MANUALS: SOCCER POSTSEASON
2025 SOCCER Postseason
Manuals provide the most up to date policies, rules, and regulations for Iowa High School Athletic Association sports in the regular season and postseason.
Member school athletic directors and head coaches seeking more information or clarifications or the contents of this manual should contact the IHSAA sport administrator for this sport: Todd Tharp. All other inquiries should be directed through athletic directors or coaches at member schools or host schools.
All the rules and regulations governing this sport can be found in the annual NFHS Rule Book, which all member schools receive from the IHSAA on an every year basis, except updates or experiments approved by the Board of Control.
District and Substate Seeding Procedures
District & Substate Game Procedures
Information for Scorers & Timers
Awards Presentation Information
To search this manual, click a topic header from the Index above or select Find (Ctrl + F) from your keyboard.
Substate Seeding Procedures
SEEDING
The Iowa High School Athletic Association’s Ranking Committee will post a top 10 ranking in each of the four soccer classes beginning on Monday, April 21st and post a new ranking every Monday, concluding on Monday. May 19th. Each classification will have their own rankings committee. Rankings will be used to place teams in their respective substate. The top four ranked teams in each class will be placed in separate substates and will not play each other until the semifinal round of the post season. Each ranking committee will use a variety of criteria when determining their weekly rankings. In no particular order, overall wins and losses, strength of schedule, head to head competition, computer analysis, trends, personal observations of teams, etc. will be discussed each week to rank teams.
Class 1A
Substate matches will be played on May 20th, May 27th and May 29th
There will be eight (8) substates with six or seven teams in each substate.
The substate winner will qualify for the Boys’ State Soccer Tournament
Substate pairings will be posted on Monday, May 12th
Class 2A
CLASS 2A
Substate matches will be played on May 20th, May 27th and May 29th .
There will be eight (8) substates with six (6) teams in each substate.
The substate winner will qualify for the Boys’ State Soccer Tournament
Substate pairings will be posted on Monday, May 12th
Class 3A
CLASS 3A
Substate matches will be played on May 19th, May 27th and May 29th .
There will be eight (8) substates with five (5) teams in each substate.
The substate winner will qualify for the Boys’ State Soccer Tournament
Substate pairings will be posted on Monday, May 12th
Class 4A
CLASS 4A
Substate matches will be played on May 19th, May 27th and May 29th .
There will be eight (8) substates with four (4) or five (5) teams in each substate.
The substate winner will qualify for the Boys’ State Soccer Tournament
Substate pairings will be posted on Monday, May 12th
Host School Information
RECOMMENDED Criteria for Facilities Hosting IHSAA SUBSTATE MATCHES
- A regulation field, minimum 100 yards in length and 60-65 yards in width for the first two rounds of substate.
- A regulation field, minimum 100 yards in length and 65-70 yards in width for the substate final and state quarterfinal round.
- Approximately 10 feet of clearance around the entire field.
- It is preferred that a barrier is located around the entire field, separating the spectators from the field.
- Recommended seating on both sides of the field. Home team on one side of the field, and visiting team on the other side of the field.
- Properly marked team areas that are at least 10 feet from the sideline and are 20 yards wide, with 10 yards between the line closest to the halfway line and halfway line.
- Adequate restroom facilities/lobby/and concession areas.
- A facility for officials to dress, use for halftime and after the match.
SITES
The IHSAA will determine the sites for all substate first round, semifinal and final contests. Higher seeded teams are not guaranteed to host any round of contests. The IHSAA will use doubleheader contests at their discretion.
WARM-UP PERIODS PRIOR TO SUBSTATE MATCHES
Teams participating in a substate tournament match will not be allowed to warm up on the field until 30 minutes prior to the start of the match. This warm-up policy also pertains to the host school.
NATIONAL ANTHEM
It is recommended the National Anthem be played prior to the start of the first match each night a school is hosting the tournament. The National Anthem may be done by recording, singing, or played instrumentally by student groups.
PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCEMENT POLICY
Per IHSAA Board of Control Policy, August 2019. The public address system at an IHSAA post-season event is not to be used as an open public forum for the expression of views by individuals or organizations concerning political, philosophical, religious, or other matters unrelated to the conduct of the event, or the management and safe use of the event site. For example, conducting a prayer over the public address system is prohibited at IHSAA post-season or sponsored events.
PRE-MATCH STARTING LINE-UP INTRODUCTIONS
If possible the starting eleven (11) players for each team are introduced prior to the match along with the two head coaches and the three officials assigned by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. The following protocol should be followed when starting line-ups are introduced:
- There is to be no music played during the introduction of either starting line-up.
- There should be no photos of the starting line-up presented on the host school’s video board, nor other information about the starting line-up.
- The starting line-up should be introduced beginning with the lowest numbered member on the visiting team until all 11 visiting starters are introduced, then the lowest numbered player on the home team, continuing until all players are introduced. Non-starters are not to be introduced.
- Players and coaches are not to “fist bump” the officials assigned to work the match.
