! MINUTES SOCCER RULES COMMITTEE Hyatt Regency Downtown Indianapolis, IN Committee members in attendance: Chad Collins Chair 2019 Derek Von Langen Section 1 2020 Stan Latta Section 2 2018 Alex Ozuna Section 3 2021 Todd Tharp Section 4 2018 John Krogstrand Section 5 2021 Janet Allen Section 7 2019 Kevin Skaggs Section 8 2021 Monty Hawkins NFHS Coaches Association 2018 Jack Young NFHS Officials Association 2020 Guests in Attendance: Greg Mauch Ross Meloan Staff Theresia Wynns Lori Brown Guest USC Representative Guest NISOA Representative NFHS Staff Liaison NFHS Staff Absent Scott Christy Section 6 2020 1. WELCOME, INTRODUCTION, GENERAL INFORMATION Director Theresia Wynns welcomed new committee members, Alex Ozuna of Section 3, John Krogstrand of Section 5 and Kevin Skaggs of Section 8. Invited guests were introduced, Greg Mauch of National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), and Ross Meloan of National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA). These guests assist the committee with keeping abreast of trends in the game and keep the lines of communication open between organizations. Theresia Wynns reviewed several administrative items with the committee. 2. COMMITTEE REPORTS REGARDING CONCERNS FOR THE SPORT FROM REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS a. Sectional Von Langen, Latta, Ozuna, Tharp, Krogstrand, Allen, Skaggs b. Coaches Hawkins c. Officials Young 3. NFHS SPORTS MEDICINE REPORT/ISSUES
Page No. 2 Bob Colgate, NFHS Director of Sports and the liaison to the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, gave a report regarding the high school injury collection program and information regarding soccer injuries. 4. EQUIPMENT REVIEW Genie Pro FootGuard review of the new model 5. EDUCATIONAL ISSUES UPDATE Soccer Coaching Update/meeting with USC officials Second Soccer Course for Officials in the works Rule 11 Offside Recruitment of Officials update the group on the NFHS Recruitment Program and the need for states to reach out. Mid-Season Webinar set-up for states to share issues and projects from the states. Face-to-Face Rules Interpretation July 18-19, 2018-presentations will plan for the meeting and presentations at this meeting. 6. DISCUSSION ON SAFETY What are the safety issues in soccer? Is the sport headed in the right direction? Are the changes appropriate for NFHS? 7. ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTS FROM INVITED GUESTS Each guest gave a brief report regarding their respective organizations and the trends occurring. 8. DISCUSSION/VOTING OF: A. Rule Changes No. Rule Ref. Rules Changes Underlining shows additions; strikethrough shows deletions Pass Fail No Actio n 1. 1-3 It is permissible for the school to add its name or school logo on the corner flag. Rationale: This addition to the rule will allow schools to extend the brand of the school in different ways to this athletic field. (0-10)
Page No. 3 2. 3-6-1 During the final five minutes of the second half only, if the leading team only substitutes, the referee shall signal the clock to be stopped and beckon the substitute(s) onto the field. The clock shall be restarted only on the signal of the referee when the ball has properly been put into play after the whistle, 9.1.3. If the game is tied or the trailing team chooses to substitute, the clock shall not be stopped. Rationale: NEW 3.6.1 permits referees to allow substitutions during the last five minutes of the second half without compromising the integrity of the game. Substitution with the clock stopped fosters the NFHS goal of increasing participation, while preventing gamesmanship. The new rule follows NCAA Rule 3.6.2, with additional language inserted to guide referees and timers as to when the clock should be restarted after the substitution. FIFA Law VII requires the referee to add time for substitutions, but there is no similar NFHS mechanism. Should the trailing team only substitute or both the leading and trailing teams substitute, then there is no reason to stop the clock. 3. 4-1-1a The home team shall wear dark jerseys and socks (dark is defined as any color which contrasts with white) solid white jerseys and solid white socks, and the visiting team shall wear solid white jerseys and solid white socks dark jerseys and socks (dark is defined as any color which contrasts with white). Prior to and during the game, jerseys shall be tucked into the shorts, unless manufactured to be worn outside. Rationale: This change would align soccer with other sports that wear white/light jerseys for away games. It also lets home teams wear colored jerseys for "special" events such as pink for breast cancer awareness. Other Rules Affected: Rule: 4 Section: 1 Article: 1b Rule: 4 Section: 1 Article: 1-Situations C, D, H, M, O, P (9-1) (3-7)
