Nebraska School Activities Association 500 Charleston Street Suite 1, Lincoln, NE FAX

Transcription

1 2018 Soccer Manual

2 Nebraska School Activities Association 500 Charleston Street Suite 1, Lincoln, NE FAX NSAA MISSION STATEMENT The public and non-public high schools of Nebraska voluntarily agreed to form the Nebraska School Activities Association for the following purposes: To formulate and make policies which will cultivate high ideals of citizenship, fair competition, sportsmanship and teamwork which will compliment the member schools curriculum programs. To foster uniformity of standards in interscholastic activity competition To organize, develop, direct and regulate an interscholastic activity program which is equitable and will protect and promote the health and physical welfare of all participants. This SOCCER MANUAL has been prepared and designed to provide general information for use in the administration of NSAA soccer competition. It will serve as a guide to the participating schools and will provide for greater consistency between games. The regulations in this manual shall be considered official unless the schools are notified of a change. All coaches and athletic directors are urged to read this manual thoroughly and to save it for future reference. Assistant Director Ron Higdon is the NSAA staff member responsible for administering soccer. He can be reached at rhigdon@nsaahome.org. Spring Sports Registration Deadline: Thursday, Week 27, January 1, 2018 Date of First Practice: Monday, Week 35, February 26, 2018 Varsity Schedules Due Online: Tuesday, Week 36, March 6, 2018 Date of First Contest: Thursday, Week 37, March 15, 2018 Eligibility Due: Thursday, Week 37, March 15, 2018 District Entries Due: Monday, Week 43, April 23, 2018 Class A District Assigning/Seeding Released: Tuesday, Week 43, April 24, 2018 Class B District Seeding Released: Wednesday, Week 43, April 25, 2018 Class A District & Class B Sub-district Tournaments: Monday-Thursday, Week 44, April 30-May 5, 2018 Class B Soccer District Final: Saturday, Week 44, May 5, 2018 State Championship: Wednesday-Tuesday, Week 45 & 46, May 9-12, 14, 15,

3 KEY DATES FUTURE DATES SCHOOL YEAR Season Begins First Contest Feb 25 March March 2 March March 1 March 18 INDEX KEY DATES... 2 FUTURE DATES... 2 NFHS SOCCER RULES CHANGES NFHS POINTS OF EMPHASIS... 3 CLASS A DISTRICTS... 4 APPROVED RULINGS AND INTERPRETATIONS FOR NSAA ATHLETIC BYLAWS GOVERNING SOCCER... 5 APPROVED RULINGS AND INTERPRETATIONS FOR CONTEST LIMITATIONS... 5 TOURNAMENT GUIDELINES SCHOOL-YEAR, OUT-OF-SEASON DEFINITION CONDITIONING PROGRAM CLINIC DEFINITION SCHOOL-YEAR, OUT OF SEASON CLINICS SUMMER ACTIVITIES SUMMERTIME REGULATIONS FOR ATHLETES AND COACHES PLAYING RULES PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATION ON NON-HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS AND IN NON-HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION OUTSIDE PRACTICES, TRYOUTS, PARTICIPATION, INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION OFFICIALS FOR VARSITY CONTESTS RULES MEETINGS First Offense in Three-Year Period Second and Subsequent Offenses in Three-Year Period Online Soccer Rules Meetings SOCCER SCHEDULES MUSIC LICENSES STEROID POLICY NSAA SPORTSMANSHIP GUIDELINES AND EJECTIONS FAN/SPECTATOR SUPPORT ITEMS WILD CARD CRITERIA REPORTING SCORES MERCY RULE/VICTORY MARGIN OVERTIME PROCEDURE FOR GAMES TIED PENALTY KICK TIE BREAKER PROCEDURE TOURNAMENT/ENGAGEMENT PLAY SUSPENSION OF PLAY DISTRICT TOURNAMENT INFORMATION CLASS B DISTRICTS DISTRICT SOCCER DIRECTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES STATE TOURNAMENT INFORMATION BOYS SOCCER CLASSIFICATIONS GIRLS SOCCER CLASSIFICATIONS

