1. 2012-2013 TSSAA Girls Soccer / Soccer Rules Meeting
Title Slide: NFHS Soccer Rules Changes

2. Mark Reeves mreeves@tssaa.org 615-277-1908 (Direct)
TSSAA Contact
Mark Reeves (Direct)

3. 2012-13 NFHS Soccer Rules Committee
Chairman: William Johnson (Marshfield, Massachusetts)
Section 1 Representative: Daniel Twomey (Westford, Massachusetts)
Section 2 Representative: Darren Bilberry (Lexington, Kentucky)
Section 3 Representative: Chip Fuller (Maryville, Tennessee)
Section 4 Representative: Beth Sauser (Bloomington, Illinois)
Section 5 Representative: David Maier (Bismarck, North Dakota)
Section 6 Representative: Peter Contreras (Austin, Texas)
Section 7 Representative: Malcolm “Mac” Brazelton (Chino, California)
Section 8 Representative: Patrick Duffy (Portland, Oregon)
NFHS Coaches Representative: Ron Pietila (Chula Vista, California)
NFHS Officials Representative: Douglas Epps (La Vista, Nebraska)
NFHS Publisher: Robert B. Gardner, Executive Director
NFHS Rules Editor: Mark Koski, Director of Sports and Events

4. NFHS Interpretation Policy
Each state high school association adopting these NFHS soccer rules is the sole and exclusive source of binding rules interpretations for contests involving its member schools. Any person having questions about the interpretation of NFHS soccer rules should contact the soccer rules interpreter designated by his or her state high school association.
NFHS Interpretation Policy:
Each state high school association adopting these NFHS soccer rules is the sole and exclusive source of binding rules interpretations for contests involving its member schools. Any person having questions about the interpretation of NFHS soccer rules should contact the soccer rules interpreter designated by his or her state high school association.

5. 2012 – 2013 Rule Changes

6. Misconduct Rule 12-8-1f(13), 12-8-2d(1)
PlayPic®
Rule f(13) – MISCONDUCT
ART A player, coach or bench personnel shall be cautioned (yellow card) for:
a. entering or leaving the field of play (except through the normal course of play) without the permission of an official;
b. persistent infringement of any of the rules of the game;
c. objecting by word of mouth or action to any decision given by an official (dissent);
d. any incidental use of vulgar or profane language;
e. any use of video or audio communication with players or other persons to assist in coaching during the game or any intervals. Examples: Amplifying devices, wireless communication devices such as cell phones, headphones, personal digital assistant, etc.;
NOTE: A coach may engage in verbal communications with his or her own team during play.
f. unsporting conduct, including, but not limited to:
1. coaching outside the team area;
2. unnecessary delay (kicking, throwing the ball away on a free kick, etc.);
3. holding a shirt, short, etc.;
4. deliberate verbal tactics;
5. encroachment;
6. deliberate handball to stop an attack;
7. deliberate tactical foul;
8. faking an injury;
9. simulating a foul;
10. player who displays reckless play;
11. illegally equipped player, per 4.3;
12. any delayed, excessive or prolonged act(s) by which a player(s) attempts to focus attention upon himself/herself and/or prohibits a timely restart of the game;
13. a player anywhere on the field (other than a goalkeeper within his/her own penalty area) who deliberately handles a ball to prevent it from going into the goal in which the goal is scored (12-8-2d(1)).
Rule d(1) – MISCONDUCT
ART A player, coach or bench personnel shall be disqualified (red card) for:
a. exhibiting violent conduct;
b. taunting – use of word or act to incite or degrade an opposing player, coach, referee or other individual;
NOTE: The NFHS disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others under any circumstances including on the basis of race, religion, gender or national origin.
c. subsequent caution;
d. committing serious foul play; that is, any play in which the player commits one of the offenses 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. Serious foul play also includes the following:
1. a player anywhere on the field (other than a goalkeeper within his/her own penalty area) who deliberately handles the ball preventing it from going into the goal;
Comments on the Rules: There is a change in the penalty for an intentional hand ball by a player – other than the goalkeeper in the penalty box – who attempts to prevent a goal from being scored. If the goal is prevented, the penalty remains a disqualification of the player; however, if the goal is scored, the penalty will now be a caution to the player who deliberately handled the ball.
Penalty for an intentional hand ball by a player – other than the goalkeeper – in the penalty box to prevent a goal from being scored. If the goal is prevented, the penalty remains a disqualification of the player; however, if the goal is scored, the penalty will now be a caution to the player who deliberately handled the ball.

