Rules

Goalkeepers must now leave the field when they suffer an apparent injury and the referee stops the clock, according to a new rule approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Soccer Rules Committee and subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

In a continued emphasis on improving sportsmanship, the "soft red" card has been eliminated in high school soccer. Effective with the 2012-13 season, a second yellow card not only will disqualify a player, but the team will not be permitted to substitute for the disqualified player.

Interpretations of rules governing high school soccer by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

A year after requiring soccer shinguards to meet National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) standards, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Soccer Rules Committee will now require the front of the shinguard to be permanently marked with the NOCSAE seal and height range, effective in fall 2012.

Effective with the 2008-09 high school soccer season, players will be penalized (yellow card) for subsequent violations of illegal equipment rules.

Beginning with the 2007-08 soccer season, if a player enters the game improperly equipped, and it is discovered by an official, the coach will be cautioned (yellow card).