4 NFHS Soccer Rules Changes 4-1-1d: If visible apparel is worn under the jersey and/or shorts, it shall be a single solid color matching the predominant color of the respective garment. Visible arm compression sleeves shall be a similar length, all alike and of a solid color matching the predominant color of the jersey. Visible leg compression sleeves shall be of a similar length, all alike and of a solid color matching the predominant color of the shorts Exception 1: Deleted 4-2-9: A soft padded headgear that meets the ASTM standard is permitted f: Unless otherwise prohibited by the state association, electronic communication devices may be used to communicate with crew members : The ball shall be kicked while it is stationary on the ground in the center of the field of play and may clearly move in any direction f: A goal may not be scored directly from a kickoff into the kicking team's own goal : All free kicks, with the exception of penalty kicks, may be taken in any direction. Free kicks are taken from the spot of the foul except for the reasons listed in , which are taken from the location of the ball when the referee stopped play. Free kicks resulting from fouls committed in the goal area are taken as described in or Indirect free kicks for offside (13-2-2b) are taken from the spot where the offending player interfered with play, interfered with an opponent or gained an advantage by being in that position : The ball shall be kicked while it is stationary on the ground from the spot or any place on the penalty mark. To be in play, the ball shall be moved forward. The player taking the penalty kick is permitted to use a stutter step or a hesitation move provided there is no stopping and there is continuous movement toward the ball. Failure to kick the ball as specified shall be considered a violation by the attacking team and the appropriate penalties shall apply. Stutterstepping is not an interruption in movement NFHS Points of Emphasis 1. Risk Minimization 2. Referee Communication and Teamwork 3. Restarts RISK MINIMIZATION Concussions continue to be a focus in soccer at all levels of competition. The NFHS has been at the forefront of national sports organizations in emphasizing the importance of concussion education, recognition and proper management. Discussion of proper concussion management at all levels of play in all sports has led to the adoption of rules changes and concussion-specific policies by multiple athletic organizations, state associations and school districts. Coaches and game officials need to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of concussed athletes so that appropriate steps can be taken to safeguard the health and safety of participants. There continues to be concern from the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) about the cumulative effects of non-concussive blows to the head and body in practice and games. Research data is showing that there are significant impacts to the head when athletes are constantly heading the ball and in free ball situations where multiple players are positioning for control of the ball. 3

5 SHINGUARDS Shinguards are one part of several required pieces of soccer equipment. Coaches need to make sure to follow the requirements for properly fitting. Verifying that the shinguards are not altered by the athlete, are worn under the sock, and are worn with the bottom edge no higher than 2 inches above the ankle. More importantly, the shinguard is required to be age- and sizeappropriate. Coaches need to make sure that the required shinguard properly fits the respective player based on his/her age and size. HEADGEAR Though not required equipment, soft-padded headgear is allowed to be used by any soccer player. The SMAC emphasizes that there is no research or data available that shows that wearing soft-padded headgear prevents or lessens the possibility of a concussion. The determination regarding wearing soft-padded headgear is entirely up to the individual or school district. Schools, parents and students are free to make their own assessments relative to this piece of equipment. The relevant ASTM standard can be found at REFEREE COMMUNICATION AND TEAMWORK Active and effective communication among referees and with coaches and team captains is critical to ensure successful game management. Conducting a meaningful and thorough pre game with the head coach, captains, and referee crew provides an opportunity to review important rule changes, ensure players are legally and properly equipped, discourage rough play and emphasize a zero tolerance for the use of offensive or abusive language or gestures. Advancements in electronic communication devices will afford opportunities to improve communication among referees during the run of play. RESTARTS KICKOFF At the kickoff, the ball shall be kicked while it is stationary on the ground in the center of the field of play. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves in any direction. PENALTY KICK Once the kicker starts his/her approach toward the ball, he/she may not stop his/her movement. A stutter step is permitted, however, continuous movement toward the ball is required. LOCATION OF OFFSIDE RESTART Indirect free kicks for offside are taken from the spot where the offending player interfered with play, interfered with an opponent or gained advantage by being in that position. CLASS A DISTRICTS Class A schools will be placed into seven districts. The districts will be determined using a serpentine method, based upon the NSAA wild card point system within two weeks of the first district game. The highest seed in each district will be given the choice to host. IF AFTER THE FIRST ROUND OF DISTRICTS, THE TOP SEED OF THE DISTRICT LOSES, THE NEXT HIGHEST SEED WOULD HOST THE CHAMPIONSHIP OR RETURN TO THE HOST SITE FOR THE GAME (IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO HOST THE EVENT). The winner of each district will qualify for the state tournament. District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District

6 APPROVED RULINGS AND INTERPRETATIONS FOR 2.12 Concussion Education--All coaches and volunteers are required to complete the NFHS Concussion Training course annually. NSAA ATHLETIC BYLAWS GOVERNING SOCCER 1. Boys and girls soccer shall be conducted during the spring sports season. 2. The soccer season shall begin the first day of practice as permitted by NSAA rules and shall end with the state championships: Week 35 February 26, 2018 First Practice Week 37 March 15, 2018 First Contest Week 44 April 30-May 5, 2018 District Tournaments Week 45, 46 May 9-12, 14, 15, 2018 State Championships APPROVED RULINGS AND INTERPRETATIONS FOR A season begins on the first day of allowable practices for that sport, as designated in The season officially ends with the conclusion of the State Championship in that sport. Students may not participate in outside group instruction or competition once the season officially begins, and outside group instruction or competition may not commence until the school varsity team has been completely eliminated from further participation in that sport. 2. All scheduled and postponed regular season varsity contests must be played prior to the start of sub-district, district or state competition. Once sub-district, district or state competition begins, no regular varsity contests shall be permitted. 3. Students who are not listed on the NSAA District Entry form may participate in outside group instruction or competition of the same sport before the varsity school team has been completely eliminated from post-season competition. Those students who have participated in outside group instruction or competition following their regular season schedule would not be eligible to be placed on the district or state entry form of the same sport and would not be allowed to practice with the varsity team A season begins the day of opening practice as permitted by the NSAA rules rather than the first day of interscholastic competition The division of sports seasons shall be as follows: No school shall register more than one varsity team per sport and no student shall participate simultaneously in more than one sport per season. Note: Week designations are for the standardized calendar. The standardized calendar usually begins with the first full week in July. CONTEST LIMITATIONS 1. No soccer team (varsity or non-varsity) representing a member school shall participate in more than thirteen soccer games, excluding of the district and state tournaments. If a school is involved in a conference tournament, the conference tournament is to be counted as one of the thirteen game limit. Participation in any soccer tournament/engagement shall count as one of the thirteen permitted games. 2. An athlete may participate in no more than one soccer game per day, with two exceptions: 5