7. Misconduct Rule c
PlayPic®
PlayPic®
PlayPic®
16:00
47:05
47:05
Rule c – MISCONDUCT
ART A player, coach or bench personnel shall be disqualified (red card) for:
a. exhibiting violent conduct;
b. taunting – use of word or act to incite or degrade an opposing player, coach, referee or other individual;
NOTE: The NFHS disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others under any circumstances including on the basis of race, religion, gender or national origin.
c. subsequent caution;
Comments on the Rules: When a player receives a second caution in the same game, he/she will be disqualified with a red card and the team will play the remainder of the game without replacing the disqualified player (play shorthanded).
When a player receives a second caution in the same game, he/she will be disqualified with a red card and the team will play the remainder of the game without replacing the disqualified player (play shorthanded).

8. Misconduct Rule 12-8-2c, 5-3-1g
PlayPic®
PlayPic®
Rule c – MISCONDUCT
ART A player, coach or bench personnel shall be disqualified (red card) for:
a. exhibiting violent conduct;
b. taunting – use of word or act to incite or degrade an opposing player, coach, referee or other individual;
NOTE: The NFHS disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others under any circumstances including on the basis of race, religion, gender or national origin.
c. subsequent caution;
Rule 5-3-1g – DURING THE GAME
ART The officials shall:
a. sound the whistle to stop, start or restart as necessary;
b. when signaling, use the Official NFHS Soccer Signals. The referee also must signal when the clock is to be stopped and confirm for the scorekeeper the players to be credited with goals;
c. sound the whistle when the entire ball crosses a touchline or goal line unless it is obvious the ball is out of play;
d. call out “play on” and, with an underswing of both arms, indicate a foul which was observed but shall go unpenalized because penalizing the offending team would give an advantage to the offending team. If the referee applies the advantage, which was anticipated but does not develop at that time, the referee shall penalize the original offense;
e. hold a yellow card with arm fully extended above a referee’s head and indicate the player or coach being carded and notify both coaches, the scorer and other official(s) of the nature of the misconduct. (12-8-1) (12-8-3);
f. hold a red card with arm fully extended above a referee’s head and indicate the player or coach being carded and notify both coaches, the scorer and other official(s) of the nature of the misconduct. (12-8-2) (12-8-3).
g. If a player, coach or bench personnel is being disqualified for a subsequent act of misconduct, the referee will show a yellow card indicating the subsequent caution followed immediately by showing a red card.
Comments on the Rules: When a player receives a second caution in the same game, he/she will be disqualified with a red card and the team will play the remainder of the game without replacing the disqualified player (play shorthanded).
For a subsequent yellow card to the same player in the same game, first show the yellow card and then show the red card.

9. Reporting of Cards
Only straight Red Cards should be reported to TSSAA.
Do not file a report to TSSAA for players who are disqualified for receiving a second caution.
We do want a count of how often this happens within each local association, therefore, it should be included in your game report. We will ask our Supervisors for a total at the end of the season.

10. Penalty Kick Rule 14-1-7 (new)
PlayPic®
Rule – PENALTY KICK
ART After the penalty kick is properly taken, if there is an unusual situation that causes a temporary suspension in play before the ball is played or touched by another player, or before the ball hits the goalpost or crossbar, the penalty kick shall be retaken.
Comments on the Rules: When, in the taking of a penalty kick, there is an unusual situation that causes a temporary suspension of play before the ball is played or touched by another player, or before the ball hits the goalpost or crossbar, the kick is retaken. Previously, this would have resulted in a drop ball.
When, in the taking of a penalty kick, there is an unusual situation that causes a temporary suspension of play before the ball is played or touched by another player, or before the ball hits the goalpost or crossbar, the kick is retaken. Previously, this would have resulted in a drop ball.