Page No. 4 4. 4-1-1a 4.1.1 Requirements for uniforms: 4.1.1(a) The home visiting team shall wear solid white jerseys and solid white socks and the home visiting team shall wear dark jerseys and socks (dark is defined as any color which contrasts with white). Prior to and during the game, jerseys shall be tucked into the shorts, unless manufactured to be worn outside. Rationale: This change, suggested by our State Coaches' Association's President, permits the home team to wear their school colors at all home matches, rather than at all away matches. The home fans will be able to see their team in its home colors, rather than in solid white, and the home team's players will be allowed to wear their school's colors in front of their own fans. Other Rules Affected: Rule: 4 Section: 1 Article: 1b Rule: 4.1.1 SITUATION C Section: 4.1.1 SITUATION D Article: 4.1.1 SITUATION H Rule: 4.1.1 SITUATION M Section: 4.1.1 SITUATION O Article: 4.1.1 SITUATION P 5. 4-1-1b Both socks shall be the same color, with the home visiting team wearing solid white socks and the visiting home team wearing socks of single dominant color, but not necessarily the color of the jersey. If tape or a similar material (stays/straps) is applied externally to the socks, it must be of similar color as that part of the sock to which it is applied. Rationale: This change, suggested by our State Coaches' Association's President, permits the home team to wear their school colors at all home matches, rather than at all away matches. The home fans will be able to see their team in its home colors, rather than in solid white, and the home team's players will be allowed to wear their school's colors in front of their own fans. Other Rules Affected: Rule: 4 Section: 1 Article: 1a Rule: 4.1.1 SITUATION C Section: 4.1.1 SITUATION D Article: 4.1.1 SITUATION H Rule: 4.1.1 SITUATION M Section: 4.1.1 SITUATION O Article: 4.1.1 SITUATION P
Page No. 5 6. 4-1-1d and 1e d. If visible apparel is worn under the jersey and/or shorts, it shall be a solid color matching the predominant color of the respective garment. e. 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. NEW (same as the 2016-17 book): If visible apparel is worn under the jersey and/or shorts, it shall be of similar length, all alike and of a solid color. Rationale: This proposal comes from a coldweather state where wearing visible undergarments is commonplace in the late fall and early spring. Officials and coaches always contact me with potential rule changes, but never did anyone ever suggest we had a problem with the color of visible undergarments. The previous rule, which did not require the garments to match the color of the respective part of the uniform, was good enough. Officials never had a problem differentiating the teams if both had players wearing black sleeves and black leggings. This new rule is unnecessary and it creates a financial burden on families who now have to have two different sets of coldweather gear. (8-2)
Page No. 6 7. 4-2-1h Exception s: 3 NEW State associations may on an individual basis permit a player to participate while wearing a head covering if it meets the following criteria: a. For medical and cosmetic reasons - In the event a participant is required by a licensed physician to cover his/her head with a covering or wrap, the physician's statement is required before the state association can approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player and which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely that it will come off during play. b. For religious reasons - In the event there is documented evidence provided to the state association that a participant may not expose his/her uncovered head, the state association may approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player and which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely it will come off during play. Rationale: The addition of this exception allows for the participation of students who for religious reasons must maintain a covered head in all situations. The same is true for the student who for medical or cosmetic reasons need to cover the head. Referred to NFHS Legal Counsel to review and draft language specific to Soccer Rule 4, Section 2 on equipment, that would allow State Associations the ability to make exceptions for "head coverings worn for religious or medical" reasons, resembling what was previously drafted by NFHS representatives regarding disability/ artificial limb inclusion as found in NFHS Soccer Rule 4-2-5, as well as other sport rule code. If no documentation is available for the player and in the opinion of the official the covering or wrap is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player and is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely it will come off during play. The player should be able to participate and the state association notified. (0-10)