FILM AND VIDEOTAPE RESTRICTIONS
Videotaping or filming is permissible in scouting your opponent. Space for taping or filming for scouting is not required of the host school. Hand-held cameras are recommended. Tripods should not be used from a paid seat.
PLAYER-BENCH OCCUPANTS AND BENCH ASSIGNMENTS
During a contest, the player bench may be occupied by the eligible substitutes, head coach, assistant coach(es), faculty representatives, bona fide team managers, bona fide team statisticians and scorekeeper, bona fide team trainer or physician, and any disqualified players unless they have been instructed to remove themselves from the player bench. The Home Team, shall occupy the bench to the RIGHT of the official’s table as he/she normally faces the field, whereas the Visiting Team shall occupy the bench to the LEFT of the official table. Teams will not change player benches during the contest.
(For substate matches: If the host school normally sits on the left side of the official scorer during the regular season, they may continue to do so while playing as the host school.) Host school officials should make all attempts to make sure that opposing teams fans are not placed behind each teams bench area.
WHITE AND DARK JERSEYS
The higher seeded team will be considered the home team and will wear the dark uniform tops. The lower seeded team will be considered the visiting team and will wear the white uniform tops.
OVERTIME PROCEDURES
A five minute break will occur after regulation during which both teams may confer with their coaches, and the head referee will instruct both teams as to the proper procedure.
The first overtime will consist of a 10 minute period. When the first goal is scored in the overtime the match is over and a winner has been determined.
If the score is still tied after the first overtime, a 2 minute break will occur.
The second overtime will consist of a 10 minute period. When the first goal is scored in the second overtime the match is over and a winner has been determined.
If after the completion of the two ten minute overtime periods neither team has scored, the tie will be broken using penalty kicks. The referee shall choose the goal at which all the kicks from the penalty mark shall be taken.
Each coach will select any five players including the goalkeeper, on or off the field (except those disqualified) to take the kicks.
If after the 5 penalty kicks, the score is still tied, each coach will select 5 different players than the first five to take kicks in a sudden-victory situation, where-in if one team scores and the other team does not score, the match is ended without more kicks being taken.
PROCEDURES FOR BAD WEATHER
If the tournament manager determines that due to bad weather the match should be postponed prior to the visiting team leaving their school, immediately notify: 1) both schools; 2) the officials; 3) the IHSAA Office; 4) the news media within your area.
To help both schools for creating a timeline to delay/restart, the following policy shall be in place:
During post-season matches in which there is a weather delay in the 2nd half, no match may be started/restarted any time after 3 hours of the actual starting time. (A game that starts at 7:00 pm could not start/resume after 10:00 pm). During this weather/delay, teams may mutually agree to end the game if there is a team leading during this delay. (Rule 7-1-3 of the NFHS rules allow the officials and teams to end the game in the 2nd half if there is a team in the lead.
If the match is still in the first half, tied at halftime or anytime after halftime and the match cannot be restarted within the policy provided, the match shall be considered suspended and continued on the next available date.
If the match has a team ahead by one goal or more at halftime or anytime after halftime and the match cannot be restarted with the policy provided, the center referee under the jurisdiction of the IHSAA shall declare the match final with the team ahead determined the winner.
There will be no delay in rescheduling the matches unless there are extenuating circumstances and the tournament manager shall converse with the IHSAA for any deviation from this procedure. It will not be considered a problem if one team has had several night’s rest and the other team has played the previous night. There is no time within our limited schedule to take this into consideration. The teams will continue play until they are back on schedule. The host manager must determine whether conditions are bad enough to call off the match. A call to the local radio station to help you determine what the weather might be like is a suggestion.
PROGRAMS FOR SUBSTATE
Any host school may furnish official programs for its tournaments either on a gratuity or sales basis and may retain any profits derived from the sale of advertising. No advertising concerning tobacco, drugs, alcoholic beverages, or any other product which would not be in the best interest of good training habits by high school athletes will be permitted. Spectators appreciate the availability of official programs. **Programs should include at a minimum: Player Name, Grade, Height, Number, Cheerleaders, Coaches, and Athletic Director.
CHECKING BLEACHERS
Your attention is called to the importance of checking your bleachers to avoid overcrowding. This is a serious matter and you are urged to check your bleachers carefully to ascertain that they are in good condition, well supported, and do not permit overcrowding of these bleachers. Every effort should be made to see to it that no concerted swaying movement of fans is permitted. Check your bleachers before each session. Above everything else, do not overcrowd the bleachers and do not permit crowding in the exits and aisles.
MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHERS
A camera equipped with an electronic flash unit (as well as a camera without any flash equipment) may be used by an official photographer during the entire match. Photographers shall not be permitted to stand directly behind the goalie or anywhere behind the goal area. Photographers must always vacate the area outside all boundary lines used by the officials. Photographers, as well as bona fide sportswriters, may be admitted free if they are taking pictures for newspapers or television. Amateur photographers must pay regular admission to matches.