11. NFHS Soccer Points of Emphasis
Title Slide: NFHS Soccer Points of Emphasis

12. Player Equipment Rule 4-1, 4-2
PlayPic®
PlayPic®
Legal knee brace
Legal
shinguard
PLAYER EQUIPMENT - Enforcement of player equipment rule (4-1 and 4-2) begins with the players wearing only legal equipment. Coaches, as the adults of their teams, must work with their players and officials to ensure that player equipment is safe and legal. Officials must also emphasize player safety and legal equipment throughout the match.
Player equipment rule begins with the players wearing only legal equipment. Coaches, as the adults of their teams, must work with their players and officials to ensure that player equipment is safe and legal. Officials must also emphasize player safety and legal equipment throughout the match.

13. Equipment Changes Rule 4-1, 4-2
PlayPic®
PlayPic®
PlayPic®
EQUIPMENT CHANGES - It is now required that the NOCSAE seal and height range shall be permanently marked on the front of the shinguard. Goalkeepers are now required to have numbers on the back of their jersey and on the front of their jersey or pants/shorts. Beginning with the 2013 fall season, the home team shall wear solid white jerseys and solid white socks, and the visiting team shall wear dark jerseys and socks.
Fall 2012
Fall 2012
Fall 2013
Shinguard with NOCSAE stamp
Goalkeeper jerseys must have numbers
All-white jersey and socks

14. Coaching During an Injury Rule 3-3-1c1
PlayPic®
COACHING DURING AN INJURY - When a coach or appropriate health-care professional is called onto the field to attend to an injured player, neither coach shall give instruction to his or her players. The coach may give instructions to a substitute who is entering the game during this stoppage. The rationale for this is to make sure that no advantage is given to the team of the non-injured player.
When a coach or appropriate health-care professional is called onto the field to attend to an injured player, neither coach shall give instruction to their players.

15. Goals Rule 1-4-1 Anchored Goal with 3-4 sandbags
PlayPic®
PlayPic® A B
Anchored
Goal with 3-4 sandbags
Schools, coaches and officials are reminded that all soccer goals shall be adequately anchored, secured or counterweighted to the ground for safety. The game cannot start if the goals are not adequately secured to the ground.
GOALS - Schools, coaches and officials are reminded that all soccer goals shall be adequately anchored, secured or counterweighted to the ground for the safety of all involved.

16. TSSAA Points of Emphasis
1. Inappropriate Language
a. Incidental
b. Offensive / Abusive
2. Encroachment / Delays
3. Game Administrator Responsibilities

17. NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes
Title Slide: NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes

18. NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes
3-1-3
Each team shall submit a team roster, containing the first and last names and numbers of all players, substitutes, all bench personnel and all coaches, to the officials at least five minutes prior to the start of the contest. The game shall not begin until this is complete. Players, bench personnel and coaches may be added to the roster after the start of play. Goalkeepers may have two numbers listed on the roster, a goalkeeper’s number and a field player’s number.
3-3-1c1
A coach or appropriate health-care professional may not enter the field without approval from a referee. During the time a coach or appropriate health-care professional is permitted on the field by the referee to attend to an injured player, coaching instruction shall not be given to any player on either team.
NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes:
3-1-3 Each team shall submit a team roster, containing the first and last names and numbers of all players, substitutes, all bench personnel and all coaches, to the officials at least five minutes prior to the start of the contest. The game shall not begin until this is complete. Players, bench personnel and coaches may be added to the roster after the start of play. Goalkeepers may have two numbers listed on the roster, a goalkeeper’s number and a field player’s number.
3-3-1c1 A coach or appropriate health-care professional may not enter the field without approval from a referee. During the time a coach or appropriate health-care professional is permitted on the field by the referee to attend to an injured player, coaching instruction shall not be given to any player on either team

19. NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes
3-4-1b
A substitute may enter the field of play after a score, when a player is injured and removed from the field or at the beginning of a period without being beckoned by the referee.
4-2-8
A protective face mask may be worn by a player with a facial
injury. The mask may be made of hard material, but must be worn molded to the face with no protrusions. A medical release for the injured player signed by an appropriate health-care professional shall be available at the game site.
NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes:
3-4-1b A substitute may enter the field of play after a score, when a player is injured and removed from the field or at the beginning of a period without being beckoned by the referee.
4-2-8 A protective face mask may be worn by a player with a facial injury. The mask may be made of hard material, but must be worn molded to the face with no protrusions. A medical release for the injured player signed by an appropriate health-care professional shall be available at the game site.

20. NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes
5-1-2
The jurisdiction of the officials shall begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the game and end with their leaving the field of play and its immediate surroundings. They shall enforce the rules, and their decisions on points of fact are final. The officials can only correct a decision so long as the game has not been restarted. The officials retain clerical authority over the contest through the completion of any reports, including those imposing disqualifications, that are responsive to actions occurring while the referees had jurisdiction. State associations may intercede in the event of unusual incidents that occur before, during or after the officials’ jurisdiction has ended or in the event that a contest is terminated prior to the conclusion of regulation play. Protests of NFHS rules are not recognized. The officials shall not use video replays to assist in any decision. The officials shall not use any tobacco products during this period.
NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes:
5-1-2 The jurisdiction of the officials shall begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the game and end with their leaving the field of play and its immediate surroundings. They shall enforce the rules, and their decisions on points of fact are final. The officials can only correct a decision so long as the game has not been restarted. The officials retain clerical authority over the contest through the completion of any reports, including those imposing disqualifications, that are responsive to actions occurring while the referees had jurisdiction. State associations may intercede in the event of unusual incidents that occur before, during or after the officials’ jurisdiction has ended or in the event that a contest is terminated prior to the conclusion of regulation play. Protests of NFHS rules are not recognized. The officials shall not use video replays to assist in any decision. The officials shall not use any tobacco products during this period.

21. NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes
5-3-1g – Notes:1
If a player, coach or bench personnel is being disqualified for a subsequent act of misconduct, the referee will show a yellow card indicating the subsequent caution followed immediately by showing a red card.
9-1-3
The referee shall sound the whistle when needed to indicate that the ball is out of play or for a foul. As soon as the ball is in position to be played, it may be played without a second whistle. A second whistle is required to restart play for the taking of a penalty kick, after a substitution is made, after a caution, disqualification, injury and after setting a wall prior to a free kick.
Situation
Player A2 trips B2 but B2 maintains control of the ball. RULING: Foul. The referee may stop play and award a direct free kick or invoke the advantage clause.
NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes:
5-3-1g –Notes:1
If a player, coach or bench personnel is being disqualified for a subsequent act of misconduct, the referee will show a yellow card indicating the subsequent caution followed immediately by showing a red card.
9-1-3 The referee shall sound the whistle when needed to indicate that the ball is out of play or for a foul. As soon as the ball is in position to be played, it may be played without a second whistle. A second whistle is required to restart play for the taking of a penalty kick, after a substitution is made, after a caution, disqualification, injury and after setting a wall prior to a free kick.
Situation
Player A2 trips B2 but B2 maintains control of the ball. RULING: Foul. The referee may stop play and award a direct free kick or invoke the advantage clause.

22. NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes
12-4-3
The goalkeeper in possession of the ball shall not be interfered with or impeded in any manner by an opponent. This includes the act of bouncing the ball or dropping the ball for a kick or attempting to throw the ball or tossing the ball in the air to recatch. When goalkeepers put the ball on the ground, they relinquish their rights as goalkeepers.
NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes:
The goalkeeper in possession of the ball shall not be interfered with or impeded in any manner by an opponent. This includes the act of bouncing the ball or dropping the ball for a kick or attempting to throw the ball or tossing the ball in the air to recatch. When goalkeepers put the ball on the ground, they relinquish their rights as goalkeepers.

23. NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes
14-1-3
The opposing goalkeeper shall stand on the goal line, between the goal posts, until the ball is kicked. Lateral movement is allowed, but the goalkeeper is not permitted to come off the line by stepping or lunging forward until the ball is in play.
PENALTY (ARTICLES 2 AND 3): Infringement by the defending team is not penalized if the goal is scored. If a goal is not scored on the penalty kick, it is retaken. If there is an infringement by the attacking team and the ball enters the goal, the goal does not count and the kick shall be retaken. If there is encroachment by the attacking team and the ball does not go into the goal, there is no rekick. If the ball rebounds into play or is deflected out of bounds by the goalkeeper, the game shall be stopped and restarted with an indirect free kick for the defending team at the location of the encroachment. If the ball is saved and held by the goalkeeper,
play shall continue. In cases where players from both teams are guilty of infringements, the kick shall be retaken regardless of the outcome of the kick.
NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes:
The opposing goalkeeper shall stand on the goal line, between the goal posts, until the ball is kicked. Lateral movement is allowed, but the goalkeeper is not permitted to come off the line by stepping or lunging forward until the ball is in play.
PENALTY (ARTICLES 2 AND 3): Infringement by the defending team is not penalized if the goal is scored. If a goal is not scored on the penalty kick, it is retaken. If there is an infringement by the attacking team and the ball enters the goal, the goal does not count and the kick shall be retaken. If there is encroachment by the attacking team and the ball does not go into the goal, there is no rekick. If the ball rebounds into play or is deflected out of bounds by the goalkeeper, the game shall be stopped and restarted with an indirect free kick for the defending team at the location of the encroachment. If the ball is saved and held by the goalkeeper, play shall continue. In cases where players from both teams are guilty of infringements, the kick shall be retaken regardless of the outcome of the kick.

24. NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes
17-1
EXCEPTION: A corner kick shall be awarded to the opposing team when a free kick taken from outside the penalty area goes untouched into a team’s own goal.
Dual-Officiating
System (Pregame Conference)
NOTE: A reserve official may be assigned to a tournament in order to assure game officiating continuity in the event one of the assigned officials is unable to officiate as assigned. When a reserve official is assigned, the tournament authority will clearly state the officiating position to be assumed by the reserve official in the event a head referee or referee is unable to officiate. The reserve official is under the jurisdiction of the head referee and performs those duties assigned by the head referee. The reserve official’s normal station is at the table inside the officials’ area during play.
NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes:
17-1 EXCEPTION: A corner kick shall be awarded to the opposing team when a free kick taken from outside the penalty area goes untouched into a team’s own goal.
Dual-Officiating System (Pregame Conference)
NOTE: A reserve official may be assigned to a tournament in order to assure game officiating continuity in the event one of the assigned officials is unable to officiate as assigned. When a reserve official is assigned, the tournament authority will clearly state the officiating position to be assumed by the reserve official in the event a head referee or referee is unable to officiate. The reserve official is under the jurisdiction of the head referee and performs those duties assigned by the head referee. The reserve official’s normal station is at the table inside the officials’ area during play.

25. NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes
Dual-Officiating
System (Penalty Kicks)
Deleted arrow in center circle of diagram
Diagonal Officiating
System (Free Kick at the Halfway Line)
Align AR1 with the second to last defender
Double-Dual System (The Goal Kick)
Delete second soccer ball and second CR from diagram
NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes:
Dual-Officiating System (Penalty Kicks)
Deleted arrow in center circle of diagram
Diagonal Officiating System (Free Kick at the Halfway Line)
Align AR1 with the second to last defender
Double-Dual System (The Goal Kick)
Delete second soccer ball and second CR from diagram

26. NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes
Rules Comparison
The rules book will contain an updated comparison of the major differences among NFHS and NCAA rules and FIFA laws.
NFHS Soccer Major Editorial Changes:
Rules Comparison
The rules book will contain an updated comparison of the major differences among NFHS and NCAA rules and FIFA laws.

