478 Responses to “Ask A Rules Question”

1. What is NISOA’s position, or advice, concerning the wearing of prescription eyeglasses? I coach a junior college women’s team (NJCAA Region XIX) & have a player who wears prescription eyeglasses. In 2 previous matches, no issues were raised. In our most recent match, the center referee would not allow the eyeglasses, stating “I won’t be responsible if they break and go into her eye – she plays without them, or she doesn’t play.” She played without them, but not as effectively due to blurry vision at a distance.
   I have read the NCAA rules for 2013 pertaining to player equipment & safety and understand all they say, but as usual, the rules are broad and appear to give the referee ultimate and arbitrary discretion.

   Your friends at USSF had this to say: Back in 2001 USSF gave this advice to all referees: “Referees must not interpret [a statement from the IFAB — the people who make the rules of our game] to mean either that “sports glasses” must automatically be considered safe or that glasses which are not manufactured to be worn during sports are automatically to be considered unsafe. The referee must make the final decision: the Board has simply recognized that new technology has made safer the wearing of glasses during play.”

   I am looking for an official NISO interpretation/policy statement or statement of advice to referees regarding eyeglasses if NISOA has one.
   Thanks.

   • John: Regrettably, the matter of eyeglasses – sport or standard – is not addressed in Rule 4.5 leaving the decision to the referee. If he/she says the player can’t play with the eyewear in question then the player has only one of two choices: Play without them or not play.

     Rule 4.5.1 A player shall not wear anything that is dangerous to any player.
     A.R.4.5.1.a. A player is wearing articles considered dangerous. The coach insists that the player in previous games has been allowed to wear these articles and refuses to make the player take off the articles. RULING: The referee shall instruct the player to leave the field until he or she conforms to Rules 4.5 and 4.6.
     A.R.4.5.1.b. If a player is instructed to leave the field for not conforming to Rule 4.5, may that player return at any time after rectifying the problem? RULING: If the player was not substituted for, that player may re-enter the game when the ball is not in play, after receiving approval from the referee. Exception: The player, if substituted for, may re-enter in the second period only providing he or she had not previously re-entered in that period. (Also see Goalkeeper provisions in Rule 3.5.2.)
     ..
     Note: It is mandatory that the referee examine the equipment of each player before each game to see that it complies with the foregoing standards.

     If the referee considers any article liable to cause injury to another player, including head, face or body protective equipment, the referee shall signal the clock to be stopped and instruct the player to leave the field of play and remove the illegal article.

     PENALTY— Any player not conforming to Rules 4.1 through 4.5 shall not be permitted to play. Moreover, after being instructed to leave the field, providing he/she has not been substituted for, a player shall not re-enter the game without first reporting to the referee, who shall be satisfied that the player’s uniform, shoes and equipment are in order.

     • Cliff,

       Who is allowed, by rule, to be in the technical area and on the bench in an NCAA men’s soccer game?

       If a school administrator, say the Vice President of Student Affairs, who was not listed on the roster,
       decided that he did not like the way a game was being called and decided to enter the field and yell instructions and questions at the Referee?

       Are campus police generally allowed inside the fenced of sidelines, out of bounds area during the game?

       On a side note; how long does an ejected player have to leave the sideline, out of bounds, area have?

       David W. Eskridge
       [email protected]

       • David: The only people allowed in the technical area are those listed on the official game roster. The exception is the police officer. Anytime a law officer is present he/she transcends the law. For example if a policeman is in an intersection and waves a vehicle thru – even ‘against’ a red light – drivers must comply. Conventional wisdom suggests that the referee note the presence of the policeman/woman (security officer) and, perhaps, make some contact but it is not required,. As far as the school official is concerned such behavior is out of bounds but, clearly, awkward because he/she has to leave the area. It is iffy but if I were the referee I would calmly approach the person(s) and cite the rule with reference to the official roster. Good luck on that one! As far as the ejected player is concerned, he/she should leave the field, gather his/her equipment and proceed to the point where he/she is out of sight and sound. A reasonable time to do so has not been determined but I suggest falls into the same category as delay of game. The referee is able to judge whether it is being done in an expeditious manner. Hope this helps.

