Todd Abraham
C. Cliff McCrath
If you have a question about or need an interpretation of the NCAA Soccer Rules, you’ve come to the right place. Two NISOA Hall of Famers, long time NCAA Soccer Secretary-Rules Editor, C. Cliff McCrath, Corey Rockwell (current NISOA Senior Director of Education) and NISOA National Rules Interpreter Todd Abraham are active contributors here. Please follow the following guidelines before posting your question:
- Read the current NCAA Soccer Rules book (available on the Forms page of our site).
- Do not post questions regarding issues of referee judgement.
- Do not post specific game details ( i.e. home team, match date, etc.) with your question, if your question happens to be about something you saw during an intercollegiate soccer game.
All questions are subject to editorial review. This is offered as a service to NISOA membership for educational purposes, with the expressed understanding that only the NCAA Soccer Secretary-Rules Editor (Ken Andres) can provide an official rule interpretation.
Just a Question by one of the Members can electronic whistle be use for collage this year.
5.3 Equipment
Referees shall use equipment that is reasonable and necessary to officiate the game!
A.R. 5.3. May referees use electronic aids or field-marking sprays? RULING: Yes
A.R. 12.7.4.5.b. says a defender may not be carded for touching the ball a second time on a restart in their own penalty area, even if this creates DOGSO (and, presumably, SPA). This seemingly contradicts para 12.3.3, which specifically calls for a card to the keeper for the same offense, even if using the hand. What should be the correct ruling?
It’s not clear that only players may commit offenses that result in DFKs. IFAB now lists situations where certain offenses by coaches, subs, etc. may result in a DFK. Please confirm NCAA has not adopted this IFAB ruling.
What is the rule on player having jewelry on during match? I saw a match that the referee forced the player off and insisted to the coach that the player needed to be substituted out. Is this the correct procedure?
4.3 Jewelry
A player shall not wear jewelry of any type whatsoever. Exception: Medical alert bracelets or necklaces may be worn but must be taped to the body. PENALTY—The referee stops the clock and the player shall leave the field of
play. Once the player has complied, the player or a substitute may re-enter according to the conditions set forth in Rule 3.5. (which means not during the run of play)
3.5 When Allowed – Substitutes may enter the game under the following conditions:
3.5.1 On a goal kick;
3.5.2 On a team’s own throw-in;
Note: If the team in possession chooses to substitute, providing the requisites of Rule 3.7
are met, the opposing team also may substitute up to 11 players at that time.
3.5.3 On a team’s own corner kick;
Note: If the team in possession chooses to substitute, providing the requisites of Rule 3.7
are met, the opposing team also may substitute up to 11 players at that time.
3.5.4 After a goal has been scored;
3.5.5 Between periods;
3.5.6 When a player has been cautioned;