27. Concussion in Sports – What You Need To Know
Comments: To assist in concussion management education, the NFHS, at no cost, offers Concussion in Sports - What You Need to Know. The only requirement is registering on which is quick and easy. This 20 minute course is designed for coaches, officials, parents, administrators and students to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of concussions and a step-wise process to return to the sport. Please review and share this information with others. Approximately 175,000 courses have already been delivered!

28. NFHS Officials Association Central hub www.nfhs.aribitrersports.com
Contains
Sport information
Rules information
Rules library
Searchable rules book
Video content on officiating sport, competition situations and interpretations
Comments: The NFHS is pleased to welcome officials to the NFHS Central Hub. This new web site is dedicated entirely to members of the NFHS Officials Association. If your state is a 100% state you, as an official, already have access to the “Within the Oval” Central Hub. If your state is not a 100% state, you may join as in individual.
This site is committed to delivering the most current online resources available to assist the official in his/her season. “Within the Oval” provides information about the sport, rules information, resources and will include video content relating to soccer officiating. A special rules library is available and provides a searchable rules database of NFHS soccer rules and situation interpretations. For information to join the NFHS Officials Association log on to - Join or Renew - Officials.

29. Comparison of NFHS and NCAA Rules and FIFA Laws
Page: 71-83
Comparison of NFHS and NCAA Rules and FIFA Laws – The NFHS Soccer Rules Books (Page: 71-83) list short descriptions of many NFHS rules and how they compare to NCAA Rules and FIFA Laws.

30. NFHS Official Soccer Signals
Page: 103
NFHS Official Soccer Signals: The NFHS Soccer Rules Books (Page: 103) shows the official NFHS Soccer Signals.

31. NFHS Assistant Referee Signals
Page: 104
NFHS Assistant Referee Signals: The NFHS Soccer Rules Books (Page: 104) shows the Official Assistant Referee Signals.

32. NFHS Soccer Uniform Requirements (Effective Fall 2013)
Title Slide: NFHS Soccer Uniform Requirements

33. EFFECTIVE 2013 FALL SEASON
Rule – REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: The required player equipment includes a jersey, shorts, socks, suitable shoes and shinguards which shall provide adequate and reasonable protection, be professionally manufactured, age- and size-appropriate, not altered to decrease protection, worn under the socks, and are worn with the bottom edge no higher than 2 inches above the ankle. (see illustrations regarding shinguards). Shinguards must meet the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) specifications. The NOCSAE seal and the appropriate height range of the player shall appear on the shinguard. The NOCSAE seal and height range shall be permanently marked on the front of the shinguard. Equipment shall not be modified from its original manufactured state and shall be worn in the manner the manufacturer intended it to be worn. It is also recommended that male players wear a supporter and protective cup. Requirements for uniforms:
a. Jerseys and socks of opposing teams shall be of contrasting colors and, in the event of a similarity of color; the home team shall be responsible for making the necessary change.
b. The home team shall wear white or light jerseys and socks, and the visiting team shall wear dark jerseys and socks. Beginning with the 2013 fall season, the home team shall wear solid white jerseys and solid white socks, and the visiting team shall wear dark jerseys and socks. Prior to and during the game, jerseys shall be tucked into the shorts, unless manufactured to be worn outside.
Comments on the Rules: This rule was changed to require the home team to wear solid white jerseys and socks, to better differentiate between the visiting team, who is required to wear jerseys and socks that are dark. This rule change will be enforced beginning with the fall 2013 season.