7 a. In tournaments/engagements, an athlete may participate in two soccer games per day (maximum of 2 games per day: 2 varsity, 2 jv, or 1 varsity and 1 jv). b. In varsity and junior varsity competition played on the same day, students are limited to three halves of soccer competition and the participation can be split between the varsity and junior varsity games. Any participation in a half counts as one half of competition regardless of the amount of time played. 3. No contest may be held with any team not belonging to the NSAA or its own state high school association. 4. No contest in any class, other than the state tournament contests, are permitted during the dates of the State Soccer Championships. This includes regular season contests, non-varsity tournaments, and conference tournaments or playoffs. 5. No game or scrimmage may be held with any team before the opening game of the season. Each interschool scrimmage played on or after the first date permitted for sports contests shall count as a game played (one of the thirteen games allowed). The penalty for participation in an illegal scrimmage or game may be suspension from the NSAA for one season of that sport. This does not prohibit intra-squad scrimmages. 6. A school that violates the team match limitation or the student match limitation may be disqualified from district and state tournament competition. TOURNAMENT GUIDELINES A tournament is defined as a contest involving four or more teams in which the winner continues to advance and compete until a single winner is determined. Tournaments cannot be in roundrobin format. Soccer Engagements (classics, invitationals, etc.) 1. If a team participates in more than one tournament, each tournament in excess of the one permitted tournament shall count as one of the thirteen permitted matches. A tournament is defined as a contest involving four or more teams in which the winner continues to advance and compete until a single winner is determined. Tournaments cannot be in round-robin format. 2. Teams are allowed to participate in two games in one day that are not in a tournament format; this format is considered an engagement. a. Each game has a predetermined opponent. b. Each engagement would count as one of the thirteen permitted matches. 3. A school team shall not participate in a high school indoor soccer competition until the first date permitted for interschool competition. Any soccer competitions on or after that date, whether indoors or outdoors, shall count as one of the permitted thirteen games. 6

8 SCHOOL-YEAR, OUT-OF-SEASON DEFINITION School-year, out-of-season is defined as that period of time during the school year in which no organized practice can be conducted. The school-year, out-of-season period begins on August 10 and runs until the first allowable date of practice in that sport, and the period after a team or individual has been eliminated from further competition during the championship series of district and state tournaments/meets through May 31 or the end of the school year, whichever is later. For non-varsity competition, school year, out-of-season begins the day following the last date of interscholastic competition or the last date of the varsity season, whichever is later School-Year, Out-of-Season Participation Except during the season of the sport involved, a student may be a member of a non-high school team and compete unattached in non-high school competition. Students are prohibited from wearing high school uniforms during non-high school sponsored competition Organized Practice 1. No organized practice in any sport shall be held during the school-year, out-of-season period. An organized practice shall mean more than seven students under direct supervision of a sponsor. If more than one such group is practicing at the same time, it shall be called an organized practice. 2. Any individual who served as a school s head coach, assistant coach, coach's aide, or volunteer coach shall not coach athletes from that member school in non-high school competition if the number of athletes from the school which the individual served exceeds the number permitted for an organized practice in the sport involved CONDITIONING PROGRAM A member school may organize and supervise a school year, out-of-season conditioning program to include weight lifting, running, and exercising for its members in accordance with the following provision: 1. Such a conditioning program shall be general in nature and may include only exercises designed to promote physical fitness. 2. Sport specific drills are not allowed, and sport specific equipment may not be used. 3. The conditioning session shall be no longer than 60 minutes in length, and no student shall participate in more than one such session per day. 4. Conditioning programs shall be voluntary. No coach or school representative may directly or by implication direct a student to attend conditioning sessions as a prerequisite for membership or restrict the level of team participation within the high school program. 5. Conditioning Programs. Conditioning sessions organized and run by members of the school s coaching staff are subject to the 60-minute limitation. However, students who work out on their own at the school facility in weight lifting, general calisthenics, running or agility-type exercises, shall not be considered to be involved in an organized conditioning program. 7