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS AND SOLICITATIONS
With the assembly of people at your tournaments, many tournament managers will be confronted with various requests pertaining to donations and contributions to the many organizations which rely upon this method or system of financing their programs. The Board of Control has decided to prohibit the passing of hats, receptacles, blankets, etc., inside the gymnasium at any IHSAA-sponsored tournament for the purpose of collecting any contributions to any group or organization.
The Board of Control does not object to placing a receptacle in the vestibule or lobby of the gymnasium where the people may deposit their contributions, provided this arrangement meets with the approval of the local tournament manager.
ATTENTION: SPORTSCASTERS AND ALL TOURNAMENT MANAGERS
This list pertains to all requests for video broadcasts (over-the-air television, cable television, internet webcasts, internet streams, etc.) of IHSAA-sponsored postseason events, such as districts and substates, which lead up to IHSAA state tournaments.
1. NFHS Network holds rights and right of first refusal to IHSAA postseason events leading up to state tournaments, and select state tournament events. Third party broadcasts are prohibited at events selected and shown by NFHS Network. If the NFHS Network accepts a broadcast after a third party has applied for access, the third party applicant will be refunded by the IHSAA.
2. Schools or student groups operating broadcasts within the NFHS School Broadcast Program do not need to apply or pay for postseason productions at their venue. These broadcasts qualify as NFHS Network broadcasts. Any other school or student group wishing to broadcast should apply through the form linked below.
3. All approved video access applicants must download and display the IHSAA logo as a corner on-screen graphic, if technologically capable.
4. All approved video access applicants must download and display three (3) selected IHSAA advertisements provided by the IHSAA and/or its partners during the event production. If the production is not technologically capable of implementing these videos at this time, three (3) advertisements will be provided to be read during the event production.
5. Applications must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the event’s scheduled start time.
6. Payments must be submitted online or postmarked within two days after the selected event occurring, unless otherwise coordinated with the IHSAA.
7. Reproductions or copies of the broadcast shall not be sold or distributed without written consent from the IHSAA.
8. Advertisements or promotions associated with alcohol, tobacco, firearms, gambling, performance enhancing substances, or lewd subject matter are prohibited.
9. Any outlet which simulcasts its broadcast over multiple platforms is not subject to multiple access fees. Only one fee will be applied by the IHSAA.
10. Applications do not require resubmission for matches or events that are postponed or delayed. Only one approved form and access fee is necessary for the entirety of an event.
11. Video access policies and fees apply whether an approved broadcast is “live” or “tape-delayed.” No differentiation is made regarding timing or platform of release from an applicant.
12. The IHSAA reserves the right to remove access to its events at any time and may discontinue this agreement immediately if the broadcast entity violates IHSAA rules and regulations or expresses views incompatible with the values of the IHSAA and interscholastic athletics.
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Broadcasters will be responsible for coordinating setup and production with the event/tournament manager at each host site. Parking, entry, credentialing, and work space are at the discretion of the event/tournament manager or administrator. If the host site cannot facilitate or allow access, any access fees paid by applicants will be refunded by the IHSAA. Broadcast equipment, including tripods and protective cases, shall not be placed in tournament seating areas or obstruct the view or personal space of tournament spectators.
Reminder: Completing an application is not a guarantee of postseason broadcasting access. Approval must be received from the host site by the IHSAA, and confirmation of access will be sent by the IHSAA. Payment should be submitted after confirmation and approval are received by applicant.
Information regarding the application process an on-line payment system may be found at the following link: https://www.iahsaa.org/resources/media/postseason-video-access/
Substate QUARTERFINAL, SEMIFINAL AND FINAL MATCH Procedures
GOAL DIFFERENTIAL
The IHSAA has adopted a 10-goal differential causing the termination of a match. Any match that reaches half-time or anytime in the second half with a 10-goal differential shall be immediately terminated. The first half is to be played to completion.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND OTHER PERSONNEL TOURNAMENT CHECKLIST
No more than 24 players from any school may participate in each substate or state tournament match. This simply means a team may have 24 players in uniform for any substate or state tournament match. The team may use different players to make up the 24-member team for each match.
The head coach and his bona fide assistant(s), as well as team managers, trainers, bus driver, and a scorekeeper, may be admitted in addition to the players (Total of 33).
A tournament checklist is located on our website under the Soccer tab. You are to complete the tournament checklist in its entirety including names of your 24 players and their respective numbers for both light and dark uniforms, along with your nine other personnel.
In most instances, the tournament manager will need your tournament checklist in advance. However, if your checklist has not been requested in advance, mail or deliver it. It is each school’s responsibility to assume the completion of all information as well as delivery of the checklist.
POST-SEASON CHECKLIST SUMMARY (On IHSAA Website)
1. Official traveling party is a maximum of 33 people
a) Maximum of twenty-four players in uniform
b) Nine other personnel (head coach, assistant coaches, players not in uniform, trainers, managers, scorer, bus driver, etc.)
ADMISSION OF ADMINISTRATORS FOR SUBSTATE MATCHES
Substate hosts should communicate with the schools involved regarding the ability to use the complimentary administrator cards for entry into the contest.