Page No. 7 8. 5.3.2 SITUATION E Change: 5.3.2 SITUATION E: Team A is awarded an indirect free kick foul just outside the penalty area. The referee fails to raise his/her hand to indicate an indirect free kick and Team A shoots the ball directly into Team B s goal. Referee awards a retake goal kick. Rationale: The attacking team should not be penalized for the referee s error. U.S. Soccer requires that there be a retake of the indirect free kick in such a situation, in fairness to both teams, Advice to Referees, section 13.5: If the referee fails to give the correct signal for an indirect free kick or fails to hold it for the required period of time, the indirect free kick must be retaken, regardless of the outcome. This also applies to an incorrect signal for a direct free kick. 9. 8-1-2 At the moment of the kickoff all players, except the player taking the kickoff, all players shall be in their team's half of the field. Players opposing the kicker shall be at least 10 yards from the ball until it is kicked. Rationale: This year's rule change allowing the kickoff to be taken in any direction has created difficulty for the player taking the kick to easily kickoff into their own half of the field without positioning themselves into their opponent s half of the field. This addition to the rule would permit only the player taking the kickoff to position themselves into their opponent s half in order to take the kickoff. 10. 9-2-3 The ball is dropped by an official from waist level to the ground to one player or between two opposing players. Other players may be positioned anywhere on the field of play provided they do not interfere with the drop-ball procedure. Rationale: This change permits a team to kick the ball to the opposing goalkeeper as a gesture of sporting conduct. Many players are used to such behavior from club play and appear uncomfortable at a contested drop ball. The one-player drop ball also avoids an occasion of potential injury to players and referees. (9-1) (2-8)
Page No. 8 11. 9-3- In case of a temporary suspension due to an injury or any unusual situation (except as noted in 2-2-4) if one team is clearly in possession of the ball, the game shall be restarted by an indirect free kick by the team in possession of the ball a drop ball at the point where the ball was when play was suspended (except as noted in 14-1-7) and subject to the provisions of Rule 9-2-2. Should there not be clear possession at the time play is suspended due to an injury or any unusual situation, there will be a drop ball at the spot where the ball was declared dead subject to the provisions of Rule 9-2-2. Rationale: Most importantly, this amendment fosters good sportsmanship by requiring the teams to kick the drop ball to the opposing goalkeeper, as would occur during club play under FIFA's Laws. Players, coaches and spectators are used to this procedure noncontroversial, especially where there is an injury. Neither team would be disadvantaged by the award of a dubious indirect free kick for matters largely beyond any participant's control. (2-8)
Page No. 9 12. 11-1-1 A player is in an offside position when nearer to his/her opponents' goal line than the ball, unless: a. the player is in his/her own half of the field of play; or b. the player is not nearer to the opponent's goal line than at least two opponents. NOTE: A player in an offside position, who returns to his/her half of the field and receives a ball that was touched or played by a teammate, is involved in active play and interferes with play or an opponent or seeks to gain an advantage by being in that position IS OFFSIDE even though they were in their half of the field. The position of any part of the player's head, body or feet will be the deciding factor, not the player's arms. Rationale: There has been a change this year in the restart for a player for whom an offside offence occurs, the referee now awards an indirect free kick where the offence occurred, including if it is in the player s own half of the field of play. There has been some debate regarding this since the rule states a player cannot be offside in his/her own half of the field. A player in an offside position, who returns to their half of the field and receives a ball that was touched or played by a teammate, is involved in active play and interferes with play or an opponent or seeks to gain an advantage by being in that position IS OFFSIDE even though they were in their half of the field. This is again an area where the rules committee needs to change the wording in Rule 11 to reflect the change in the restart for an offside infraction. 13. 11-1-3 PENALTY: Indirect free kick at the spot of infraction, subject to provisions in 13.1.3. Rationale: This supplements the proposed change to Article 4. Other Rules Affected: Rule: 11 Section: 1 Article: 4 (10-0)
