer Committees) to further the NCAA’s ongoing commitment to improving the overall quality and consistency of officiating throughout collegiate soccer for both men and women.  To apply for the open position, please submit a cover letter, resume and list of references no later than July 23, 2021, to Ryan Tressel via email at rtressel@ncaa.org. Hard copies of this information will not be accepted.

Click here for a full description of the position.

Please click the link to view Ken Andres, Longtime SRE, Has Passed Away.

Gender Variations in Officiating

Game Management

Violent Behavior and Fighting Rules - Simplified

Assistant Referee Involvement

2020-21 Rules Changes

Men’s and Women’s College Cup Officials Panel

Soccer Officiating COVID-19 Considerations

Soccer Officiating Hot Topics

NCAA presents an educational webinar and quiz series.  Join us Thursday February 4, 8:30 PM ET,  for the first of seven live webinars, where Ken Andres & Rich Grady will discuss the 2021 NCAA rule changes.  There will be an opportunity for Q&A during the live webinar. 

Along with each webinar there will be a pre-event quiz released the prior week and quiz answers will be discussed on each live webinar. Special thanks to the NISOA team for their collaboration with the NCAA in developing the quiz series.

Event Details:
2020-21 NCAA rule changes – Ken Andres & Rich Grady 
Thursday February 4, 8:30 PM ET

Webinar Registration Link

Rule Changes Quiz Link

Webinar Series Dates:
February 10: AR Involvement, Mark Kadlecik & Mark Cahen
February 24:  Violent Behavior & Fighting Rule Simplified, Ryan Cigich & Rich Grady
March 10:  Game Management, Steve Shaw, NCAA Natl Coordinator Football Officials
March 24: Effectively Officiating the Women’s game, Christina Unkel & Tori Penso
April 7:  TBA
April 21:  TBA

Look forward to seeing you there!

Ryan Cigich
NCAA, National Coordinator Soccer Officiating
 

The updated electronic version of the 2020 and 2021 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Soccer Rules Book is available for free download by clicking the RULES Tab.  Going forward, please only use the electronic version dated August 26, 2020.

During its July 22 videoconference, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel acted on several items.  Please click here to read the memorandum from Jeff Hurd, NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel.

Dear NCAA Official,

The NCAA has engaged The PICTOR Group to conduct a National Review of the State of Collegiate Officiating. As an NCAA official, your voice is central to this review. Below is a link to a confidential survey designed to help identify general as well as divisional issues across 15 sports in NCAA Divisions I, II and III. The survey is estimated to take approximately 30 minutes to complete and will remain open for three weeks. Since there is no central location to connect with all NCAA officials, you may receive more than one request to participate. Please complete only one survey for each sport that you officiate.

Officials who complete the survey and provide contact information, will be entered to win an NCAA Gift Pack to include items such as free Arbiter Central Hub registration, NCAA apparel or gift cards to purchase sport-specific officiating equipment and apparel. Please complete the survey at your earliest convenience.

Click here to access the NCAA Officials Survey.

The over-arching goal of the National Review is two-fold: a) identify general and divisional issues that are affecting NCAA sports as a result of the decline in the officiating pool, and b) to present strategic recommendations to meet the officiating needs of the membership. Click here should you wish to learn more about the project scope:  National Review of Collegiate Officiating

Thank you in advance for your participation and thoughtful contribution. Should you have any questions about or problems accessing the survey, please contact Mary Struckhoff at mstruckhoff33@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Anthony Holman

Anthony Holman
Managing Director, NCAA Championships & Alliances

The NCAA has engaged The PICTOR Group to lead a comprehensive review of the state of collegiate officiating for 15 NCAA sports across all three divisions. A national review is underway and involves significant data collection, with commissioners representing Divisions I, II, and III comprising an Officiating Review Steering Committee. The final report will be submitted to the NCAA in August 2020. 

Please click the following link for an overview of the NCAA Officiating Review Project.

Deleana Quan (AR), Chris Spivey (4th Official), Ian Anderson (Referee), Ryan Graves (AR)
 

Kayla Polonsky (GA) AR, Carlos Fernandes (MA) 4th Official, Nicole Green (MI) Referee, Anya Voigt (FL) Assistant Referee & Manuel Ortiz Jr (NCAA Supervisor)

Please click the link to view NCAA Rules Test – Top Ten Missed Questions, by Todd Abraham.