TICKET PRICES – POST-SEASON SERIES
SUBSTATE 1ST QUARTERFINAL & SEMIFINAL TOURNAMENT TICKET PRICES $6.00
ALL CLASSES–SUBSTATE FINALS Matches $8.00
SUBSTATE TOURNAMENT TICKETS
The IHSAA will be using HomeTown ticketing during the Soccer post season. Additional information will be sent to schools regarding how to use this program.
WHO MUST PAY ADMISSION?
All personnel not listed on the Post-Season Tournament Checklist must pay for admission. This means the pep bus drivers, administrators (based on the determination of the host school), together with all other spectators, must pay.
Each school administrator is urged to review this manual and discuss the same with their coaches, other faculty personnel, players and bus drivers. Thorough knowledge will eliminate embarrassment for your school as well as unnecessary problems for the tournament manager.
PASSES OUT
You are urged to avoid passes out. A good rule to follow is, “if you’re in, you’re in, and if you’re out, you’re out”. It is not necessary, as most of us know, to give passes out. It simply invites people to run in and out of the building. Many people attend the first match of the evening, leave when the match is over, secure a pass-out check and give it to the group congregating on the outside of the building so that someone can come in and see the following matchs of the evening.
In the event that it is necessary to give pass-out checks, it is suggested that a rubber stamp be used to mark the back of a person’s hand. In this event, it is necessary to change the type of stamp each day.
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT AT TOURNAMENTS
Pep bands are permitted to perform during post season contests. The Board of Control will permit the use of reproduction of recorded or taped music over the host’s amplifying system at any district or substate tournament that is approved by the host school administration. Said music is to be played only prior to the first match, during the intermissions between halves, between matches, and following matches with the understanding that any participating school shall be given the courtesy of having its school song presented. The following are not permitted: sirens; horns; bells; buzzers; thunder sticks or any type of artificial or mechanical noisemaker. There will be NO entertainment of any kind on the field prior to the match or between matches.
SPORTSMANSHIP AND CONDUCT IN TOURNAMENTS
Every administrator and coach whose school participates in a tournament is charged with the responsibility of expecting and maintaining the highest standards of general behavior for students and fans. The school administration should embrace the opportunity to emphasize the need and value of demonstrating proper respect toward both teams, coaches, cheerleaders, and officials.
The Board of Control of the Iowa High School Athletic Association has adopted a policy whereas shirts and shoes will be the required attire for all in attendance at any indoor IHSAA-sponsored athletic events.
BANNERS, SIGNS, HOOPS, CONFETTI, BALLOONS, NOISE MAKERS, ETC., PROHIBITED
The IHSAA Board of Control has adopted a regulation which prohibits the display of any banners or signs, the use of the paper hoop or human tunnels designed for players to penetrate when coming onto the floor at match time, as well as the use of newspaper, confetti, or any other form of paper or debris. It is essential that fire hazards be eliminated whenever possible. Furthermore, with the prohibition of signs, banners, etc., no misunderstandings or ill feeling should develop between member schools and communities relative to priority of location of signs and banners, or of the removal of same. This regulation does not prevent the tournament manager from using signs to direct patrons and students to their assigned seating areas, or for general instructions to assist with the administration of the tournament.
The prohibition against artificial noisemakers, including but not limited to megaphones (except used by cheerleaders), cow bells, thunder sticks, sirens, clackers, cans with marbles, coins or rocks inside and varied other creative, albeit cacophonic, devices provides additional rules support for an increasingly serious problem. Match management is responsible for enforcement.
EXCEPTION: Cheerleaders may use signs or cards to lead cheers; however, they may not use banners, cutouts, or Fatheads. No megaphones will be permitted except those being used by the regular cheerleaders of a school.
PUBLIC CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PREMISES
ADOPTED BY IHSAA BOARD OF CONTROL (JULY 1999)
School sponsored or approved activities are an important part of the school program and offer students the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities not offered during the regular school day. School sponsored or approved activities are provided for the enjoyment and opportunity for involvement they afford the students.
Spectators are permitted to attend school sponsored or approved activities only as guests of the school district, and, accordingly as a condition of such permission, they must comply with the school district’s rules and policies. Spectators will not be allowed to interfere with the enjoyment of the students participating, other spectators or with the performance of employees and officials supervising the school sponsored or approved activity. Spectators, like the student participants, are expected to display mature behavior and sportsmanship. The failure of spectators to do so is not only disruptive but embarrassing to the students, the school district and the entire community.
To protect the rights of students to participate without fear of interference, and to permit the sponsors and officials of sponsored or approved activities to perform their duties without interference, the following provisions are in effect:
*Abusive, verbal or physical conduct of spectators directed at participants, officials or sponsors of sponsored or approved activities or at other spectators will not be tolerated.
*Verbal or physical conduct of spectators that interferes with the performance of students, officials or sponsors of sponsored or approved activities will not be tolerated.
