2017-18 PRESEASON GUIDE
SOCCER
A Modern Game T
he NFHS has updated the free kick rules to keep up with the modern trends of the game and other rules codes, including allowing the kickoff in any direction. The other rule changes were to clarify acceptable movements during penalty kicks, allow soft-padded headgear to be worn and address the use of electronic-communication devices. The NFHS Soccer Rules Committee approved those rule changes at its Jan. 23-25 meeting in Indianapolis. The NFHS Board of Directors subsequently approved the changes. In addition to the rule changes, the committee approved editorial changes and points of emphasis. Referee thanks Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports, events and development, and staff liaison to the rules committee, for reviewing the material in this article. The committee felt the rules for the game of soccer are in a good place. “There have been a number of rule SEE “FREE KICK” P. 2
DALE GARVEY
Among the changes to the NFHS playing rules is a revision to penalty-kick situations. There is now an opportunity for play to continue after an infraction by the attacking player who takes the penalty kick. When that player violates, the infraction is now treated the same as other penaltykick infractions by the attacking team. PUBLISHED BY REFEREE IN COOPERATION WITH THE NFHS
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS (NFHS)
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