1. MCRA Rules Reminders 2009

2. Injuries Avoid player contact. Make sure to check player, ask for trainer if needed. Do not IGNORE even if you think they are faking injury! If serious injury (player not returning) send in report! Coach or trainer not allowed on field without approval of referee. Coaching instruction shall not be allowed for players on either team. –Exception: coach on sideline may give instructions to sub entering field for injured player

3. Playing Shorthanded If a team elects to play shorthanded due to caution or injury the substitute may not enter until next legal opportunity. If playing short the injured player may re- enter at the next stoppage of play.

4. Yellow/Red Cards Second caution. Excessive celebration Teams may substitute. Red/Yellow Cards displayed together. Report Required for ALL RED CARDS!

5. Card Mechanics If a coach or bench personnel is being disqualified for a subsequent act of misconduct, the referee will show a yellow card immediately followed by showing a red card. When players are yellow/red carded, cards are displayed together.

6. Team personnel in Tech Area There shall be no more than 6 non-roster members in any team's bench area for soccer. These 6 non-players can be any combination of coaches or non-coaches they want. However those in the team box have to have a purpose for being there, i.e., they must be a coach or a trainer or an Athletic Director. All are subject to rules about behavior and can be carded and removed if necessary.

7. Improper Equipment Improper equipment is LEGAL equipment that is NOT worn in the manner that was intended. ( Ex. A dislodged shin guard or a shoe that fell off. Both are legal, however, they are NOT worn as intended. That makes them improper. The player must leave the field and the team must play short until the next stoppage. (You do not have to wait for a legal substitution because they are playing short). The player must check with the official before re-entry. If other players are at the table they CANNOT enter as a sub at that point, the team must play short until the next stoppage.

8. Illegal Equipment Equipment such as multicolored uniforms or shin guards that are NOT the proper size are considered illegal equipment. For the first offense the coach must be cautioned, the player must leave the field and the team must play SHORT until the next stop in play. At the next stop in play the player may reenter after being checked by the referee. Since they are playing short the team does not have to wait for the next legal substitution. If a player is at the table they CANNOT enter as a sub at that point, the team MUST play short until the next stoppage. The same is true for players wearing jewelry. All jewelry is considered Illegal equipment. For the first offense the coach must be cautioned, the player must leave the field and the team must play SHORT until the next stop in play.

9. Cards for Illegal Equipment The coach is given the card for the first offense. Any further illegal offenses shall result in the offending player being cautioned (carded). The player must then wait the full 10 minutes that is required of MHSAA rules for players receiving cautions. A coach CANNOT get 2 cards for illegal equipment.

11. Goal Guidelines rule 1-4-1 (2007-08) Portable goals should be anchored at least 2 yards in front of the base of existing football goalposts. Weights should be at LEAST 3 ft from goal line. If not anchored we don’t play!!

12. Mercy Rule Guidelines MERCY RULE: first half completed with 8 goal differential. Game considered complete if half is completed. Reminder -- goals DO NOT COUNT even if ball enters the goal if whistle has been blown. (any time during match)

13. Helpful Information USSF vs MHSAA Rules Comparison Chart pg 72. MHSAA Misconduct Penalty Chart pg 56.

14. Weather Conditions Delaying a game When to delay – guidelines Lightning OR Thunder 30 minute delay. Time delay to be restarted with each new occurrence. - clear field of players and field personnel. - advise spectators, not responsible. Suspension for scheduled games: (officials guide book guidelines) 10am to 3pm should not exceed 3 hours. 3:01 to 6:59 not to exceed 1 ½ hours. Games 7pm or later not to exceed 1 hour. *If all parties involved agree on non-school day to delay more than 90 min, it is approved by our State Association.

15. Restarting games Rain-Outs/suspended games… Can continue where game left off or they can restart a new game. (AD’s decision) If new game is started it is counted as another new game day/18 max # of contests. **Contact Helmut if you can ref on day school wants to reschedule game**

16. Post Season Games Post season - Finals Length of play Overtime (follow insert) 40-10-40 regulation 5 - coin flip 15-2-15 (golden goal) Shoot out 2 - coin flip *all players eligible unless disqualified Fourth official duties –Focus on duties, not visiting with table personnel

17. Improving your game during the match **Follow Rule Book Insert for tourney rules and procedures** Have Detailed Pre-Game. Check for subs at every opportunity. Eye contact with A.R’s whenever possible. Stop clock immediately for P.K or Cards (adjust clock when needed)

18. Current Rate Fees 2008 Varsity 3-Man: Referee - $49, A/R - $39 Varsity 2-Man: 2 @ $54 JV: 2 @ $42 9th: 2 @ $39 Remember most schools are paying with vouchers.

19. Dates to Remember 2009 High School Girl’s Soccer - DATES TO REMEMBER –Practice Begins -- March 9 –First Contest -- March 16 –Maximum Number of Contests -- 18 –Tournament Opt-Out Due Date – May 6 –Officials Ratings Due Date – June 1 POST SEASON MHSAA Districts -- May 26 - May 30 MHSAA Regionals -- June 2-6 MHSAA Semifinals -- June 10 MHSAA Finals -- June 13