*The use of vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression directed at students, officials or sponsors participating in a sponsored or approved activity or at other spectators will not be tolerated.
If a spectator at a sponsored or approved activity becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression, or in any way impedes the performance of an activity, the spectator may be removed from the event by the individual in charge of the event and the superintendent may recommend the exclusion of the spectator at future sponsored or approved activities. (The Iowa High School Athletic Association has approved this policy for all IHSAA sponsored events.)
CONDUCT COUNTS
In this EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION these behaviors are NOT acceptable:
-Disrespectful conduct, including profanity, obscene gestures or comments, offensive
remarks of a sexual nature, or other actions that demean individuals or the event.
(Penalty – EJECTION)
-Throwing articles onto the contest area. (Penalty – EJECTION)
-Entering the contest area in protest or celebration. (Penalty – EJECTION)
-Physical confrontation involving contest officials,
coaches/directors, contestants or spectators. (Penalty – EJECTION)
-Spectator interference with the event. (Penalty – EJECTION)
-Jumping up and down on the bleachers. (Penalty – Warning/EJECTION)
-Use of artificial noisemakers, signs or banners. (Penalty – Warning / EJECTION)
-Chants or cheers directed at opponents. (Penalty – Warning/EJECTION)
Upon recommendation of the superintendent, the board shall cause a notice of exclusion from sponsored or approved activities to be sent to the spectator involved. The notice shall advise the spectator of the school district’s right to exclude the individual from school district activities and events and the duration of the exclusion. If the spectator disobeys the school official or district’s order, law enforcement authorities may be contacted and asked to remove the spectator. If a spectator has been notified of exclusion and thereafter attends a sponsored or approved activity, the spectator shall be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution. The school district may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion from future school sponsored or approved activities.
USE THE TOURNAMENT CHECKLIST FOR ALL TOURNAMENTS
Substate Tournaments: Your tournament checklist may be used by your tournament manager as follows:
a) as a data sheet to prepare program copy prior to the tournament
b) as a checklist for admission of your 24 players in uniform and additional 9 team personnel (including trainer, scorekeeper, bus driver, etc).
STATE SOCCER VIDEO EXCHANGE **HUDL ACCOUNT**
The state wide Soccer pool is to be used for video exchange purposes. Schools shall have their most previous match downloaded into the state wide Soccer pool by 10 AM the next morning.
Priorities At Officials Table
A space should be provided at the officials’ table for the following priorities given in this order:
- The official timer
- The official scorer (required to wear a black and white striped garment)
- Public Address Announcer
- Shot Clock Operator
- An assistant timer and assistant scorer may be used
- Space for the scorer from each of the two participating teams at a place next to the official scorer as possible
SOCCER BALL TO BE USED AT ALL SUBSTATE AND STATE SOCCER MATCHES
Host schools shall be responsible for supplying the Royale Select soccer ball as the only ball permitted to be used during the postseason.
Room For Referees
Please provide a private room which the floor and bench officials may occupy during the course of your tournament which should be available to them as a dressing room as well as a lounging room during intermissions. When your tournament basketball arrives, you will find a printed poster which should be conspicuously posted on the officials’ dressing room door.
All visitors should be excluded from the officials’ dressing room during the entire tournament. Tournament officials deserve privacy – they are entitled to discuss various phases of mechanics, rules and game administration as well as an opportunity to relax.
Officials should be left entirely alone so they will have an opportunity not only to rest but to talk privately with each other regarding the game which they are attempting to officiate.
Your cooperation in this matter will assure you of a better officiated tournament and we are certain that the officials will also appreciate it.
The Officials For Your Tournament
You will be able to access the officials assigned to your contest through DragonFly approximately 72 hours prior to the contest.
These officials will have a copy of the time schedule of your tournament, or if time is a factor in contracting the officials, they will be notified of the starting time of the opening session. The officials are instructed to arrive at least one hour prior to the first game of your tournament.
Reporting Results of Your Tournament Games
The IHSAA requests that the winning coach enter tournament match results through Bound immediately following each night’s tournament match.
**Please enter your score through Bound. You do not need to enter it a second time through the IHSAA website. **
We would also appreciate it if you would remember the area media. Many of you have a call list of area media members that you have been using during the regular season. Also, it would be a nice gesture for you to call your tourney scores into all those media outlets who cover competing teams in your tourney.
Awards Presentation Information
Tournament Awards
Medals will be awarded to the 24 players of the losing team at each substate final contest. The IHSAA will mail the medals to each tournament manager, who in turn will deliver the medals to the coach of the losing team at the conclusion of the tournament. These medals may be presented on the field following the match, or in the privacy of the dressing room or in a school assembly, whichever the school desires. In cases where final sites have not been determined and time is too short to mail the medals to the host school, the medals will be mailed direct to the winners from the IHSAA Office. A state qualifying banner is will be awarded to the winning team at each substate final contest.