34. Illegal Home Team Jerseys Starting Fall 2013
Rule – REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: The required player equipment includes a jersey, shorts, socks, suitable shoes and shinguards which shall provide adequate and reasonable protection, be professionally manufactured, age- and size-appropriate, not altered to decrease protection, worn under the socks, and are worn with the bottom edge no higher than 2 inches above the ankle. (see illustrations regarding shinguards). Shinguards must meet the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) specifications. The NOCSAE seal and the appropriate height range of the player shall appear on the shinguard. The NOCSAE seal and height range shall be permanently marked on the front of the shinguard. Equipment shall not be modified from its original manufactured state and shall be worn in the manner the manufacturer intended it to be worn. It is also recommended that male players wear a supporter and protective cup. Requirements for uniforms:
a. Jerseys and socks of opposing teams shall be of contrasting colors and, in the event of a similarity of color; the home team shall be responsible for making the necessary change.
b. The home team shall wear white or light jerseys and socks, and the visiting team shall wear dark jerseys and socks. Beginning with the 2013 fall season, the home team shall wear solid white jerseys and solid white socks, and the visiting team shall wear dark jerseys and socks. Prior to and during the game, jerseys shall be tucked into the shorts, unless manufactured to be worn outside.
Comments on the Rules: This rule was changed to require the home team to wear solid white jerseys and socks, to better differentiate between the visiting team, who is required to wear jerseys and socks that are dark. This rule change will be enforced beginning with the fall 2013 season.
Color Side Panels and Color Piping

35. Legal Home Team Jerseys Starting Fall 2013
Rule – REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: The required player equipment includes a jersey, shorts, socks, suitable shoes and shinguards which shall provide adequate and reasonable protection, be professionally manufactured, age- and size-appropriate, not altered to decrease protection, worn under the socks, and are worn with the bottom edge no higher than 2 inches above the ankle. (see illustrations regarding shinguards). Shinguards must meet the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) specifications. The NOCSAE seal and the appropriate height range of the player shall appear on the shinguard. The NOCSAE seal and height range shall be permanently marked on the front of the shinguard. Equipment shall not be modified from its original manufactured state and shall be worn in the manner the manufacturer intended it to be worn. It is also recommended that male players wear a supporter and protective cup. Requirements for uniforms:
a. Jerseys and socks of opposing teams shall be of contrasting colors and, in the event of a similarity of color; the home team shall be responsible for making the necessary change.
b. The home team shall wear white or light jerseys and socks, and the visiting team shall wear dark jerseys and socks. Beginning with the 2013 fall season, the home team shall wear solid white jerseys and solid white socks, and the visiting team shall wear dark jerseys and socks. Prior to and during the game, jerseys shall be tucked into the shorts, unless manufactured to be worn outside.
Comments on the Rules: This rule was changed to require the home team to wear solid white jerseys and socks, to better differentiate between the visiting team, who is required to wear jerseys and socks that are dark. This rule change will be enforced beginning with the fall 2013 season.

36. TSSAA Reminders for

37. TSSAA Concussion Policy
PROTOCOL FOR OFFICIALS DURING CONTESTS
1. Determine prior to the start of the contest whether or not a school has access to a designated health care provider during the contest.
2. Continue to monitor players for possible signs of injury as usual.
3. Remove any player that shows signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion per NFHS rules.
4. Inform the head coach that the player is being removed for showing signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion.
5. The school shall have the player examined by their designated health care provider. If the designated health care provider determines that the student has not sustained a concussion, the head coach may so advise the officials during an appropriate stoppage of play and the athlete may re-enter competition pursuant to contest rules.
6. The head coach is in charge of getting clearance from the school’s designated healthcare provider.

38. TSSAA Concussion Policy
7. If the school does not have access to a designated health care provider, or if the school’s designated health care provider suspects that the athlete may have sustained a concussion, the only means for an athlete to return to practice or play is for the student to be evaluated and cleared by a licensed medical doctor (M.D.), Osteopathic Physician (D.O.) or a Clinical Neuropsychologist with Concussion Training.
8. If signs, symptoms and behaviors consistent with a concussion are observed by an official , and a designated health care provider is not available to evaluate the student athlete, the “TSSAA Concussion Return to Play” form MUST be completed and signed by a licensed medical doctor (M.D.), Osteopathic Physician (D. O.) or a Clinical Neuropsychologist with concussion training, and shown to the official(s) by the head coach prior to a student-athlete returning to participate in a contest the same day.
9. If a player that has been removed by an official for showing signs, symptoms, and behaviors consistent with a concussion is allowed to return to play during the contest, an “Unusual Occurrence Form” shall be filed with the state office by the official within 24 hours of the incident.
10. Officials have no role in the diagnosis of a concussion. NFHS Rules do require that the officials remove players from the contest when signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion are observed and the above written protocol must be followed.
Designated Health Care Providers – Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Physicians Assistant, Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Physician

