MANUALS: SOCCER
REGULAR SEASON
2024 Soccer
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 on 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, excepting updates or experiments approved by the Board of Control.
The lowa High School Athletic Association abides by the soccer rules found in the 2022-2023 Soccer Rules Book as published by the National Federation of State High School Associations. National Federation rules are further revised by this manual.
For more information on concussions or sport safety, please visit the Health & Safety resource page.
Manual Index
To search this manual, click a topic header from the Index above or select Find (Ctrl + F) from your keyboard.
Classifications
School enrollment numbers from each year inform the following school year’s classifications for IHSAA sanctioned sports. Enrollment numbers are provided by the Basic Educational Data Survey (BEDS) from the Iowa Department of Education.
Class 4A: 36 largest schools
Class 3A: Next 40 largest schools
Class 2A: Next 48 largest schools
Class 1A: Remaining schools
2023 Rule Updates
2023-2024 NFHS SOCCER RULES CHANGES
3-3-2b (2,3) (NEW):
Permits the referee to stop the clock to review game situations at any time without negatively impacting a player’s ability to remain in the game.
Rationale:
This rule change affords the ability for the referee to stop the clock and review situations without negatively affecting a player’s ability to remain in the game. However, once the referee beckons medical professional or coach onto the field to further assess, the player must leave the field of play.
3-3-7:
Clarifies where a player should re-enter the game to avoid confusion.
Rationale:
This rule change clarifies that a player should re-enter the game from the official area at midfield. This avoids potential confusion as to who is or is not in the game.
3-4-1e (NEW):
Clarifies players should exit the field on the bench side unless unable to do so due to injury.
Rationale:
To assist the officials in the managing of substitutions, players should exit the field from the bench side when the substitute(s) are beckoned on by the referee unless the player(s) is unable to do so because of an injury. This avoids unnecessary interaction with opposing teams and fans and minimizes the potential for unsporting behavior.
4-2-12 (NEW):
Defines how wearable technology devices may be worn.
Rationale:
Sets a national standard for wearable technology. This change clarifies that these devices may be worn as a part of the shoe and/or under the uniform but not worn on the arm. Coaches and players are still not permitted to utilize technology to communicate during the game.
Rule 4 Reorganization:
Adjusts the structure of the uniform rule to offer clarity.
Rationale:
The reorganization of the uniform rule breaks up the rule into bite-size pieces that are easier for coaches and officials to apply.
11-1-5 (NEW):
Defines deliberately playing the ball to clarify the existing rules.
Rationale:
Defines the criteria for deliberately playing the ball when determining an offside infraction.
12-1-1 thru 3 (NEW), 18-1-1:
Clarifies various foul categories and defines the seven direct free kick fouls to provide consistency.
Rationale:
The new article in Rule 12 and added definitions to Rule 18 define the seven direct free kick fouls and provide consistency for officials interpreting misconduct.
12-3-2, 3 (NEW):
Clarifies that neither accidental nor deliberate hand/arm contact can result in a goal.
Rationale:
The new articles eliminate the necessity for the referee to determine if the hand/arm contact was accidental or deliberate. Now, neither accidental nor deliberate contact with the hand/arm result in a goal for greater consistency and ease of interpretation.
12-8-5 (NEW):
Offers clarity regarding goalkeeper handling not permitted outside and inside the penalty area.
Rationale:
Adding language and direction for officials regarding goalkeeper handling outside the penalty area and inside the penalty area when they are not permitted to handle the ball.
12-9-4(NEW), 12-8-1f(14, 15), 12-8-2d (3,4):
Defines considerations of denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO).
Rationale:
This rule defines the considerations of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to provide additional consistency and clarity for referees.
Schedule Information
Regulations Pertaining to Soccer Games & Practices
- Starting Date: Soccer practice shall begin on the Monday of Week 37, which is March 11, 2024.
- First Competition: Schools are permitted to compete on the Monday of Week 39, which is March 25, 2024.
- Game Limitation: Each school will be permitted 15 regular season playing dates. Two of these 15 playing dates may be multiple team tournaments involving no more than 8 teams. Per IHSAA Soccer Advisory Committee- A maximum of three games per day is permitted.
- Scrimmages: Each team will be allowed two interscholastic scrimmages. This is per soccer program, not two at each level of competition. If the varsity team is scrimmaging at one location and the junior varsity at another location on the same day, this is considered two separate scrimmages. If the varsity team is scrimmaging at home and the junior varsity is scrimmaging at home on the same day, this would be considered one scrimmage. These scrimmages may occur any time after the beginning of practice until each team plays their first post season tournament game.
