1. FHSAA Officials Summer Conference
2016 Soccer Session

2. Introduction Alex Ozuna Assistant Director of Athletics
ext. 320
Boys Soccer Administrator
Corey Sobers Assistant Director of Athletics ext. 470 Girls Soccer Administrator

3. Important Dates Girls Dates Boys Dates
Soccer Training Session Agendas Due Sept.19 Sept. 19
Officials Registration Deadline Sept Sept. 30
Online Rules Exams Oct Oct (Tentative)
Preseason Tournament Dates Oct Oct. 31- Nov. 5
First Competition Date Oct Nov. 7
Online Make-up Exams Nov Nov (Tentative)
Late Registration Deadline Nov Nov. 10 (Tentative)
Soccer Recommendation Forms ed Nov Nov. 14
Soccer Recommendation Forms Due Jan. 2 Jan. 2
Last Competition Date Jan Jan. 21
District Tournament Dates Jan Jan ;27-28
Regional Tournament Dates Jan. 26, 31, Feb. 3 Feb. 2, 7, 10
State Championship Dates Feb Feb
Soccer Game/Match Reports Due Mar. 6 Mar. 6

4. NFHS Points of Emphasis
Sportsmanship
Players, coaches, game officials and spectators must work together to model and demonstrate sportsmanship and fair play, to minimize risk and to maximize participation. Players, coaches, game officials and spectators must use appropriate language and refrain from insulting, offensive and/or abusive language and gestures. Behavior on the field should be consistent with athletics as an extension of the classroom.
Communication
Game Officials are encouraged to effectively communicate with one another as well as with players and coaches throughout the game.
Team Member Equipment Check
Because of the number of recent rules changes involving uniforms and equipment, officials are encouraged to informally check the equipment of team members before the game to prevent possible player equipment violations occurring during the game.

5. NFHS Points of Emphasis
Rough Play
Officials should deal with rough play by giving appropriate penalties immediately when the rough play occurs.
Injuries
If the referee observes a player for a possible injury, that player will not have to leave the game unless the coach and/or medical personnel are beckoned onto the field to check the player.
If the referee beckons the coach and/or medical personnel, the player including a goalkeeper is required to leave the field.

6. NFHS Points of Emphasis
Concussion Management
The contest official is to be cognizant of student-athletes who display signs, symptoms or behaviors of a concussion (see NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion) and immediately stop play for injury evaluation within the rules of the game. At that point, the contest official’s job is done. It is important to note that the responsibility of the contest official is limited to activities that occur on the field. Once the participant has been removed from a contest due to a suspected concussion, the coach, school and appropriate healthcare professional(s) assume full responsibility for that athlete’s further evaluation and safety.

7. Point of Emphasis – Official Game Clock
FHSAA Official Clock Procedure
The official time will be kept by a contest official on the field, and if the stadium clock is available, it is unofficial.
The official game clock is to be kept on the field by a contest officials during the entire of the game.
If there is a display clock available, it can be used but the displayed time is unofficial.
The proper procedure for a display clock is to run the game clock to 0:00 during each half. Do not stop the clock at the 2:00 mark.
If a display clock is available, throughout the entirety of the contest, the contest official must be sure that the official game time kept on the field is in sync with the display stadium clock.
If the display stadium clock and the official game time kept on the field are not in sync, the official must be sure to make the appropriate adjustments to the display stadium clock during the water breaks or any stoppage.
Prior to the game, be sure to communicate the clock procedures with clock operator, and the coaches of both teams.