39. TSSAA Concussion Policy (Protocol for Coaches)
1. Continue to monitor players for possible signs of injury as usual.
2. Remove any player that shows signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion from the activity or competition.
3. The school shall have the player examined by the school’s designated health care provider. If the designated health care provider determines that the student has not sustained a concussion, the player may return to the activity or competition.
4. The head coach shall be responsible for obtaining clearance from the school’s designated health care provider.
5. If the school does not have access to a designated health care provider, or if the school’s designated health care provider suspects that the athlete may have sustained a concussion, the only means for an athlete to return to practice or play is for the student to be evaluated and cleared by a licensed medical doctor (M.D.), Osteopathic Physician (D.O.) or a Clinical Neuropsychologist with Concussion Training. The person clearing the student must complete and sign the “TSSAA Concussion Return to Play” form. Schools must keep this form on file.
Designated Health Care Providers – Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Physicians Assistant, Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Physician

40. Optional Tie Breaker for Regular Season District Games
Teams will play two 10 minute Golden Goal (Sudden Victory) overtime periods. At the end of the first 10 minute overtime period, teams shall change ends. There shall be a two-minute interval between periods. If, at the conclusion of the two 10 minute Golden Goal (Sudden Victory) overtime periods, a tie still exists, the tie shall be broken with the penalty kick procedure outlined in the NFHS Rulebook.

41. Suspension of Games (Regular Season)
During regular season play, in the event a game is suspended because of conditions which make it impossible to continue play, the head referee shall declare it an official game if one complete half or more of the game has been played. If less than one-half of the game has been played, the contest may be rescheduled from the start, or with mutual agreement of both coaches, the game may be restarted from the point of suspension.

42. Suspension of Games (Post-season)
During post-season play, in the event a game is suspended because of conditions which make it impossible to continue play, the head referee shall declare it an official game if one complete half or more of the game has been played. If less than one-half of the game has been played, or the game is in the second half with the score tied, the contest must be restarted from the point of interruption. There is not an opportunity to re-start the contest from the beginning even with mutual agreement of both coaches.

43. TSSAA Heat Policy
Modifications for Soccer Competition when the Heat Index is 95°-104°
The referee shall stop the game for a heat time-out lasting no less than five minutes during the first and second half. The time-out will be called at the first logical time to stop play after the 20 minute mark of each half.

44. Heat Index 105 or Higher No Practice or Competitions!
Shall be treated as a weather delay.
Heat Index must be measured at the site. Psychrometers normally must be in the shade to give an accurate reading.

45. Lightning Guidelines
TSSAA follows the NFHS Guidelines found on p. 109 of your NFHS Rules Book
. If lightning is seen or thunder is heard, IT IS CLOSE ENOUGH TO STRIKE YOU!!
b. Follow the thirty minute rule. Once play is suspended, at least 30 minutes must pass after the last clap of thunder is heard or the last flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play.
c. Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30 minute count requires the clock to be reset and another 30 minute count to begin.

46. Reporting of Red Cards
When reporting a red card ejection, it is very important to specify when either of the two occur:
1. Deliberate handling of the ball preventing it from going into the goal.
2. A foul against an opponent who is moving toward his/her offensive goal with an obvious opportunity to score.

47. Reporting Unusual Situations
No Game Administrator.
Fields not properly marked.
Safety issue with the field.
No security present when security was needed.
No ball holders present.
All of the above should be reported to TSSAA on the Unusual Situation Form

48. Officials’ Insurance Program
Deductible has gone up to $1500
Designed to be supplemental policy

49. Attendance Cards