- Jamborees: Each school will be allowed to participate in one jamboree. The following are the guidelines for that jamboree:
- a) The first legal playing date for a jamboree is the Monday of Week 38, which is March 18, 2024. A jamboree can be held from March 18, 2024 through March 25, 2024.
- b) A school may not participate in more than one half of play (maximum 40 minutes) during a jamboree.
- c) A jamboree shall have a minimum of 4 teams participating.
- c) A jamboree shall have a maximum of 8 teams participating.
- d) Schools and/or individuals participating in a soccer jamboree will not be charged with a game under the soccer limitation rules.
- e) A jamboree does not count as one of the two scrimmages that are allowed.
- Individual Limitation:
- a) An individual may compete in 19 regular season games.
- b) An individual may not dress in more than three games per day.
- c) Participation in one half only in one day does not constitute a contest.
- d) Participation in two or three halves in one day constitutes one game toward their 19 regular season games.
- e) Participation in four halves in one day constitutes two games toward their 19 regular season games.
- f) Participation in five or six halves in one day constitutes three games toward their 19 regular season games.
- g) Two of these 19 games may be a multiple team tournament involving no more than 8 teams.
- h) Participation is limited to six halves per day.
- i) Overtime is considered an extension of the second half and does not count toward additional halves being played.
- Seating: It is recommended that spectators be assigned to designated areas for seating. For example: Placing the home team on one side and the visiting team on the other side. If facilities provide for spectators to use other means than bleachers to sit in, they should be at least 10 feet away from the touch line on all sides. Additionally, fans should not be permitted to sit in the penalty area behind each goal.
- Officials: The National Federation “Dual Officiating System” or “Diagonal Officiating System“ as outlined in the 2022-23 High School Soccer Rules Book shall be used for all games involving high school players. The “three whistle system” may also be used. The “Diagonal Officiating System” will be used in all IHSAA tournaments. All officials must be registered officials with the IHSAA.
- The Select “Royale” soccer ball is the post season tournament soccer ball. Host schools will be responsible for supplying the Select “Royale” ball for the post season.
Contest Information
Rule Clarification & Modifications
- Game Length: Varsity soccer games shall be played in two equal halves of 40 minutes each. The length of halves for junior varsity competition may be shortened by mutual agreement.
- Goal Differential: The IHSAA has adopted a 10-goal differential causing the termination of a game. Any game 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.
- Tied Regular Season Games:
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 game 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 game 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 or receiving a yellow card in the last 5 minutes of the second overtime) 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 game is ended without more kicks being taken.
- Tied Invitational or Conference Tournaments: Tournament games are required to have an overtime, which may go directly to penalty kicks. Preapproved criteria that does not involve overtime or penalty kicks is not permissible to determine a winner if the match is tied at the end of regulation.
- Suspended Games: In accordance with IHSAA policy, whenever a game is suspended and no winner can be determined according to Rule 7, Section 1, Article 3, the game shall be restarted from the suspension of play.
- Conduct Modifications – The following are rules modifications dealing with the conduct of players, coaches and teams.
- Any player receiving a caution (yellow card) for any reason must leave the contest for a period of five (5) consecutive minutes. This time period carries over from the first half to the second half; from the second half to the first overtime period and from the first overtime period to the second overtime period. Players cautioned (yellow card) in the second overtime period after the 5 minute mark are no longer eligible to participate in the game including tie breaker penalty kicks.
- Any team receiving four varsity red cards, players or coach, will not be permitted to participate in the substate tournament. If the fourth red card is received in a substate tournament game or a state tournament game, the game will be halted and the team receiving the card will forfeit the contest.
- If a coach receives two (2) red cards over a three (3) year period, he/she will not be allowed to coach his/her team in the substate or state tournament for two years.
Postseason Information
Substate Tournament Information
- Substate tournaments will be held on the following dates.
Monday, May 13: Class 1A and Class 2A
Tuesday, May 14: Class 3A and Class 4A
Monday, May 20: All classes
Wednesday, May 22: All classes
a) There will be eight (8) substates with six, seven, eight or nine teams in each substate.
b) The substate winner will qualify for the IHSAA State Soccer Tournament.
c) Substate pairings will be posted on Monday, May 6, 2024.
d) IHSAA rankings will be used to determine the brackets in each class.
e) Substate Tournament Format will be single elimination play. In case of a tie at the end of regulation play the following format is to be used. 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 game 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 game 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 or receiving a yellow card in the last 5 minutes of the second overtime) 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 game is ended without more kicks being taken.
Team Representatives: The official soccer team for substate tournament competition shall consist of no more than 24 players and 9 other personnel (including coaches, trainers, managers, etc).