9 CLINIC DEFINITION A clinic includes planned activities of instruction or demonstration directly related to the teaching of individual skill. There shall be no competition between athletes who are in attendance SCHOOL-YEAR, OUT OF SEASON CLINICS 1. Athletes and coaches may attend professional or commercial sports clinics sponsored by non-member high schools. During the school-year, out-of-season period, the organized practice rule for the sport in which instruction is being given shall apply. No more than the limit permitted for organized practice may attend and receive instruction. Attendance to school-year, out-of-season clinics shall be voluntary. No coach or school representative may directly or by implication direct a student to attend a clinic as a condition for membership on the high school team or restrict the level of team participation within the high school program and The purpose of specialized sports clinics is to give individual athletes an opportunity to improve his/her skills in a particular activity. The athlete and/or his/her parents shall pay the fees and expenses for attendance to such camps or schools. The school, booster clubs, individuals and/or other organizations shall not provide expenses, or support for individuals participating in clinics. Team fundraisers are typically not permitted unless the money is directly paid to the student at the time of the fundraiser and the compensation is proportional to the level of contribution the student made to the fundraising activity. The school may provide transportation for individuals participating in clinics with prior approval from the district s Board of Education SUMMER ACTIVITIES 1. From the Tuesday following Memorial Day to July 31, a member school may not sponsor a team or individual, provide uniforms, individual player equipment (except football, baseball and softball protective equipment for commercial camps), or otherwise be responsible for a student in summer competition. Attendance at summer activities shall be voluntary. No coach or school representative may directly or by implication direct a student to attend summer activities as a condition for membership on a high school team or restrict the level of team participation within the high school program. 2. The school year, out-of-season period begins on August 10. Summer activities are regulated between the Tuesday following Memorial Day through July 31. Between the end of the summer activities period and the start of the school year, out-of-season period (August 1 through August 9), the following shall apply: (1) The organized practice rule shall be in effect; (2) Conditioning programs may be held; (3) Attendance at commercial camps and clinics is permissible, but the organized practice rules shall be in effect for such camps and clinics; and (4) No school clinics or camps may be held SUMMERTIME REGULATIONS FOR ATHLETES AND COACHES From the Tuesday following Memorial Day or final day of school (whichever is later) until July 31, there shall be no restrictions on the contact between students and high school coaches, provided no support is received from the school district. 8

10 PLAYING RULES Any athletic contest supervised by the Nebraska School Activities Association shall be governed by rules published by the National Federation or rules approved by the Board of Control. National Federation Soccer Rules shall govern all interschool competition PARTICIPATION Eligibility for District/State Competition 1. In all athletic activities, teams wishing to enter a sub-district, district, or state contest shall have participated in a minimum of five interschool varsity contests prior to the subdistrict, district, or state contest. (a) Exceptions to the requirements for a team that has not participated in at least five interschool varsity contests would be considered if the team was unable to participate if weather conditions forced a cancellation of scheduled contests. Other extenuating circumstances would be considered by the Executive Director on a case-by-case basis. 2. In order to participate in a district or state tournament, a student is required to have been a member of the school s team for at least twenty school days prior to the first day of the sub-district, district, or state tournament. (a) Exceptions to the requirements for a student who is not a member of the school team for twenty school days would be considered if an individual was unable to participate because of illness, injury, or transfer from another high school. School, team, or game suspensions, regardless of the underlying cause, shall not be considered as exceptions to this participation rule. 3. For situations pertaining to eligibility to participate in district or state contests that are not specifically addressed by these guidelines, the Executive Director shall have the authority to waive membership and participation requirements on a case-by-case basis PARTICIPATION ON NON-HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS AND IN NON-HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION Any student who participates in any athletic contest other than as a representative of his/her high school during the season of the sport involved becomes ineligible to represent his/her school in that sport for one or more contests or the remainder of the season. 2. Eligibility for District/State Competition. To be eligible to participate in a district and/or state contest, a student shall have been a member of the school s team and shall have been available to participate in at least eighty percent (80%) of the school's scheduled interschool contests and not have missed more than twenty percent (20%) of the school's scheduled contests because of participating in non-high school competition. (a) The term available to participate means that the student was a bona fide member of the team, eligible to participate for the school at some level of competition in the sport, and not involved in outside participation activities (exception: Olympic Development Program or national team activities as approved by the NSAA.) 9