2. Hi Cliff, is this rule correct,thanks David

   >>
   >> “One of the women’s soccer officials tried to manipulate the game
   >> time to get the game started earlier than we wanted it to start which
   >> would have had a negative impact on the teams by denying them proper
   >> warm up. The official cited a halted game rule that said the game
   >> must be restarted within 90 minutes or it could not be played. First
   >> of all, it was not a halted game…it had never begun. He said that a
   >> non-started game was the same as a halted game….I do not think that
   >> is right. I do not know but I think this official had somewhere he
   >> wanted to get to and did not want to be delayed.”
   >>
   >>
   >>
   >>
   >>
   >>
   >>
   >> From my perspective as Commissioner regarding the soccer “halted game” …
   >> According to Rule 10.11 in the NCAA soccer rule book, it deals with
   >> suspending or restarting games due to lightning. Although it is
   >> worded very poorly, here it is … “No contest may be started or
   >> resumed that has not been restarted before an additional 90 minutes
   >> after the conclusion of a regulation 90-minute game, unless mutually
   >> agreed upon before the game or by conference policy. For
   >>
   >> example, a game begun at 2pm, if interrupted, shall be suspended for
   >> that day if it cannot be resumed before 5 pm, unless mutually agreed
   >> upon before the game or by conference policy. (See Rule 7.1)”
   >>

   • David: The intent of the rule is to ensure that teams and officials – unless otherwise agreed before the start of the game – are not required to remain at the game site longer than the equivalent of one, additional 90 game. It does not permit an official to demand any game begin prior to the scheduled game time. He/she is correct with reference to there being no difference between when the game is scheduled to begin (example 2:00pm) and the actual starting time of the game meaning any suspended game must be restarted no later than 5:00pm – unless prior mutual consent before the 2:00pm start.

3. Cliff:

   On Sunday, I was presented a roster by one of the schools and it listed two ( 2 ) head coaches. When I questioned it, both gentlemen were adamant about the fact that they were co-coaches……First of all, is this permissable ? Do we need a single head coach ?

   Secondly, it seems that co-coaches only buys them extra cards if that situation should arise, therefore is it permissable to designate only one of them with the authority to address the referee, and limit the other coach to speaking to the players only ……

   I await your response….

   • Frank: The NCAA Bylaws (39.1) authorizes co-coaching which makes legitimate the position the two coaches explained to you. Contrary to assistant coaches co-coaches are eligible to share wins en toto as well as losses and ties. As to the issue of ejection you should treat the situation the same as if the non-guilty party is the same as any other bench personnel. Example, if the head coach gets ejected the assistant coach continues and vice versa. Your point about designating one or the other is well taken and we will present the question to the rules committee at the committee meetings next February..

4. When you begin a match, you have to have a minimum of 5 balls to start. Is there a rule to when 3 of the balls are lost and there are only 2 remaining for the remained of the match? Is it permissible to use 3 other balls, which are not the same as the 2 you are currently using, to continue the match?

   • Scott: There is no rule addressing the problem you have cited in which case the referee should appeal to ‘Rule 18’ – “Common Sense”. Recommendation from the rules perspective is to choose one of two options: 1. Replace the remaining two with five, new, identical balls and/or 2. Continue the match with the remaining two balls..

5. Cliff,

   I recently was involved in a DIII conference double header (women’s team played first and men’s team played second) between schools who were a great distance apart.

   We had a lightning delay 5 minutes before half-time and we were about to invoke the “90 after 90 rule” in regards to continuing the game. The athletic director for the home school came and told us that their conference had a rule that superseded the NCAA rule and that, basically, the game must get to 70 minutes no matter how long it takes. So basically, we could have been there all night. We ended up getting confirmation from the Conference Commissioner that there was such a rule. Long story short, we ended up restarting the game before the 90 after 90 rule came into effect and we finished the game.

   So basically, my questions are. Is that allowed? Can a conference override/ignore certain NCAA rules? Also, if conferences can pick and choose what rules to follow/ignore in regards to the administrative side of the game, then why even have a universal rule book?

   Then the next day I was involved with teams from the same conference and poor weather was predicted for the day and we asked the teams if they would like to move the game up and hour or two earlier to avoid the upcoming inclement weather, but coaches/ADs told us that we couldn’t because of a conference/NCAA rule that you can’t play games less than 24 hours apart…Go figure… Needless to say we could not get the games in.