Substate Tournament Awards: The winning school will receive a banner upon winning the substate championship. Members of the winning team will receive medals.
State Tournament Information
State Tournament: The spring state soccer tournament will be held on Wednesday, May 29; Friday, May 31; and Saturday June 1, 2024. The state tournament quarterfinals will be held at Cownie Soccer Park in Des Moines on Wedneday, May 29th. Eight teams from each class will qualify for the state tournament. The state tournament semifinals and finals will be held at Drake Stadium and Mediacom Stadium on the Drake University campus on Friday, May 31st and Saturday, June 1st.
Tournament Format: State tournament competition will be single elimination. In case of a tie at the end of regulation play the following format will be used. 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 game 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 game 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 or receiving a yellow card in the last 5 minutes of the second overtime) 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 game is ended without more kicks being taken. The state tournament will use the following format:
Team Representatives: The official soccer team for state tournament competition shall consist of no more than 24 players and 9 other personnel (including coaches, trainers, managers, bus driver,etc.).
State Meet Awards: Each school competing in the state tournament will receive a trophy. Each member of the teams participating in the state tournament will receive medals. The champion and runner-up will receive a banner.
Pictures: Teams who qualify for the state tournament will have their pictures taken; these will later be mounted on a plaque to be presented to each team member and coach, compliments of the IHSAA. This picture will be taken one hour before the time you are scheduled to play your quarterfinal game. Each school will receive one plaque for each team member present for the state tournament and one plaque for the coach.
State Soccer Tournament Expense Allowance: For state soccer tournament participation, the IHSAA will reimburse each school at the rate of $1.20 per mile one way from its school to the site of the tournament. Teams traveling less than 100 miles will also receive $10.00 per allotted traveling party. Teams traveling greater than 99 miles and not using lodging will receive $20.00 per allotted traveling party. Teams traveling greater than 99 miles and using lodging will receive $40.00 per allotted traveling party.
Weather Information
Suspension Or Postponement Of Contests
I. Prior to the contest officials’ assuming authority.
A. The home school’s management shall determine whether a contest should be suspended or postponed due to severe weather.
1. In making the decision whether or not to suspend or postpone a contest, the host management should first take into consideration the safety of the participants and spectators.
2. Playing surface conditions should be considered and what continued use may do to the surface.
3. If the decision is made by the host management to postpone the contest, administrators from both schools should mutually agree if, and when, to reschedule.
II. Once the contest officials’ authority begins.
A. Refer to NFHS playing rules, or IHSAA post-season rules, for the exact rules in each sport regarding contest officials authority to suspend the contest.
III. Postponing the contest.
A. Wait a sufficient amount of time to see if the severe weather will subside.
B. Home management and/or contest officials shall decide whether to postpone or resume the contest.
C. Playing surface conditions should be considered when making this decision.
IV. If the contest resumes.
A. Adequate time should be given for contestants to warm up prior to continuing play.
V. If the contest cannot be resumed after a severe weather delay.
A. Administrators from both schools need to come to an agreement. The contest may be considered complete with the existing score becoming the final score, or the contest may be postponed and continued from the point of interruption, at a time mutually agreed to by both schools.
B. If a regular season game that has been suspended cannot be completed by the ninth Friday of the football season, that game will be considered final at the point of suspension. All necessary points will be awarded at that time.
Lightning Safety
The safety of the players and spectators is always more important than the game! Communication between game management, officials & coaches is essential for the safety of everyone. Lightning only takes an instant to strike. You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder. All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from rainfall. Don’t wait until the last minute to seek shelter. If thunder is heard, or cloud-to-ground lightning is seen, immediately suspend the event and instruct everyone to take shelter in a safe structure.
Have a lightning safety plan in place. Know where teams and spectators will go for safety and know how much time it will take them to get to safety. A “safe structure” is a completely enclosed building that is normally occupied or frequently used by people. The building should have plumbing and electrical wiring to help ground it from lightning. If there is no such structure available, an enclosed vehicle with a metal roof and sides is a reasonable second choice. When a contest is suspended due to lightning, wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder before leaving safe shelter and resuming activity. Lightning detectors are a great tool to draw one’s attention to the fact that lightning is in the vicinity. Remember, even with lightning detectors, the weather should be monitored closely for lightning or thunder.
Hazardous Weather Guidelines
The primary concern when signs of hazardous weather are present is the safety of participants and spectators. Have a safety plan for any type of hazardous weather that may occur. Practice and follow the plan. Know where people will go for safety and know how much time it will take for them to get there. Have specific guidelines for suspending the event so everyone has time to reach a place of safety before the threat becomes significant.