1 - A player fouls an opponent and is shown the yellow card for the foul. The opponent is injured and is treated on the field. He may stay on the field since he was injured as a result of a foul which was punished with a card. TRUE/FALSE

2 - A player kicks an opponent in the chest in a reckless manner while challenging for the ball. The referee is unsure whether to caution or eject the player and decides to utilize video review. This is permissible. TRUE/FALSE

3 - The maximum length of the coaching area is 20 yards. TRUE/FALSE

4 - Coaches may leave the coaching area to relay tactical instruction. TRUE/FALSE

5 - A player who is substituted for in the first overtime period may play in the second overtime period. TRUE/FALSE

6 - Field players must always re-enter the game from the halfway line on the bench side of the field. TRUE/FALSE

7 - For the sake of officials' jurisdiction, the locker rooms and parking area are considered part of the site of competition. TRUE/FALSE

8 - The halftime interval begins when both teams have left the field. TRUE/FALSE

9 - Play is stopped for an injury while a field player from white has possession of the ball. The correct restart is a IFK for white. TRUE/FALSE

10 - A player taking a penalty kick plays the ball backwards. The correct restart is an IFK for the opposing team. TRUE/FALSE

Please click the link to view Properly Applying Advantage By Sandy Hunt.

NCAA Officials: 

This document was developed as part of the NCAA’s continued review of its risk management program.  Please note that this document summarizes information that may render an official ineligible to officiate any rounds of any of the NCAA championships.    

Also, please note that one or more of the components of the “Notifications and Determinations” section may not be in place until the 2020-21 academic year. 

Best regards,

Dan Calandro
NCAA, Director of Championships and Alliances

Referee's Pregame Duties (Rules 5.5.1.10 and 5.7.1).  The referee must confirm with host game management if video review equipment is available.  If available, video review will be used.

Click here to read the document and view the video clips.

Please click the link to view Hydration Breaks Information (Updated 8/27/2019)

Please click the link to view 2019 Soccer Rules Interpretations (Updated 7/17/2019). 

Please cilck the link to view 2019 Major Rules Changes.

The NCAA is pleased to announce their  2019 soccer officiating seminars.  There is no cost to attend the seminars.  Locations as well as the instructors and guest speakers will be announced soon.

May 11 – Denver CO

June 1 – Dallas TX

July 20 – Indianapolis IN

August 3 – Boston MA

To register, please click HERE.

Ryan Cigich
NCAA National Coordinator Soccer Officiating

Front Row L to R: 

Nick Balcer, Darth Newman, Marco Vega, Natalie Simon, Rubiel Vazquez, Elvis Mahmutovic, Sam Bilbo, Jami Willis

Back Row L to R: 

Ryan Cigich, Rick Rogers, Khadime Sabara, Jeremy Uecker, Mike Lavergne, Trent VanHaitsma, Megan McCain, Roger Morton

L to R:

Maggie Short, Becky Pagan, Lance VanHaitsma, Jude Carr

L to R:

Chris Elliott, Daniel Radford, Robert Sibiga, Apolinar Mariscal

Please click the link to view NCAA - Top Ten Missed Test Questions, by Todd Abraham.

With conference tournaments upcoming it’s imperative that everyone is up to date of NCAA Rule 7, Duration of the Game and the Tiebreaker Procedure.

Two sudden-victory overtime periods of 10 minutes each shall be played, with a 2-minute intermission between periods(the interval between the end of regulation and the start of overtime shall be 5 minutes). A coin toss shall be called by the visiting team and identical to the start of the game, the winner of the toss has the choice of ends or kickoff.

• -If the game is still tied after these two periods, kicks from the penalty mark will commence after a 5-minute intermission.
  -Only players who are listed on the game day roster are eligible to participate. Players are not required to be on the field of play at the end of overtime to be eligible for kicks from the mark.
  -The visiting team shall call the coin toss, and the winner has the option to kick first or second. The referee shall determine which end shall be used.
  -Each team shall designate ten different kickers. If the goalkeeper is one of these kickers, the team shall only have nine field players in the center circle. If the team has ten kickers in the center circle at the start of kicks, the goalkeeper is no longer an eligible kicker.
  -The officials need NOT know the order of the kickers. After all ten eligible kickers have kicked, the order CAN be changed.
  -If a player is ejected during the tiebreaking procedure, the opposing team has the OPTION to reduce its list of eligible kickers but is not required to do so.
  -Once the goalkeeper is designated, he or she cannot be replaced unless injured or ejected. If the goalkeeper wishes to return after injury, this is permitted.