   • Daniel: The rules (see page 8) do allow for administrative (schools, ADs, Commissioners, et al) decisions that pertain to game management (times/sites of games) but cannot alter the rules of conduct. The athletic director’s statement about 70 minutes is NOT an NCAA rule with reference to mandatory time a game shall be played but a statement that follows what transpires if the referee suspends a game – for whatever cause. If the game is not resumed the same day it can be considered a “completed game” (determined by the GSA – example AD, Commissioner) IF the suspended game reached 70 minutes. If it did NOT then it is considered NO CONTEST.As for the second issue, there is NO SUCH 24 hours apart NCAA rule. It may be a conference rule. (See helpful references from the 2012-13 rules below.) Let me know if you need further assistance.

     Governing Sports Authority Language
     References to game authority or governing sports authority throughout the book generally refer to athletics directors of the participating institutions, conference commissioners or any other office that has jurisdiction over the game in question. Governing sports authorities may not alter the rules of conduct as stated in this book (for example, rescinding violations and misconduct rules before, during and after a contest and altering overtime procedures to accommodate a conference’s postseason tournament). For NCAA championships, the NCAA games committee is the game authority.
     The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Soccer Rules have been designated as either administrative or conduct rules. Typically, administrative rules are those dealing with preparation for competition. They may be altered by prior written mutual consent of the competing institutions. Conduct rules are those that pertain directly to the competition. These rules may not be changed by mutual consent. All NCAA member institutions are required to conduct their intercollegiate contests according to these rules. In the 2012 and 2013 Men’s and Women’s Soccer Rules, the administrative rules are Rules 1.1.2, 1.12.2, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.18,
     4.1.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 5.4.5, 6.2, 6.5, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6. All other rules are conduct rules.

6. Cliff,

   Two points of clarification. (1) According to the rules cited below, if a player is injured and is substituted for, and a card given, the injured player is not required to replace the player who came in for him. For any other reason, the injured player must replace the individual who came in for him.

   (2) In 3.5.3.2 below, who are the words “that player” referring to?

   3.5.3.1 Players whose injury was caused by an opposing player who was
   cautioned or ejected in conjunction with the injury may be substituted
   for and re-enter the game in any period….Neither the injured player nor the substitute shall
   be charged with a substitution.

   3.5.3.2 Players with a bleeding injury, blood on the uniform or signs of a
   concussion shall be substituted for and may re-enter the game (after
   being beckoned by the referee)…..Neither the injured player
   nor the substitute shall be charged with a substitution. However, if the
   injured player replaces a player other than the original substitute, “that player”
   shall be charged with a substitution.

   Thanks.

   • Sorry, for the delay, Ed…traveling and just getting to this. It appears that you are asking about the same player ion both instances. In short, if the returning player replaces the player that came in for him/her then there is no issue. If the returning player replaces a different player, the different player is “that player” that is charged with a substitution. In other words, if #4 enters for injured player #7 and later #7 reenters for #47 then #47 cannot reenter in the first and OT periods whereas had #7 reentered for #4 he/she would still be eligible to enter the game as if he/she had never entered previously. Hope this helps.

7. May the referee signal to stop the clock for a reason not specified in the rules?

   Rule 6.3.5 lists specific events for which the timekeeper stops the clock when indicated by the referee. Unlike NFHS Rule 7-2-4-1, there is no general reference for the clock to be stopped whenever the referee indicates.

   It appears that many referees believe they may stop the clock to warn a player or to redress an obvious time wasting tactic. As written, the rule would appear to require that a player is carded for the clock to be stopped?

   As you know, other rules expressly provide for the referee to stop the clock, but with exception for dealing with spectators (5.6.9 (noisemakers; spectators (AR 5.6.1.b)); these are are for matters listed in Rule 6.3.5. (See 5.6.7 (injury), 5.6.8 (jewelry), 3.6.2 (sub in the final 5 minutes of the second period) illegal equipment (4.5.5); jewelry (4.6); injury (AR 9.3.2.a); red card (12.3) and yellow card (12.5)..

   It makes sense to grant the referee discretion to stop the clock when appropriate for “other reasons.” But, is this permitted under the rules?

   • Dennis: Excellent question. You have covered most of the items addressing the issue. The committee has not provided a ‘shopping list’ for every possibility but does provide a guideline for those items. The primary option for those items is the phrase “other causes” that is set forth under “discretionary power”..

     The referee has discretionary power to:
     5.6.1 Suspend the game whenever, by reason of the elements (see Lightning Guidelines, Appendix C), interference by spectators or other cause, such action is deemed necessary. A suspended game may be resumed should conditions allow. If the suspended game is not resumed the same day, the referee shall file a report with the appropriate governing sports authority for later administrative action. (See Rule 10.10.)
     A.R.5.6.1.a. If a game is suspended by the referee because of the elements, interference by spectators, grave disorders or other causes, shall a forfeit be declared?