11 (b) The term, "school's scheduled interschool contests," is defined as those contests which appear on the school's varsity schedule at the beginning of the season. An exception to this requirement will be considered if a student was unable to participate because of injury, illness, or had transferred from another high school. During the season of a particular sport, athletes participating in that sport for a high school may attend, but may not physically take part, either as an individual or as a member of a team, in the sport activity in which instruction is being offered in the clinic, camp, or school. 3. The phrase participates in any athletic contest is interpreted to mean to take part in any skill of the sport of season. For example, a student out for cross country or track would become ineligible to represent the high school if he/she participates in a road race or a marathon. A student on the high school basketball team would become ineligible if he/she participates in a free throw contest, 1 on 1, 2 on 2, 3 on 3, 4 on 4, basketball contest, or other similar contest. A student out for high school football will become ineligible if he competes in a punt, pass and kick contest. A wrestler shall not participate in a non-school takedown tournament during the wrestling season. 4. At no time during the sport season can a student who is a member of the school squad in that sport compete in organized competition in any skill of the sport. A person may be considered to be a participant without being an official entry in the competition. A student may participate as an individual, without loss of interscholastic eligibility under the following conditions: (a) As a member of a national team (and the actual direct tryouts) which is defined as one selected by the National Governing Body of the sport on a national qualification basis, either through a defined selective process or actual tryout for the purpose of international competition which requires entries to officially represent their respective nations. (b) In an Olympic Developmental Program, which is defined as a training program or competition. (1) Conducted or sponsored by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), or (2) Directly funded and conducted by the USOC member national governing body on a national level (e.g. NGB national championship and direct qualification therefore); or (3) Specifically authorized by a national governing body involving only athletes previously identified by some qualifying procedure by the national governing body as having potential for future participation in regional, national, or international competition in the sport involved. (4) Coaches from schools involved with an Olympic Development Program must adhere to the organized practice rule. (c) While representing the National Federation as a member of its United States national entry in an International School Sport Federation event. (d) In an athletic contest sponsored by a non-high school organization, provided the individual has qualified prior to the sports season through actual competition in a meet or series of meets which were designated in advance by the sponsoring organization as qualifying meets. Times, distances, placement, or performance in high school competition shall not be considered as qualifying criteria. (e) Provided in a, b, c, and d, such participation has been approved by the high school principal and the Nebraska School Activities Association. 10

12 5. The high school principal and the coach of the sport involved must approve the request for a waiver of Section 3.5. The school then may request a waiver from the Nebraska School Activities Association. If the student(s) has not qualified for the competition through actual competition in a meet or series of meets which were designated in advance by the sponsoring organization as qualifying meets, or the competition is not a part of the United States Olympic Development Program, a waiver may be granted provided the student(s) does not represent his/her school in varsity competition of the sport involved for the same number of days in which he/she participated in the nonschool competition. 6. Request for the certification of distances or times attained in state meet competition shall be submitted by the individual along with information on how these marks are to be used. In order to be considered, the use of such marks must meet established minimum qualifying standards and competition must be open to any athlete meeting such standards. Certification of times or distances will not be given if qualification is based upon placement in a contest sponsored by the membership of the Nebraska School Activities Association. (updated NSAA Board of Directors-Nov. 2015) OUTSIDE PRACTICES, TRYOUTS, PARTICIPATION, INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION 1. During the season of a sport, a student is permitted to take individualized instruction from a person other than the high school coach. Group instruction, practices with outside teams, and tryouts for outside teams other than as a part of a college or university-recruiting visit, however, are not permitted As part of a college or university recruiting visit, a student may participate in a tryout if such try-outs are permitted by the body which governs the college's or university's athletic program OFFICIALS FOR VARSITY CONTESTS 1. Only those officials who are registered with the NSAA may be used by member high schools to officiate varsity competition. 2. Officiating Systems. Varsity regular season matches shall use a head referee and a referee, or a single referee and two assistant referees. A timer, scorer, and at least two ball holders will assist the referees. District and state competition will use a single referee and two assistant referees. RULES MEETINGS 1. The NSAA presents rules meetings in order to inform and educate coaches, officials, and judges about NFHS playing rules and rules changes, NSAA guidelines and approved rulings, and to discuss health and safety issues related to activities participation. 2. All head coaches are required to complete an NSAA Rules Meeting online annually. Failure to do so will result in possible late fees and suspension penalties. 3. Online rules meetings are initially offered at no cost to coaches or officials, followed by a period with a $25 Late Fee, followed by a period with a $50 Delinquent Fee. The following sanctions and fees are applicable to those coaches who fail to complete the rules meeting by the expiration of the Delinquent Fee period. 11

13 4. Absence from the required rules meeting OR FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE RULES MEETING by March 9th will result in the following sanctions: First Offense in Three-Year Period a. The head coach will be suspended from coaching in any competition in that activity until i. The head coach COMPLETES THE NSAA S ONLINE RULES MEETING OFFERED AT THE LATE FEE of $100; and ii. The head coach successfully completes the open book test for officials/judges of that activity (70% or higher); and the school s administration verifies that the coach has read all the supporting NSAA, National Federation, and safety information. b. During this regular season suspension period, the head coach may continue to coach the team at practices. Second and Subsequent Offenses in Three-Year Period a. The head coach will be suspended from coaching in all NSAA end-of-season play (sub-districts, districts, playoffs, and state competition) until i. The head coach COMPLETES THE NSAA S ONLINE RULES MEETING OFFERED AT THE LATE FEE of $200; and ii. The head coach successfully completes the open book test for officials/judges of that activity (70% or higher); and the school s administration verifies that the coach has read all the supporting NSAA, National Federation, and safety information. b. During this regular season suspension period, the head coach may continue to coach the team at practices Online Soccer Rules Meetings February 12-27, 2018 February 28-March 6, 2018 March 7-9, 2018 No Charge to Officials & Head Coaches Basic $25.00 Fee - Officials & Head Coaches Late/Penalty $50.00 Fee - Officials & Head Coaches SOCCER SCHEDULES 1. Schedules need to be entered on the NSAA website by March 6, Please follow the instructions sent to the schools when entering schedules. 3. The schedules will be posted on the NSAA website ( 4. Contests may not be added after March 6, Please notify the NSAA with any postponements or cancellations. Submit schedule changes to Jeff Stauss, jstauss@nsaahome.org. 5. All contests MUST be played prior to the start of districts (April 30, 2018). 12

