Question Number: 20265

League Specific 10/15/2008

RE: all levels

Franco of Soccerville, Midwest USA asks...

Thanks for the link for the differences between high school, college and FIFA.

I noticed high school talks about mandatory hand signals for all fouls, time outs and goals.

Do have any links to exactly what those hand signals are?

Just curious- do you ever feel the high school rules are too complex, unecessary changes and changes that resemble other sports officiating and actually complicate the game.

Franco

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

While the NFHS rule book is not available online - I understand you have to pay for this - the signals are available in the links given by my colleague.

I don't do HS, for a variety of reasons. To me, the rule differences are annoyances, something that adds to my reluctance to get NFHS certification. For the most part, I think the changes and additions are silly - including some of those signals. The differences are not the most important factor, but they are a factor in why I don't do HS. There's a few FIFA/USSF rules and interpretations that I don't agree with and accept grudgingly. HS just has a few more.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

It has often been broached that the public could benifit from some better communication of what fouls or calls the offcial is making. It has been suggested if he used hand signals to indicate the situation it might lessen dissent. Do not truly belive that and not sure it is needed. Advantage situations certainly would be difficult as the advantage INDICATES a foul just not which one. In my opinion most fouls are discernable to a reasonable degree. I use my voice if I sense confusion but the right to restart quickly must be perserved.

Most High School soccer law alterations are unneccessary in my opinion. The universal game should remain universal. Those in charge do so because they can, I could debate if it is required.

Signal
http://www.nfhs.org/web/2006/08/soccer.aspx

http://www.nfhs.org/core/contentmanager/uploads/Soccer_Rules_Comparative_Study.pdf

http://www.nfhs.org/core/contentmanager/uploads/soccersignals1.pdf
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I will add that I do not use the NFHS signals. I only use the normal FIFA/USSF/College signals... not technically correct, but that is what I chose to do.