Page No. 10 14. 11-1-4 A Player is offside and penalized if, at the time the ball touches or is played by a teammate, the player is in an offside position and becomes involved in active play and interferes with play or with an opponent or seeks to gain an advantage by being in that position. A player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent, who deliberately plays the ball (except from a deliberate save), is not considered to have gained an advantage. PENALTY: Indirect free kick at the spot of the infraction (even in own half), subject to the provisions in 13.1.3 (10-0) Rationale: This change better explains the difference between being in an offside position and an offside violation. It also places the penalty language in a more logical place within the rule. Other Rules Affected: Rule: 11 Section: 1 Article: 3 15. 12-8-1f14 Art. 1: A player, coach or bench personnel shall be cautioned (yellow card) for: f unsporting conduct, including, but not limited to: (0-10) 14f. unsporting conduct, including, but not limited to: a player commits a foul, attempting to deny an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, and the goal is scored or a penalty kick is awarded, subject to 12-8-2d3. Rationale: This change aligns NFHS with FIFA in treating the award of a penalty kick as an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, regardless of the success of the penalty kick. It also permits a straight red card where the offender does not attempt to play the ball, has no chance to play the ball or commits serious foul play or violent conduct. Other Rules Affected: Rule: 12 Section: 8 Article: 2d3
Page No. 11 16. 12-8-1f 15 NEW 17. 12-8-1f 15 NEW f. unsporting conduct, including, but not limited to: 15. a player commits a foul, attempting to deny an obvious goal scoring opportunity by an offense that was an attempt to play the ball and the referee awards a penalty kick. Rationale: The DOGSO rule has been changed at all other levels of soccer. This change incorporates these changes in an effort to be consistent on a point that is already hard to regulate. Other Rules Affected: Rule: 12 Section: 8 Article: 2 Where a player commits an offense against an opponent within his/her own penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offending player is cautioned and shown a yellow. Rationale: This will bring the NFHS rules in line with USSF and NCAA rules dealing with the obvious goal scoring opportunity and cards. AMENDED: Where a player commits an offense against an opponent within his/her own penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offending player is cautioned if the offense was an attempt to play the ball; in all other circumstances (holding, pulling, pushing, no possibility to play the ball), the offending player must be sent off. (10-0) (10-0)
Page No. 12 18. 12-8-2h,i NEW ART. 2... A player, coach or bench personnel shall be disqualified (red card) for: 1. any play in which the player commits one of the offences punishable with a direct free kick (or penalty kick if the offense takes place by a defender in the penalty area) and uses disproportionate and unnecessary force against an opponent while playing for the ball. 2. a player (other than a goalkeeper within his/her own penalty area) deliberately handles the ball, attempting to prevent a goal and the goal is not scored; 3. a player commits a foul, attempting to deny an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, and the goal is not scored. h: denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (except the goalkeeper in their penalty area); i: denying a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an opponent by an offense punishable by a free kick outside the penalty area; j: denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity by an offense punishable by a penalty kick when the offending player does not attempt to play the ball. Rationale: The DOGSO rule has been changed at all other levels of soccer. This change incorporates these changes in an effort to be consistent on a point that is already hard to regulate. Other Rules Affected: Rule: 12 Section: 8 Article: 1
Page No. 13 19. 12-8-2 d3 Section 8 ART 2 d3: committing serious foul play: 3. a player commits a foul, attempting to deny an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, and the goal is not scored. Where a player commits an offense against an opponent within his/her own penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offending player is disqualified and shown a red card if: The offense is holding, pulling or pushing or The offending player does not attempt to play the ball or there is no possibility for the player making the challenge to play the ball or The offense is one which is punishable by a red card wherever it occurs on the field of play (e.g. serious foul play, violent conduct etc.) Rationale: This will bring the NFHS rules in line with USSF and NCAA rules dealing with the obvious goal scoring opportunity and cards. 20. 12-8-2,d3 A player, coach or bench personnel shall be disqualified (red card) for: d. committing serious foul play: 3. a player commits a foul, attempting to deny an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the goal is not scored from the advantage or a penalty kick is not awarded, unless the offense is holding, pushing or pulling; the offender does not attempt to play the ball or it is impossible for the offender to play it; or the offense, itself, is punishable by disqualification wherever it occurs on the field of play, such as serious foul play, violent conduct, etc. Rationale: These changes align NFHS Rules with the recent FIFA changes. A penalty kick is considered an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, whether the penalty kick is successful or not. Other Rules Affected: Rule: 12 Section: 8 Article: 1f14