IHSAA Awards Presentation Policy
It is the goal of the IHSAA is to protect the safety and well being of all participants, spectators, coaches, officials, and tournament staff as well as demonstrate the sportsmanship philosophy of the IHSAA and its member schools with regard to respect for the opponent during all IHSAA award presentations. In furtherance of this goal and the requirement that member schools should insure that their contestants, coaches & spectators practice the highest principles of sportsmanship and ethics of competition, the following policy has been adopted by the Board of Control:
No team(s) student body/spectators are allowed on the playing surface at the conclusion of an IHSAA post-season event without the express permission of the tournament manager.
Penalty: Team or individual awards will not be presented to the participant(s) immediately following the competition and said award(s) will be delivered to the school administration of the respective teams at a time to be determined by the Executive Director or designee of the IHSAA.
This penalty is in addition to any other penalty or sanction which may be imposed by the Board of Control, its Executive Director, or designee as a result of a violation of any other policy, rule, bylaw, or regulation of the IHSAA.
The policy shall be enforced at all IHSAA sponsored tournaments that have an awards presentation following the completion of the event. The enforcement of this policy will be at the discretion and judgment of the specific tournament manager. The Board of Control also requests school administrators be present and visible when their respective teams are playing and assist in making sure spectators do not come onto the playing surface at the conclusion of the event until such time it is permissible following awards and recognition presentations
Team Photograph And State Tournament Program data
Team photograph: Every school should have an appropriate team photograph available even though your chances do not appear to be too favorable to advance in tournaments. In the past some schools have caused themselves much inconvenience when, having advanced in the tournament, their photograph was not available. Your team picture should be a sharp color or B&W image. Your school will receive an information packet with SPECIFIC DEADLINES for SENDING PHOTOS once tournament play begins.
If the picture is not appropriate or conducive to reproduction, it will not be used. Appropriate is defined as players in uniform with no props. What may be considered in good taste for a poster may not be considered in good taste for the state tournament program.
TEAM QUESTIONNAIRE AND OTHER INFORMATION
Your school will receive information with noted DEADLINES for returning forms once tournament play begins. Enclosed with this packet will be a questionnaire as well as other forms to provide information for official state tournament publications.
**For the Postseason Media Manual complete with Policies/Fees/Applications
Please visit the IHSAA website at www.iahsaa.org
Look under the INFORMATION tab and click on General, then scroll down.
Financial Information
Financial Plans for Substate Tournaments
1. Hometown Ticketing is required to be used by all IHSAA Soccer hosts.
2. The manager of the tournament shall be responsible for the loss of any funds from any cause due to their negligence. It shall be considered negligence for a manager to keep tournament receipts in a school vault on which there is not adequate insurance.
3. The host school will receive 23% of the aggregate gross receipts up to receipts of $5,000, plus 10% of the receipts beyond $5,000 to compensate them for the use of their facilities and energy in promoting the district tournament. The minimum amount paid to the host school will be $200.
4. The tournament manager will admit 24 players, a head coach, assistant coaches, student managers, one scorer, one trainer, the team bus driver, cheerleader coach, and cheerleaders, not to exceed six and one mascot if in uniform, free to the tournament providing they have been certified by their school superintendent on the tournament checklist as being the authorized representatives of their school.
5. The payment of all transportation allowances and the payment of the amount due to the host school for conducting the tournament will be paid by check directly to the schools from the IHSAA. Payment of expense allowance to the schools will be figured on the basis of $1.20 per mile one way most direct route for each trip the school makes to the tournament center.
State QUARTERFINAL, SEMIFINAL AND FINAL Tournament Information
STATE SEEDING
- State tournament seeding will be determined by the final ranking of each respective ranking committee. The final ranking committee meetings are scheduled as followed:
Class 1A: Sunday, May 11th
Class 2A: Sunday, May 11th
Class 3A: Sunday, May 11th
Class 4A: Sunday, May 11th
- If the 8 teams that qualify for the state tournament are ranked in the top 10 in the final ranking committee meeting, the highest ranked team will be placed with the lowest ranked team until all teams are placed against each other.
- An additional meeting of each individual ranking committee will take place between the district final and substate final contest in Classes 1A and 2A and between the substate semifinal and substate final in Classes 3A and 4A. This meeting will determine the seeding of teams that qualify for the state tournament that are not in the final top 10 ranking.
- Teams that qualify for the postseason that are not ranked in the top ten will not have the ability to move ahead of any ranked teams.
- For example, Ranked teams #1, #2, #3, #5, #6 and #10 qualify for the postseason along with unranked teams A and B. Unranked teams A and B will be seeded #7 and #8 respectively based on determination of each individual rankings committee.