14 MUSIC LICENSES Generally, music used for contests (warm-up, half-time, walk-up music, etc.) needs to be licensed. Some music may be in public domain; however, most music is not and will require a license. This season, take the necessary time to verify your music is licensed through the proper entities. Visit for additional resources. STEROID POLICY The Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), strongly oppose the abuse of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing substances by high school student-athletes. Such use violates legal, ethical and competitive equity standards, and imposes unreasonable long-term health risks. The NSAA and the NFHS support prohibitions by educational institutions, amateur and professional organizations and governmental regulators on the use of anabolic steroids and other controlled substances, except as specifically prescribed by physicians for therapeutic purposes. NSAA SPORTSMANSHIP GUIDELINES AND EJECTIONS 1. Enforcement of the sit-out rule for ejections from high school contests for unsportsmanlike conduct is a responsibility of the member school. Failure to properly enforce this rule could result in other sanctions by the NSAA. 2. Administrators will be expected to promptly file a report with the NSAA whenever a participant or coach from their school has been ejected from any high school contest. Such filing must be done online under the AD login section of the NSAA webpage. 3. A participant or coach ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be ineligible for the next athletic contest at that level of competition and any other athletic contest at any level during the interim. 4. Enforcement of the sit-out rule is expected to begin immediately, regardless whether it is regular-season or tournament play. 5. Any participant ejected a second time during a season from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be ineligible for the next two contests at that level of competition and all other athletic contests at any level during the interim, in addition to other penalties the NSAA or school may assess. 6. Any participant ejected a third time during a season from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be ineligible for the next three contests at that level of competition and all other athletic contests at any level during the interim, in addition to other penalties the NSAA or school may assess. 7. During the time of their sit-out suspension, athletes who are ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct may not suit up or participate, but it is the school s discretion whether such athlete is able to travel with the team or sit on the team bench. 8. Coaches who are ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct may not coach in any contest or be present at the contest site during the time of their sit-out suspension. Coaches who are ejected will also be required to successfully complete the NFHS Teaching and Modeling Behavior online course within 10 days of the ejection. Failure to successfully complete the course will result in a suspension from coaching for the remainder of the season. In those situations in which the ejection of the coach occurs near the end of the season or during the NSAA end-of-season play, the coach will be required to successfully complete the NFHS Sportsmanship online course before being able to coach the following season or year. 13

15 9. Coaches who are ejected a second time in a season will be required to sit-out the next two contests at that level, plus all other contests at other levels during the interim. Coaches may not be present at the contest site during the time of their sit-out suspension. Any coach ejected a second time will also be required to successfully complete the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching online course within 10 days of the ejection. Failure to successfully complete the course will result in a suspension from coaching for the remainder of the season. In those situations in which the ejection of the coach occurs near the end of the season or during the NSAA end-of-season play, the coach will be required to successfully complete the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching online course before being able to coach the following season or year. 10. If the ejection takes place in the final game of the season, the suspension will carry over to the following season. 11. When schools have students or coaches with multiple ejections, the school shall submit to the NSAA a written management plan on how they plan to remediate the problem. 12. Officials will be expected to file with the NSAA an ejection report for any ejection of a player or coach from a contest online. Any unusual situation that occurs prior to, during, or after a contest should also be reported. 13. Prompt reporting to the NSAA office by the official is necessary. Officials are asked to submit their electronic report or call the NSAA office by the day following the ejection. 14. Officials are asked to be specific in listing the reason(s) for an ejection. 15. Affiliated officials (officials registered from contiguous states) will also be required to perform this reporting function. 16. There is no appeal process for ejections for unsportsmanlike conduct. 17. The Executive Director shall reserve the right to consider the length of suspensions when some levels of competition are scheduled on an irregular basis (e.g., three weeks between regularly scheduled non-varsity contests). **Note: Any red card issued to a player or coach constitutes an ejection. 14