Page No. 14 21. 13-2-1j NEW ART. 1... Direct free kicks are awarded and taken from the point of the infraction (Except as in 13-1-3 and 14-1-1): j. if a player, coach, or bench personnel enters or leaves the field of play without permission of an official and interferes with play or an official (12-8-1). Rationale: (10-0) This brings in recent changes made in this sport at other levels making them consistent with one another and stressing the importance of proper decorum and behavior from the benches. 22. 13-2-3 ART. 3... The following indirect free kicks are taken from where the ball was when the referee stopped play: (Subject to restrictions in 13-1-3 and 13-1-4.) a. if a player, coach or bench personnel enters or leaves the field of play without permission of an official and does not interfere with play or an official (12-8-1); Rationale: This incorporates recent rule changes in this sport at other levels and maintains a focus on the proper decorum and behavior of the benches. Other Rules Affected: Rule: 13 Section: 2 Article: 1 23. 18-1-g A deliberate act is one in which a player chooses to act, regardless of the outcome of that action. This deliberate act is neither reaction nor reflex. A deliberate action may result in the opponent benefiting from the action (e.g., a deliberate, but misplayed ball that goes that goes directly to an opponent). A reaction or reflex may result in that player benefiting from the action (e.g., a ball inadvertently contacting the arm and falling directly to the player's feet). Rationale: This definition provides guidance for other rules that contain the word deliberate or phrase deliberate act. (10-0) (7-2) 1 Abstenti on B. Editorial changes:
Page No. 15 No. Ref. Editorial Changes Underlining shows additions; strikethrough shows deletions Pass Fail No Actio n 1. 4-2-4 "A religious medal or string item must be taped to the body. and worn under the uniform. Rationale: Within the traditional Hmong religion, a string is sometimes worn on the wrist. In honoring the tradition, it should not be cut off or removed purposely. Technically it isn't a "religious medal" but is still a religious symbol. The athlete can currently put a sweatband over it per Rule 4-2-3. In Minnesota, we allow them to cover it with tape as well, because there is minimal difference between tape and a sweatband. Technically an athlete could have tape on his/ her wrist anyhow and an official would never need to know what is under the tape, but putting this in the Rules Book makes that behavior seem like the athlete isn't sneaking around the rule. This change acknowledges that there may be other religious symbols aside from the conventional "religious medal." We removed "worn under the uniform" because if the string is on the wrist it is unlikely to be worn under the uniform unless the jerseys are long-sleeved. (9-1) If use of the word "string" is too specific or confusing to states without large Hmong populations, please consider a more general term for my proposal: bracelet, symbol, hierogram, representation or icon. Not necessary, but in Minnesota we also add this to our language: Note: this is for religious purposes as stated in Rule 4-2-4 and is not meant as an opportunity to tape or cover jewelry worn for adornment. Other Rules Affected: Rule: 4.2.4 Situation B may need to be reworded Section: Article: C. Case Book The committee discussed interpretations and specific case situations. D. 2018 POINTS OF EMPHASIS 1. Denying an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity
Page No. 16 2. Excessive Player Substitutions 3. Referee Mechanics for Indirect Free Kicks 8. SUBCOMMITTEE WORK Committee members were divided into subcommittees and worked on their assigned duties. Comments on the Rules: Tharp, Ozuna Exams I and II (New/Revised): Young, Krogstrand, Allen Case Book (New/Revised) and Rule Interpretation Situations: Latta, Skaggs, Hawkins Points of Emphasis: Collins, Von Langen Rule Book Revisions: Wynns 9. 2018-19 QUESTIONNAIRE SUGGESTIONS PART III About the rules for 2018-19, would you favor? 1. TBD The following questionnaires/surveys were discussed: 2. 2018 NFHS Soccer Survey 3.2018 Rules Questionnaire 10. NFHS OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION UPDATE 11. UPCOMING SOCCER MEETINGS A. In-person Soccer Rules Interpreters Meeting July 18-19, 2018 Plans were made for presentations for the July 2018 in-person rules interpreters meeting. B. Rules Committee January 28-30, 2019 C. Mid-Season Webinars Spring April 5, 2018 2018-19 Fall September 13, 2018 Spring April 4, 2019 12. TERM EPIRATIONS Stan Latta of Pennsylvania, Section 2, Todd Tharp of Iowa, Section 4 and Monty Hawkins of Oregon, NFHS Coaches Association, concluded their four-year terms of service. They were thanked and recognized for their many significant contributions to the NFHS Soccer Rules Committee with a certificate and a watch. 13. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.