RULES GUIDELINES to be followed by SCSOA 2009-10 

 

These guidelines/interpretations supersede the NFHS Rule Book and have been agreed to by SCSOA and CIF.

 

Rule 3 - Substitutions shall be conducted in the following manner. Players leaving the field must leave on their team's side anywhere along their touchline.  If both teams are on the same side of the field, the players must exit nearest their bench. Substitutes must enter at mid-field, where the halfway line intersects the touchline and may not enter until the player they are replacing has left the field of play and has been directed to enter by the referee or assistant referee.

 

SCSOA policy will be to enforce the following:  After the game starts, substitutes must have the approval of the referee or assistant referee, before entering the field of play, even after a goal.

     Reason:  Preventative mechanics and better control.  If players exit the field on their own side or near their bench, there is less chance for confrontation with opposing teams, substitutes or spectators.  Also, the referee has better control of players and less time is lost through substitution. In addition, scorekeepers are rarely used by the schools.

 

For clarification, if a team starts with less than 11 players and a player or players arrive late, can they enter the game?  SCSOA will allow them to enter at the next legal substitution opportunity, provided their name is on the roster or is added to the roster, and they are properly checked for illegal equipment.

 

Rule 4 -  Section 4-2-2 refers to hair control devices being legal if made of soft material and not for adornment. SCSOA policy is that head scarves or bandanas will not be allowed under any circumstances.

     Reason:  SCSOA feels these are not a necessity and fall under the adornment category as well as having potentially dangerous knots.  Also, this will prevent gang colors from being displayed, which could lead to other problems.

 

Rule 5 -  5-1-3 (a) deals with referee shirt color conflicting with the teams, where the referee must change to non-conflicting colors.  SCSOA has adopted the standard colors approved by USSF for our referees. It is mandatory that the referees dress alike in a shirt that isn't in conflict with either team.  Referees must carry alternate colors with them.  If the goalkeeper is in conflict with teammates or opponents, the goalkeeper will change uniform.  (Note:  New rule change does permit referees and goalkeepers to have like color shirts.)

 

SCSOA policy is that only 3-striped cuff socks will be permitted.  SCSOA policy is that sunglasses will not be allowed to be worn by referees.  The only exception is prescription glasses. No sunglasses allow for better game control through eye contact (both with players and referees).

 

SCSOA policy is that referees will not wear jewelry (e.g., earrings, necklaces) as is the case for players on the field.