2020-21 Soccer Rules Considerations

Soccer

2020-21 Soccer Rules Considerations

            In support of the Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities, the NFHS Soccer Rules Committee offers this document for state associations to consider whether any possible rules could be altered for the 2020-21 season.  The considerations outlined in this document are meant to decrease potential exposure to respiratory droplets by encouraging social distancing, limiting participation in administrative tasks to essential personnel and allowing for appropriate protective equipment.

Return to Competition

  1. Soccer Rules Considerations
    • Pregame Conference (5-2-2d)
      • Limit attendees to head referee or center referee, the head coach from each team, and a single captain from each team.
      • Move the location of the pregame conference to center of the field. All individuals maintain a social distance of 6 feet.
      • Suspend handshakes prior to and following the Pregame Conference.
    • Ball Holders (6-1)
      • Encourage social distancing of 6 feet
    • Team Benches (1-5-1)
      • Encourage bench personnel to observe social distancing of 6 feet.  
    • Substitution Procedures (3-4)
      • Maintain social distancing of 6 feet between the substitute, officials and/or teammate(s) by encouraging substitutions to occur closer to the center line.
    • Officials Table (6-2; 6-3)
      • Limit to essential personnel which includes home team scorer and timer with a recommend distance of 6 feet between individuals. Visiting team personnel (scorer, statisticians, etc.) are not deemed essential personnel and will need to find an alternative location.
  2. Pre and Post Match Ceremony
    1. Suspend the pregame world cup introduction line and send players to their field positions with bench personnel lined up on the touch line (6 feet apart) for introductions.
    2. Suspend post game protocol of shaking hands.
  1. Soccer Rules Interpretations
    • Rule 4-1 EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
      • Cloth face coverings are permissible.
      • Gloves are permissible.
    • Rule 4-2 LEGAL UNIFORM
      • Long sleeves are permissible. (4-1-1)
      • Long pants are permissible. (4-1-1)
      • Under garments are permissible but must be of a similar length for the individual and a solid like color for team. (4-1-1d)
    • Rule 5-3 OFFICIALS UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT
      • By state association adoption, long-sleeved shirt/jackets are permissible. (5-1-3)
      • Electronic whistles are permissible (supplies are limited).
        • Choose a whistle whose tone will carry outside.
        • Fox 40 Mini -
        • Fox 40 Unisex Electronic - 3 tone
        • Ergo-Guard - (3 tone) - orange
        • Windsor - (3 tone) grey
        • Check the market for other choices                              
      • Cloth face coverings are permissible.
      • Gloves are permissible.

GHSA Special Considerations for Soccer

1. Host School Responsibility

                • Schools shall sanitize dressing rooms, Officials table, team bench area, and spectator area before games.

                • Schools shall provide hand sanitizer for both schools and Officials at the Officials Table.

                • The use of face mask/covering is highly recommended for all spectators.

                • Schools shall enforce social distancing requirements in spectator areas and facility entrances.

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