8. NFHS/FHSAA Rule Changes – 2015-16
NFHS Rule (a-f)
A player who commits a second violation of any of the violations listed in NFHS Rule (a-f) shall be issued a second caution (blue card), shall be disqualified (ejected) from further participation in the game and shall not be replaced on the field with a substitute.
NFHS Rule (d)(3)
A player who violates NFHS Rule (d) (3) shall be guilty of a committing a foul (non- violent) attempting to deny an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, shall be disqualified (ejected) from the contest. The player shall be issued a blue card and shall not be replaced on the field with a substitute.
NFHS Rule 3-3-3(e) - Substitutions
Since the clock is stopped when bench personnel are cautioned or disqualified, substitutes from both teams who have already reported may be beckoned by the referee and may enter the field of play. Previously, there was no provision for substitutes to enter the field of play during this type of stoppage.
NFHS Rule 4-1-1(h) – Equipment/Uniform
Currently, the jersey of the goalkeeper must be distinctly different in color from his/her teammates and opposing field players. To differentiate opponents, it is important that the goalkeeper’s socks be included in this rule. Therefore, the goalkeeper’s socks must differ in color from the opposing field players.
RULE 3-3-2b(2) – SUBSTITUTIONS
ART Time for Substitutions: either team may substitute an unlimited number of players from the bench, provided they report to the scorer's table or nearest official and are beckoned in as per 3-4-1(a):
a. when a goal is scored.
b. when a player is injured:
1. A coach or appropriate health-care professional may not enter the field without approval from a referee.
2. If the referee stops the clock for an apparent injury to a field player or goalkeeper, the field player or goalkeeper will have to leave the field. The field player may be replaced, and the goalkeeper shall be replaced.
COMMENTS ON THE RULES
Risk minimization is one of the major tenets of NFHS sports and the rules-writing process. The committee wanted to make sure that players who were apparently injured were evaluated by a coach or an appropriate health-care professional. The overriding concern is the safety of all players. Previously, the goalkeeper was not required to leave the game when the referee stopped the clock.
This new rule requires the field player and goalkeeper to receive equal protection.
RULE – GENERAL
ART The jurisdiction of the officials shall begin on their arrival at the field of play and its immediate surroundings (to begin their official responsibilities), which shall be not later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the game and end with their leaving the field of play and its immediate surroundings. They shall enforce the rules, and their decisions on points of fact are final. The officials can only correct a decision so long as the game has not been restarted. The officials retain clerical authority over the contest through the completion of any reports, including those imposing disqualifications, that are responsive to actions occurring while the referees had jurisdiction. State associations may intercede in the event of unusual incidents that occur before, during or after the officials’ jurisdiction has ended or in the event that a contest is terminated prior to the conclusion
of regulation play. Protests of NFHS rules are not recognized. The officials shall not use video replays to assist in any decision. The officials shall not use any tobacco products during this period.
The jurisdiction of the officials shall begin on their arrival at the field of play and its immediate surroundings, which shall be no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the game. Previously, the jurisdiction of the officials began 15 minutes prior to the start of the game. The original intent was to establish a minimum arrival time for the officiating crew and not to place a limit on the start of
their jurisdiction. Jurisdiction now begins at the time of their arrival.

9. NFHS/FHSAA Rule Changes – 2016-17
NFHS Rule NEW
A soft-padded headband is permitted.
This change permits the use of soft-padded headbands, referencing relevant ASTM standards. This clarifies that soft-padded headbands are permitted for all players.
NFHS Rule
This change clarifies that a player in an offside position that receives the ball from an opponent who deliberately plays the ball is not guilty of offside infraction. However, if the player receives the ball from a deliberate save, he/she gains an advantage and is considered offside.
NFHS Rule
This rule change affects a player taking a penalty kick who interrupts their movement to the ball. The referee will now consider it as any other violation by a member of the attacking team and will use the Penalty Kick Situations Chart for guidance on how to handle the infraction.
4-2-9 NEW: A soft-padded headband is permitted.
Rationale: This information is not included in the rules. It is mentioned in a situation.
11-1-4: A player is offside and penalized if, at the time the ball touches or is played by a teammate, the player is involved in active play and interferes with play or with an opponent or seeks to gain an advantage by being in that position. A player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent, who deliberately plays the ball (except from a deliberate save), is not considered to have gained an advantage.
Rationale: The addition of this information aligns NFHS with other rules codes.
14-1-4:….Once the kicker starts his/her approach toward the ball, he/she may not interrupt his/her movement. Failure to kick the ball as specified shall result in a re-kick will be considered a violation by the attacking team, and the appropriate penalties shall apply.
Rationale: As the rule is currently written, even though the attacking team has committed the infringement, it penalizes the defending team if it successfully stops a penalty kick. If the penalty kick is unsuccessful, the defending team should be awarded the ball as the attacking team has incorrectly taken the penalty kick. The current interpretation that the ball has not been put into play so a re-kick must take place is difficult to justify because rarely does the referee blow the whistle in time to prevent the kick from being taken. Thus the ball moves forward and is considered in play under all other interpretations of the rules. Trying to rationalize this rule to the defending team's players and coaches is very difficult considering they have just prevented a goal even though their opponents committed a violation. Finally, changing the restart in this case to an IFK or the other appropriate penalties aligns NFHS rules with other rules codes.