16 FAN/SPECTATOR SUPPORT ITEMS In the Chart below, ONLY those items marked Yes will be allowed as fan/spectator support items at all NSAA Sub-District, District, State Playoffs and State Championships. Sportsmanlike vocal cheering and support from the team bench area are encouraged. The items indicated on this page are for use by fans/spectators. Prohibited items: Confetti/shredded paper, powder (baby, talc, etc.), Laser light/pointer, flashing objects, miniature sports balls, objects or candy thrown into the crowd, Artificial noise makers, (included but not limited to horns, cow bells, bells, buzzers, clickers, thunder sticks, rattles, instruments not part of a band), whistles, air horns, sirens, cannons/muskets/guns/fireworks or live animals. Regulations listed are subject to facility restrictions. SPORT BA BB CC FB GO SO SB SW TE TR VB WR Balloons Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No One School Banner per school Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Hand held signs Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Megaphones (school Yes Yes Yes Yes NA Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes recognized cheerleaders only) Shirts on student Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes spectators (required) AR Shirts on general Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes spectators Team Introduction Yes Yes Yes Yes NA Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Run-throughs or Break Away Banners Pompoms, spirit Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes towels Prerecorded music Yes Yes Yes Yes NA Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes that has been approved by the Host Administration may be played during precontest warm ups provided that a high school band is not available to play during that time. School bands Yes Yes Yes Yes NA Yes Yes Yes Yes NA Yes Yes Carried school flags (Running/taunting prohibited) Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Key: BA-Baseball, BB-Basketball, CC-Cross Country, FB-Football, GO-Golf, SO-Soccer, SB- Softball, SW- Swimming & Diving, TE-Tennis, TR-Track & Field, VB-Volleyball, WR-Wrestling, NA- Not Apply 15

17 Wild Card Criteria 1. The results of only those games played against varsity teams of schools in Nebraska and of varsity teams in states contiguous to Nebraska will be used to: a. Calculate point averages. b. To determine the win and loss record for designating a team as a first, second, third or fourth division team. 2. All games played by a school s varsity team, regardless of the location of the opposing school, will count toward the number of permitted contests in a particular sport. 3. Seven Class A teams will qualify for the state championships by winning the championship of their respective district tournaments. 4. One additional Class A team, which fails to qualify through district tournament competition, will be chosen to complete the eight-team tournament field. 5. These teams will be selected in the following manner: a. In order to be considered as a wild card qualifier, a team must have played a minimum of 10 varsity contests, which includes district contests and out of state games. b. Only the contests between varsity Nebraska teams and varsity teams from states contiguous with Nebraska will be considered when calculating the point totals. c. The results of all such contests played through the District Final contests shall be used. d. This includes regularly scheduled contests, tournament contests, and district contests. e. This includes non-completed, suspended games without a winner determined. No points will be awarded but the number of games will include this match. 6. FORFEITS: A contest that is forfeited because of extenuating circumstances (such as weather) between schools shall count as a loss for the team forfeiting, and the forfeiting team shall receive wild card points for the forfeited loss. a. Schools that are required to forfeit a game or games shall count such contests as one of the permissible contests under the contest limitation requirement of that sport, but such mandated forfeitures shall count as loss wild card points. b. When a school s varsity team is unable to complete the season, those remaining teams on than school s regular season schedule shall receive forfeit wins for those scheduled contests and shall be awarded wild card points for those forfeit wins. Wild card points will be determined by the forfeiting team s record at the time of seeding for postseason competition. 7. Varsity teams of schools located in contiguous states will be converted to a Nebraska classification using enrollment figures obtained from that state s activities association. 8. The following point evaluation scale will be used to determine a team's total points: POINT EVALUATION SCALE 1st Division Team 2nd Division Team 3rd Division Team Victory Over Loss To th Division Team 16

18 A first division team is a team, which has won at least 75% of its matches played. (Example: 20-0, 19-1, 18-2, 17-3, 16-4, 15-5.) A second division team is a team, which has won at least 50% but less than 75% of its matches played. (Example: 14-6, 13-7, 12-8, 11-9, ) A third division team, which has won at least 25% but less than 50% of its matches played. (Examples: 9-11, 8-12, 7-13, 6-14, 5-15.) A fourth division team is a team, which has won less than 25% of its matches played. (Examples: 4-16, 3-17, 2-18, 1-19, 0-20.) 9. No points are deducted for playing teams, which are, classified below your classification. 10. In competition with schools one classification above yours, 2 bonus points will be awarded. 11. A team's point average will be determined by dividing the total number of points by the number of contests played. 12. The teams failing to qualify through district competition in their class, but having the highest point average based on the year's record after the completion of all the district tournaments will be selected as the wild card qualifiers. *Class A will qualify one wild card team. 13. If a tie exists for one or both of the qualifying spots, the following procedure will be used to select the team or teams: a. If only two teams have identical point averages and are tied for one of the qualifying spots and the teams have played each other, the team that won the contest or the majority of contests between the two teams in question will qualify for the state tournament. b. If the two teams have not played each other or if more than two teams are tied, step C will be used to determine which team qualifies for the state tournament. c. If two or more teams have identical point averages and are tied for one or both of the remaining qualifying spots, the team or teams playing the greatest number of first division teams will be selected. If only two teams remain after this step and the two teams tied have played each other, step A will be used to determine the qualifier for the state tournament. d. If a tie still exists, the team's opponents' wins and losses will be totaled and the winning percentages calculated. The team whose opponents have the highest percentage based on this calculation will be chosen. e. If a tie still exists, the representative will be decided by a coin flip in the NSAA office. 14. Out-of state matches will be included through May 4, The state brackets will be released Saturday after the Class B District Final. 16. Schools must report contiguous out-of-state records to the NSAA, Jeff Stauss at jstauss@nsaahome.org. Win-loss records not reported to the NSAA will be recorded as a fourth-division team until such information is provided. 17. When determining the classification of an out-of-state school for wild card purposes, if the school s three-grade enrollment is less than the lowest enrollment in a particular class, the out-of-state school shall be classified in the immediate lower class. The enrollment of Nebraska schools opting up to play in a higher class will not be considered when comparing out-of-state schools for classification purposes. 18. If two or more schools are tied for the final place in a particular class, the tie is broken by using the schools three-year average enrollment for the most recent three years. When determining the classification of an out-of-state school for wild card purposes, if the outof-state school s three-grade enrollment is identical to the enrollments shared by schools in two different classes, the out-of-state school shall be placed in the higher class. 17