     In the past the SRE has approved such stoppages fuse or things like water breaks for excessive heat. In short, any cause the referee deems necessary (reasonable) is one the committee will support.

8. HI Cliff,
   We face a player with an incredibly long throw in our conference. How far away from the touchline does my player have to stand to try to block the throw? Can he jump as well? Different referees are giving me conflicting rules. Appreciate your help.

   • Jerry: The committee has discussed this in the past and issued a general ruling – A.R. 15.2.b. – May an opponent stand in front of the thrower? RULING: Yes, provided the player does not move in an attempt to interfere with the throw-in. Caution the player who does attempt to interfere with the throw-in for unsporting behavior.
     The ruling does not specify any distance therefore it is the referee’s judgment/prerogative to decide whether adequate distance is provided as well as not allowing unsporting behavior (example, jumping up and down prior to or during the throw) to occur. If you have a specific proposal that you feel might be worthy of the committee’s consideration please send it along to either Ken or myself and he will ensure it gets careful treatment during the line-by-line review the committee always gives. If penalized, the ruling will be unsporting behavior (12.4.8 and 12.5.5.a) Hope this helps.

9. The markings for the soccer field are superimposed on the markings for a football field. A player from the visiting team mistakenly attempts a throw-in from a line marking the football team area which is just inside the soccer touch line. The officials immediately whistle and have the player take the throw in from the proper place. Is this decision subject to protest by the opposing coach, who believes that a “foul throw-in” should have been declared and posession awarded to his team?

   • Chuck: The applicable rule here is ‘Rule 18’ – common sense and the option for the referee to change his/her mind before restart of play. Corrects a problem detectable by all. Is a judgment by referee that would not qualify for protest or misapplication of rule since none has been broken.

10. Regarding the just published “Instructions for Timekeepers” written by Mr. Dennison. Firstly I like it, and agree with it.
    BUT< Item five that starts any other time doesn't seem to be adequately covered in the rule book whch has caused problems.
    It is common for referees to want to "have a chat" with a player that has commited a foul that is not quite deserving a card, but a point needs to be made.. Per the rule book as I understand it, the referee cannot stop the clock for this"butt chewing moment" and yet the instruction for time keepers item 5 referncing any unusual situation would cover this.
    In assesing matches, I have seen coaches twice this year cite the clock could not be stopped if a card wasn't being shown, and as far as I can see, prior to this memo, I agfreed. What am I missing?

    • Ron: One of the Rule 18 – common sense – items is the one this issue encompasses. As NCAA SRE – for almost 40 years – I always supported the referee when he/she chose to do something that made good sense even if it wasn’t specifically addressed in the rules. The supporting language from the rules derives from Rule 5.6.1
      Discretionary Power
      The referee has discretionary power to:
      5.6.1 Suspend the game whenever, by reason of the elements (see Lightning Guidelines, Appendix C), interference by spectators or OTHER CAUSE…..such action is deemed necessary.
      A.R.5.6.1.a. If a game is suspended by the referee because of the elements, interference by spectators, grave disorders or OTHER CAUSES…
      Comment: There are two or three things at loose here: 1.The referee is THE SOLE JUDGE. 2.The rules were written with a view to avoiding shopping lists (in order to avoid missing even one) and, at the same to allow the referee to make sensible judgments. To that end we stressed that “other cause(s”) set forth in both 5.6.1 and A.R.5.6.2.b gave plenty of room for the “judge” to mitigate situations that are not specifically spelled out in the rule. Example: If the temperature is 116 degrees and the TV timeout is too far away…CALL TIMEOUT AND DRINK! If talking to a player borders on delay of game or timewasting (in the eyes of either coach) CALL TIMEOUT!

      • With all due respect, 5.6.1 deals with suspending a match, and the” other cause ” seems buried.
        I beleive the wording should still be changed in the rule book in terms of time keepers duties per 6.3.5 and precisely when the referee can/should stop the clock. Just my opinion but at any rate, you have given me an “out” via your answer which is what I was seeking………. Thanks

        • Thanks, Ron. Your wishes (proposed changes) will be part of the agenda when the committee meets next January. Ken Andres, SRE, is on the front line making proposals but both NISOA President, Todd Abraham (non-voting active referee on the committee), and your ED (yours truly), will have input. I always coordinate proposals I receive with Ken to ensure full representation. Stay tuned.