For offenses committed during the tiebreaking procedure:

• -The kicker is permitted to use a stutter step or a hesitation move provided there is no stopping and there is a continuous movement toward the ball. If the kicker comes to a complete stop, the kick is blown dead before the kick if possible, or retaken if not, and player cautioned.
  -If the referee judges (using common sense) the goalkeeper to have moved off the goal line prior to the kick being taken and the kick is saved, the kick shall be retaken. Unlike FIFA, this offense is NOT a mandatory caution.

Please click here to read 2018 NCAA Soccer Officiating Requirements and Policies.

The following clips are examples of Unsporting Behavior and the key considerations that the Referee should use in the decision making process: Unsporting Behavior Review

Click the Play button after each slide to move to the next one.

Please click the link to view Communication Device Best Practices – Part 2.

Please click the following link to view Managing the Coaches and Team Areas By Sandy Hunt, PAC12 Conference Coordinator.

Please click the link to view 2018 and 2019 Major Rules Changes.

Please click here to view the Stricter Suspension Penalties for the 2018 Soccer Season and Other New Playing Rules Memorandum.

As the 2018 men’s and women’s soccer seasons approach, this is to let you know that the Soccer Center Circle Central Hub will open for registration July 16. Please know that the registration fee for this season is $80, which is a $15 increase from the past three seasons and will include a background check as part of the registration process. You will receive more information on the background check via email notification on July 16 when registration officially opens. As a reminder, officials are required to register on Center Circle in order to be considered for NCAA postseason assignment.

Thank you for your past interest in registering as an NCAA soccer official, and we look forward to the upcoming season.

Ryan Cigich
National Coordinator for NCAA Men’s and Women’s Soccer

L to r: Danny Thornberry (AR), Chico Grajeda (4th official), Robert Sibiga (Referee), Jeff Skinker (AR)

Tom Felice (AR), Chico Grajeda (referee), Danny Thornberry (AR)

L to R: Deleana Quan (AR), Corey Rockwell (Referee), Katja Koroleva (4th Official), Benjamin Hall (AR)

L to R: Jennifer Garner (AR), Jonathan Weiner (Referee), Ryan Cigich (National Coordinator), Lance VanHaitsma (4th Official), Natalie Simon (AR)

Please click the link to view Offside Key Considerations (FIFA Additional Notes), and then the links below to view the video clips:

Offside Clip 1 - Interfering with an Opponent

The attacker is clearly in an offside position. As the ball is shot and goes past the offside player, her body obstructs the view of the ball for the goalkeeper. 

Additionally, the offside attacker makes an Action which impacts the goalkeepers ability to play the ball.  Note how the goalkeeper hesitates as the ball goes past the offside player.  This is the cue to observe in order to know if the goalkeeper has been impacted.  Therefore, the attacker is offside due to both obstructing the line of sight and making an action on the ball.  

It is expected that the AR can judge this play due to the obvious hesitation by the goalie.  If however, the AR is not certain, they should stand at attention and then have a conversation with the referee. 

Offside Clip 2 - Interfering with Play

The attacker plays the ball towards the goal line where his teammate has just left the field through normal course of play.  This position places him past the second to last defender.  The AR may have doubt as to who played this ball. 

Offside Clip 3 - Not Offside

The Assistant Referee does well to wait and see, showing patience and reading the play properly.  As an AR, they have the ability to stop play at any moment by raising the flag.  Therefore, best practice is to let the play develop.  An offside player interfering with play means that they touch the ball or are the only one to obviously touch it.  This is a good example of wait and see. 

As the regular season begins to wind down, officials need to review Rule 7.1.1.1 in order to administer kicks from the penalty spot correctly.  Let’s start with the basics.  Any player listed on the game roster who has not been ejected is eligible to participate.  There is no requirement that the players on the field at the end of overtime be the ones to participate.  Each team must designate 10 kickers.  The goalkeeper may be one of the ten to take a kick, or a team may designate ten kickers and a goalkeeper who will not take a kick to defend against the kicks.  Please note that teams are not required to specify which orders the players will kick in; the officials should record each player’s number and the result of the kick as the tie-breaker proceeds.  If the tie-breaker goes beyond ten kicks, teams are free to change the order.