19 REPORTING SCORES Report all VARSITY game scores to: MAXPREPS.COM Teams who compete against schools in contiguous states are responsible for reporting all contiguous state opponents current win-loss records to the NSAA throughout the season and prior to districts and state seeding. DURATION OF GAME & LENGTH OF PERIODS VARSITY MATCHES Two equal halves of 40 minutes shall be played Periods may not be shortened. BELOW VARSITY LEVEL Match lengths may be modified. Overtime procedures may also be modified. Mercy Rule/Victory Margin The match shall end when one team has established a 10 goal differential at the end of the first half or during the second half. The margin of victory rule does not apply prior to completion of the first half of play. OVERTIME PROCEDURE FOR GAMES TIED AT THE END OF REGULATION PLAY Due to the use of the point system in determining wild card qualifiers for the state tournament, it is necessary that no game end with a tied score. Games that are tied at the end of 80 minutes of play-- 1. Two overtime periods of 10 minutes each. 2. A coin shall be flipped prior to the first overtime period. The visiting team captain shall call the coin while it is still in the air. The winner of the toss shall choose a goal to defend or to kick off first. The loser of the toss shall be given the remaining choice. 3. The interval between the second half and the first overtime period shall be 5 minutes. 4. The interval between the first and second overtime period shall be 2 minutes. If a tie still exists at the end of the second overtime period-- 1. The two teams shall participate in a penalty kick tiebreaker procedure. 2. The interval between the second overtime period and the beginning of the penalty kick procedure shall be 5 minutes. 18

20 PENALTY KICK TIE BREAKER PROCEDURE 1. The two head coaches, officials, and team captains shall assemble at midfield to review the procedure. 2. The head referee shall choose the goal at which all of the penalty kicks shall be taken. 3. Each coach will select any five players, including the goalkeeper, on or off the field (except those who may have been disqualified) to take the penalty kicks. 4. A coin toss shall be held. The team winning the toss shall have the choice of kicking first or second. 5. The kicks shall be attempted from the penalty mark. 6. Teams will alternate kickers. There is no follow-up on the kick. 7. Following five kicks for each team, the team scoring on the greatest number of these kicks shall be declared the winner. 8. Add one goal to the winning team score and credit the team with a victory. An asterisk (*) may be placed by the team advancing to indicate the advancement was the result of a tiebreaker system. If the score remains tied, after each team has had five penalty kicks: 1. Each coach will select five different players other than the first five who already have kicked to take the penalty kicks in a sudden victory situation, wherein, if one team scores and the other team does not score, the game is ended without more kicks being taken. 2. If the score remains tied, continue the sudden victory penalty kicks with the coach selecting any five players other than the preceding players to take the next set of alternating penalty kicks. 3. If a tie still remains, repeat sudden victory procedure. TOURNAMENT/ENGAGEMENT PLAY In tournament/engagement competition where each team could potentially play two games on the same day, the following procedure may be used: If the game is tied at the end of 80 minutes, the overtime periods may be shortened to 5 minute periods OR if the coaches reach a mutual agreement prior to the game, the penalty kick tie breaker may be used immediately following the completion of regulation. The tournament/engagement host should determine the overtime procedure and notify all participating schools and officials in advance. All games in the tournament must use the same overtime procedure. SUSPENSION OF PLAY In the event a game must be suspended and the game cannot be resumed that day, the head referee shall declare it an official game if one complete half or more of the game has been completed and the score is not tied. If less than one-half of the game has been played or if more than one-half of the game has been played and the score is tied, the game will resume at the point of interruption. If a game is resumed from the point of interruption, and one team is clearly in possession, the game will be restarted by an indirect free kick by the team in possession at the point where the ball was when play was suspended. If there is no clear possession, there will be a drop ball at the spot where the ball was declared dead, provided the ball is not in the penalty area. 19