Question Number: 29420

League Specific 5/18/2015

RE: Competitive High School

Derek of Cary, IL USA asks...

I am wanting to become certified to do high school games (NFHS rules I believe). What differences can I expect between this and the youth club games I normally do? I understand there are rule differences among other things I need to study up on. I am asking in relation to assigning/receiving games, administration before/during/after the match, and the pace, intensity, and aggressiveness of play.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

A few that come to my mind are: If the throw in does not enter field, it is a rethrow in USSF and loss of possession in NFHS. The clock in NFHS starts at 40 minutes and runs down. It is stopped on goals, cards, injuries, penalty kicks, and any other time referee wants it to stop. In USSF the clock runs up and the referee may add stoppage time at their discretion. In USSF, the referee shows the second yellow first and then the red. In NFHS the referee shows both cards at same time and the guilty team does not play short on a second caution. There are certain mandatory cautions that apply to USSF games that do not for NFHS games. NFHS is also more clear on acceptable equipment such as shin guards. USSF just uses 'the referee discretion' idea on that. In NFHS the host school is in charge of match until game starts...then referee is in charge. In USSF referee is in charge the moment they enter the field. Dangerous play in USSF must effect opponent adversely to be called. In high school if danger effects teammate ...it is also to be called. Coaches can be shown cards in NFHS but not in USSF. Referees can still dismiss coaches (Ask tell dismiss procedure). There are lots of them. Basically NFHS just uses the FIFA Law ideas ..but adds and takes little things out. Here is a good source for more info: https://www.nfhs.org/media/885680/comparative-study-of-rules-and-laws-2015.pdf

Answer provided by Referee MrRef

Hi Dereck,
you are fortunate because we have a high level representative of the NFHS working with us on this site Ref Manjone and several of our panel member Ref Wickham for example ,are certified high school officials. Officiating character I think, translates to both sectors, it will be in the details of mechanics and communication and within some of the ...RULES... in the NFHS differing slightly with the FIFA ...LAWS...

The NFHS are concerned primarily with the players more so than the game as an extension of the classroom. I will not speak to the differences or the reasons only to say the Spirit and intent of the rules and laws are the same and that Fair Play and sporting conduct are still embedded in both at every level.

You are accountable for learning the differences and not ridiculing or saying one system is lacking or better than the other. Uphold the professional code of conduct at either venue and do what the match requires per the associations you are working and getting paid for!

Have fun and good luck
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Derek,

There are a number of rules differences between NFHS, NCAA, and USSF. These differences occur because the goals and objectives of each organization and the competition offered in each organization differ. Education is a primary objective of the NFHS.

The differences among the three rules bodies are detailed in the NFHS Rules book starting on page 72 and ending on page 85 of the new 2015-16 NFHS Rules Book. Visit www.nfhs.org/ebooks for more information on purchasing and NFHS Rules Book.

I wish you success in becoming a high school soccer official.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Beside the rule differences, you will want to recognize the differences in play. If you are already doing games at this age level (U17 - U19) for the best clubs in your area, you may find that those games you are doing are harder than high school games. Go visit a HS game and watch what happens. You may find that you know one or more of the officials there and can ask for some advice.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Derek
I would make two points
1. Obviously the rules are different to USSF games so it is important to know and understand the key differences between the codes. That can cause all sorts of problems if the decision is made based on a different rulebook. In a recent question it was asked whether a team play short if a player is sent off at half time in a NFHS game. There is a NFHS answer and a FIFA answer
2. Games in different codes have a uniqueness and it is best to understand that so that the referee fits in with the expected norms. We have some soccer referees that officiate mainly in our Gaelic games. I can see little features that identify them as such. When in Rome do as the Romans do.