10. NFHS/FHSAA Rule Changes – 2016-17
NFHS Rule NEW - Definitions
Gaining an Advantage
A player who plays a ball that rebounds to him/her off a goal post or the crossbar after having been in an offside position, or a player who after being in an offside position plays a ball that rebounds to him/her off an opponent, who has not deliberately played the ball or made a deliberate save.
Interfering with an Opponent
Preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or movement of challenging an opponent for the ball.
Interfering with Play
Playing or touching the ball passed or touched by a team-mate.
NFHS Rule FHSAA Modification
If an eight (8) differential is reached at any point during the first half, the game clock shall continue to run after goals are scored. Once the game clock starts running due to an eight (8) goal differential, the game clock must continue to run for the duration of the game.
18-1-1 NEW o: GAINING AN ADVANTAGE BY BEING IN THAT POSITION-A player who plays a ball that rebounds to him/her off a goal post or the crossbar after having been in an offside position, or a player who after being in an offside position plays a ball that rebounds to him/her off an opponent, who has not deliberately played the ball or made a deliberate save.
Rationale: Gaining An Advantage by being in that Position is in Rule , but it has never been defined. This new definition aligns NFHS with other rules codes.
18-1-1 NEW u: INTERFERING WITH AN OPPONENT – Preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or movement of challenging an opponent for the ball.
Rationale: Interfering with an Opponent is in Rule , but it has never been defined. This new definition aligns NFHS with other rules codes..
18-1-1 NEW v: INTERFERING WITH PLAY – Playing or touching the ball passed or touched by a team-mate.
Rationale: Interfering with Play is in Rule , but what it means has never been defined. This new definition aligns NFHS with other rules codes.

11. Soccer Officials Ranking System
The current soccer officiating ranking system will use the following criteria when rating the officials:
Evaluation Score 50
Test Results 25
Previous Year’s Contest Officiated 10 (1/2 Credit for Varsity; ¼ Credit for Sub Varsity; Max at 10 points)
Years of Service point for every year of service (maximum of 10 points)
Field Clinic Attendance 5 (Once every 4 years)
100

12. Soccer Officials Ranking System
Ranking Categories
Rank 1 and Rank 2 officials will be eligible for officiating state series games
Ranking Breakdown
Rank 1 =
Rank 2 =
Rank 3 = 74 – Below
Information
22 Associations
448 Officials Evaluated
Average of 83.28
114 Rank 1 Officials
257 Rank 2 Officials
77 Rank 3 Officials