INFORMATION REGARDING SELECTION FOR
QUARTERFINAL ROUND MATCHES OF THE STATE SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Quarterfinal round contests for the state tournament will be held at regional sites around the state. Higher ranked teams will have the opportunity to host those contests. Criteria for determining appropriate facilities is as follows in no particular order:
Field Width- 65-70 yards
Field Length- 100-120 yards
Lights
Physical structure separating spectators from the playing field
Artificial Turf
Locker Rooms for players and officials
Concession Area
Restrooms
Pressbox Area for timer, scorer and public address announcer
PRE-MATCH STARTING LINE-UP INTRODUCTIONS
The non-starters and starting eleven (11) players for each team are introduced prior to the match along with the two head coaches and the three officials assigned by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. The following protocol should be followed when starting line-ups are introduced:
FILM AND VIDEOTAPE RESTRICTIONS
Videotaping or filming is permissible in scouting your opponent. Space for taping or filming for scouting is not required of the host school. Hand-held cameras are recommended. Tripods should not be used from a paid seat.
PLAYER-BENCH OCCUPANTS AND BENCH ASSIGNMENTS
During the state tournament contests, quarterfinals, semifinals and finals, the player bench may be occupied by the eligible substitutes, head coach, assistant coach(es), faculty representatives, bona fide team managers, bona fide team statisticians and scorekeeper, bona fide team trainer or physician, and any disqualified players unless they have been instructed to remove themselves from the player bench.
The Home Team, shall occupy the bench to the RIGHT of the official’s table as he/she normally faces the field, whereas the Visiting Team shall occupy the bench to the LEFT of the official table. Teams will not change player benches during the contest.
WHITE AND DARK JERSEYS
The higher seeded team will be considered the home team and will wear the dark uniform tops. The lower seeded team will be considered the visiting team and will wear the white uniform tops.
OVERTIME PROCEDURES
A five minute break will occur after regulation during which both teams may confer with their coaches, and the head referee will instruct both teams as to the proper procedure.
The first overtime will consist of a 10 minute period. When the first goal is scored in the overtime the match is over and a winner has been determined.
If the score is still tied after the first overtime, a 2 minute break will occur.
The second overtime will consist of a 10 minute period. When the first goal is scored in the second overtime the match is over and a winner has been determined.
If after the completion of the two ten minute overtime periods neither team has scored, the tie will be broken using penalty kicks. The referee shall choose the goal at which all the kicks from the penalty mark shall be taken.
Each coach will select any five players including the goalkeeper, on or off the field (except those disqualified) to take the kicks.
If after the 5 penalty kicks, the score is still tied, each coach will select 5 different players than the first five to take kicks in a sudden-victory situation, where-in if one team scores and the other team does not score, the match is ended without more kicks being taken.
GOAL DIFFERENTIAL
The IHSAA has adopted a 10-goal differential causing the termination of a match. Any match that reaches half-time or anytime in the second half with a 10-goal differential shall be immediately terminated. The first half is to be played to completion.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND OTHER PERSONNEL
TOURNAMENT CHECKLIST
No more than 24 players from any school may participate in each substate or state tournament match. This simply means a team may have 24 players in uniform for any substate or state tournament match. The team may use different players to make up the 24-member team for each match.
The head coach and his bona fide assistant(s), as well as team managers, trainers, bus driver, and a scorekeeper, may be admitted in addition to the players (Total of 33).
A tournament checklist is located on our website under the Soccer tab. You are to complete the tournament checklist in its entirety including names of your 24 players and their respective numbers for both light and dark uniforms, along with your nine other personnel.
In most instances, the tournament manager will need your tournament checklist in advance. However, if your checklist has not been requested in advance, mail or deliver it. It is each school’s responsibility to assume the completion of all information as well as delivery of the checklist.
POST-SEASON CHECKLIST SUMMARY (On IHSAA Website)
1. Official traveling party is a maximum of 33 people
a) Maximum of twenty-four players in uniform
b) Nine other personnel (head coach, assistant coaches, players not in uniform, trainers, managers, scorer, bus driver, etc.)
ADMISSION OF ADMINISTRATORS FOR SUBSTATE MATCHES
Substate hosts should communicate with the schools involved regarding the ability to use the complimentary administrator cards for entry into the contest.
TICKET PRICES – POST-SEASON SERIES
STATE 1ST QUARTERFINAL, SEMIFINAL TOURNAMENT & FINAL TICKET PRICES $10.00
STATE TOURNAMENT TICKETS
The IHSAA will be using HomeTown ticketing during the Soccer post season. Additional information will be sent to schools regarding how to use this program.
WHO MUST PAY ADMISSION?
All personnel not listed on the Post-Season Tournament Checklist must pay for admission. This means the pep bus drivers, administrators (based on the determination of the host school), together with all other spectators, must pay.
Each school administrator is urged to review this manual and discuss the same with their coaches, other faculty personnel, players and bus drivers. Thorough knowledge will eliminate embarrassment for your school as well as unnecessary problems for the tournament manager.
SPORTSMANSHIP AND CONDUCT IN TOURNAMENTS
Every administrator and coach whose school participates in a tournament is charged with the responsibility of expecting and maintaining the highest standards of general behavior for students and fans. The school administration should embrace the opportunity to emphasize the need and value of demonstrating proper respect toward both teams, coaches, cheerleaders, and officials.