The visiting team calls the coin toss, and the winner of the toss has the option to kick first or second.  Rule 7.1.1.2 states that the referee shall determine which goal will be used.  There is no official guidance on what factors to use, but here are a few to consider.  First, what are the field conditions like?  If the area around one penalty spot or goal line is significantly better than the other, use that end.  Second, what about time of day?  Do not make the goalkeepers squint into the setting sun when facing a penalty kick.  Third, which end of the field is better from an administrative purpose?  Are there fans legally seated behind one goal but not the other?  If so, go to the end with no fans.  Try for as equitable a situation as possible.  Prior to beginning the kicks, make sure that the designated players from each team are in the center circle along with one of the Assistant Referees, who will record the kicking order and the results.  All coaches and bench personnel should be in the designated coaching and team areas.  The other Assistant Referee should serve as a goal judge, and the non-participating goal-keeper shall be at the intersection of the penalty area and goal lines behind the Assistant Referee.    

Once the kicks have begun, there are only two situations in which the goalkeeper can be changed.  First, if the goalkeeper is ejected during the kicks, he or she may be replaced by any other eligible player on the roster.  Note that if the goalkeeper was not designated as a kick prior to the ejection, the replacement goalkeeper may not participate as a kicker.  The second situation in which the goalkeeper can be changed is if there is an injury, which must be certified by the attending physician or athletic trainer in conjunction with the NCAA representative (if an NCAA tournament game) or with the governing sports authority (if a conference tournament game).  If one of the designated kickers is ejected during the tie-breaker, the opposing team has the option to reduce the number of kickers in its order to avoid having their 10^th player kick against the 1^st player from the opposing team.

The kicks themselves are taken in accord with Rule 14.2.  Of particular note to officials is that run ups that include a stutter-step or hesitation are legal as long as there is no stopping and there is a continuous movement toward the ball.  The punishment of violations during kicks from the spot is straightforward.  If the goalkeeper comes off the line too early, the kick is retaken if a goal is not scored.  If the kicker commits a violation prior to the ball being in play, he or she can be cautioned or ejected as appropriate and the kick retaken as the ball was not properly put into play. 

Finally, officials need to keep in mind A.R. 14.4.a, which defines when the kick is considered over.  The kick is completed when the ball completely crosses the goal line, the goalkeeper clearly saves the ball, or the movement of the ball has ceased.  If the ball keeps moving without leaving the field of play and strikes any combination of the goalkeeper, crossbar, goalposts, or the field and then enters the goal, it is a valid goal. Officials need to keep in mind that the rules for conducting the tie-breaker are quite specific and can easily lead to a protest if misapplied.  Each official is responsible for knowing the rules and administering them properly.  Best of luck with the post season!

The importance of referee positioning cannot be understated.  In order to make accurate decisions referees need to be in a position to accurately judge and “sell” fouls and key match incidents. When players and coaches see referees make crucial calls from close proximity they may be less likely to dispute the decision as much as when the referee is far from play.  Often times when calls are missed it is due to the referee not being in the optimum position in order to make correct calls.

Good positioning comes down to:
Fitness
Reading the game
Anticipation

The following four video clips are examples of excellent positioning from one of the top soccer referees in the country, Mr. Chico Grajeda.  In these examples you will see very good sprinting, high work rate, excellent proximity to the play, creating angles, and reading the next phase of play. 

Click here to view the clips.

Please click here to read 2017 NCAA Soccer Officiating Requirements and Policies.

Unlike some youth leagues across the country the NCAA rules prohibit a red carded player or a player who is serving a suspension to remain in the team bench area. The NCAA Rules state that an ejected player, coach, or other bench personnel shall leave the premises of the field of play to the point that, in the opinion of the referee, the individual shall not be a disruptive influence on further progress of the game. This means out of sight and sound of the field of play. Potential designated areas may include but not limited to: locker room, team bus, spectator area, stadium seating, etc. The key is that the individual is far enough away that they are not a disruptive influence on the game. Remaining in the immediate field area or team bench area is not an option. 

Additionally, Rule 12.7.3 states that a player, coach or other bench personnel removed from the game and/or serving a game suspension shall be restricted to the spectator or designated area and prohibited from any communication or contact, direct or indirect, with the team, coaches and/or bench personnel from the start of the game to its completion, including halftime and overtime periods. 

As a reminder, referees are required to file the Red Card Form located on the NCAA Soccer Central Hub within 24 hours of the completion of the game. This report form is the process to alert institutions when a red card was given, and allow conferences to track red cards for their member institutions.  

So far this year only 84% of red cards have been reported. This memo is to remind you to fill out the Red Card Form anytime an ejection is given, to ensure institutions and conferences are able to accurately track suspensions for their student-athletes.  

Thank you in advance for your compliance in this area.