13. FHSAA Soccer Officials Evaluation Program
Evaluation Form
Match Difficulty
Professionalism/Pre-Game Responsibilities
Appearance/Fitness
Field Positioning
Mechanics/Signals
Application of Rules/Consistency
Communication with Player/Coaches/Partners
Comment Section
Overall Crew Impressions
Positive Feedback
Areas Needing Improvement
Additional Comments
Punctuality
Does the crew arrive at the field with ample time to conduct field inspections and captain’s meeting.
Is Physically Fit
A host of characteristics are encompassed in this phrase, like mobility, endurance level, and appropriate gestures.
Can the Official keep up with the game.
Wear the Proper Uniform
Is Well Groomed
An official should look clean and should seem to have taken care to present a pleasing appearance.
Field Coverage
Can the official cover his/her assigned area? Is the official moving with the flow of the game.
Positioning
Does the official position themselves properly during static and dynamic plays, is the official putting themselves in the correct position to make the proper call.
Signals
Is the official using proper signals and mechanics per the NFHS rules book.
Restarts
Is the game being restarted with the correct procedures given each situation.
Substitution
Are proper procedures being used during the game.
Decision Making
Is the official making the correct call given the situation?
Advantage
Is the official properly using the advantage, or is he/she failing to make the call.
Off-Ball Incidents
Is the officials aware of his/her surroundings? Is he/she attentive to the players which are away from the ball.
Foul Recognition
Serious Offenses/Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Does the official recognize the serious offense? Does the official cite the correct card (Yellow/Red/Blue) given the situation.
Communication with Crew
Communication with Coaches
Is the official communicating effectively with the coaches. Is he/she utilizing listening skills as well as verbal skills.
Player Management
Is the official his/her verbal skills as a misconduct prevention tool.
Composure
Overall Crew Impressions
Given an overall synopsis of the performance of the crew during the game.
Positive Feedback
Provide each official with some positive feedback to take away from their overall performance.
Areas Needing Improvement
Provide each official with areas they can improve moving forward.
Additional Comments
Note any specific circumstances, weather concerns, unsportsmanlike conduct, ejections, unusual circumstances, etc.
Individual/Crew comments that happened during the game that demonstrated a command or lack of the rules/mechanics.

14. FHSAA Soccer Officials Evaluation Program
Procedure
To be eligible for the state series, each official must be evaluated at least once every two years
The evaluation score received will be calculated into the ranking formula
If an official has multiple evaluations, the average score of the evaluations will be taken into the ranking formula
Each official and/or association is responsible for contacting and scheduling the date/time of each evaluations with one of the FHSAA Certified Soccer Evaluators
Once an evaluation has concluded, the evaluator will provide a copy of the evaluation to the contest official, the official’s association, and the FHSAA
The evaluations will be done at the expense of the association or the individual official(s) at a rate not exceeding $60 (including travel cost) per crew

15. FHSAA Soccer Officials Evaluation Program
Name
Section
City
Phone
Timothy Fouts 1
Pace
David Rietzler
Ponte Vedra Beach
Marc Taps
Tallahassee
Grant Merrill
Neptune Beach
Ralph Shuping
Trenton
Edward Guertin
Orange Park
Robert Breaux 2
Maitland
Goree Fleck
St. Petersburg Beach
John Bauman
Winter Haven
David Soluri
Crystal River
Harry Foose
The Villages
Malcolm King
DeLeon Springs
Lutfi (Lou) Nassar 3
Sarasota
David Cattermole
Naples
Robert Harris
Cape Coral
Scott Hopkins
Brandon
Ermanno Rossi 4
Miami Beach
Melvin Weinbaum
Boynton Beach
John McGee
Southwest Ranches
Alan Hyatt
Lake Worth
Bill Sprecher
Fort Pierce
John Auld
Hobe Sound
Here is the current list of the FHSAA Certified Soccer Evaluators
Contact information for the FHSAA Certified Soccer Evaluators will be posted on the FHSAA Official’s page under the information box on the right side of the page.

16. Frequently Asked Questions
Do all evaluations take place using the “Double Dual System” of control?
If an official takes multiple evaluations during the two year span, does the lowest score drop off?
if an individual is evaluated as a Side Referee how does this affect his/her assignments as a Center Referee, as well as his/her soccer ranking status

17. Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Spanish version of the annual officials exam?
Are the Aqua uniforms going to be mandatory during the regular season moving forward?
Will the FHSAA be providing patches moving forward?
When By-laws are changed for an association, do association need to have them reviewed by FHSAA or merely submit a copy to FHSAA office?

18. Questions?
Contact Information
Boys Soccer
Alex Ozuna
(352) ext. 320
Girls Soccer
Corey Sobers
(352) ext. 470