The Board of Control of the Iowa High School Athletic Association has adopted a policy whereas shirts and shoes will be the required attire for all in attendance at any indoor IHSAA-sponsored athletic events.
BANNERS, SIGNS, HOOPS, CONFETTI, BALLOONS, NOISE MAKERS, ETC., PROHIBITED
The IHSAA Board of Control has adopted a regulation which prohibits the display of any banners or signs, the use of the paper hoop or human tunnels designed for players to penetrate when coming onto the floor at match time, as well as the use of newspaper, confetti, or any other form of paper or debris. It is essential that fire hazards be eliminated whenever possible. Furthermore, with the prohibition of signs, banners, etc., no misunderstandings or ill feeling should develop between member schools and communities relative to priority of location of signs and banners, or of the removal of same. This regulation does not prevent the tournament manager from using signs to direct patrons and students to their assigned seating areas, or for general instructions to assist with the administration of the tournament.
The prohibition against artificial noisemakers, including but not limited to megaphones (except used by cheerleaders), cow bells, thunder sticks, sirens, clackers, cans with marbles, coins or rocks inside and varied other creative, albeit cacophonic, devices provides additional rules support for an increasingly serious problem. Match management is responsible for enforcement.
EXCEPTION: Cheerleaders may use signs or cards to lead cheers; however, they may not use banners, cutouts, or Fatheads. No megaphones will be permitted except those being used by the regular cheerleaders of a school.
PUBLIC CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PREMISES
ADOPTED BY IHSAA BOARD OF CONTROL (JULY 1999)
School sponsored or approved activities are an important part of the school program and offer students the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities not offered during the regular school day. School sponsored or approved activities are provided for the enjoyment and opportunity for involvement they afford the students.
Spectators are permitted to attend school sponsored or approved activities only as guests of the school district, and, accordingly as a condition of such permission, they must comply with the school district’s rules and policies. Spectators will not be allowed to interfere with the enjoyment of the students participating, other spectators or with the performance of employees and officials supervising the school sponsored or approved activity. Spectators, like the student participants, are expected to display mature behavior and sportsmanship. The failure of spectators to do so is not only disruptive but embarrassing to the students, the school district and the entire community.
To protect the rights of students to participate without fear of interference, and to permit the sponsors and officials of sponsored or approved activities to perform their duties without interference, the following provisions are in effect:
*Abusive, verbal or physical conduct of spectators directed at participants, officials or sponsors of sponsored or approved activities or at other spectators will not be tolerated.
*Verbal or physical conduct of spectators that interferes with the performance of students, officials or sponsors of sponsored or approved activities will not be tolerated.
*The use of vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression directed at students, officials or sponsors participating in a sponsored or approved activity or at other spectators will not be tolerated.
If a spectator at a sponsored or approved activity becomes physically or verbally abusive, uses vulgar, obscene or demeaning expression, or in any way impedes the performance of an activity, the spectator may be removed from the event by the individual in charge of the event and the superintendent may recommend the exclusion of the spectator at future sponsored or approved activities. (The Iowa High School Athletic Association has approved this policy for all IHSAA sponsored events.)
CONDUCT COUNTS
In this EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION these behaviors are NOT acceptable:
-Disrespectful conduct, including profanity, obscene gestures or comments, offensive
remarks of a sexual nature, or other actions that demean individuals or the event.
(Penalty – EJECTION)
-Throwing articles onto the contest area. (Penalty – EJECTION)
-Entering the contest area in protest or celebration. (Penalty – EJECTION)
-Physical confrontation involving contest officials,
coaches/directors, contestants or spectators. (Penalty – EJECTION)
-Spectator interference with the event. (Penalty – EJECTION)
-Jumping up and down on the bleachers. (Penalty – Warning/EJECTION)
-Use of artificial noisemakers, signs or banners. (Penalty – Warning / EJECTION)
-Chants or cheers directed at opponents. (Penalty – Warning/EJECTION)
Upon recommendation of the superintendent, the board shall cause a notice of exclusion from sponsored or approved activities to be sent to the spectator involved. The notice shall advise the spectator of the school district’s right to exclude the individual from school district activities and events and the duration of the exclusion. If the spectator disobeys the school official or district’s order, law enforcement authorities may be contacted and asked to remove the spectator. If a spectator has been notified of exclusion and thereafter attends a sponsored or approved activity, the spectator shall be advised that his/her attendance will result in prosecution. The school district may obtain a court order for permanent exclusion from future school sponsored or approved activities.
USE THE TOURNAMENT CHECKLIST FOR ALL TOURNAMENTS
Substate Tournaments: Your tournament checklist may be used by your tournament manager as follows:
a) as a data sheet to prepare program copy prior to the tournament
b) as a checklist for admission of your 24 players in uniform and additional 9 team personnel (including trainer, scorekeeper, bus driver, etc).
STATE SOCCER VIDEO EXCHANGE **HUDL ACCOUNT**
The state wide Soccer pool is to be used for video exchange purposes. Schools shall have their most previous match downloaded into the state wide Soccer pool by 10 AM the next morning.