Florida High School Soccer Rules

Florida high school soccer follows many of the rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The rules are governed by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and adjusted from the NFHS rules to accommodate the state's mandates. They are re-examined each school year.

Only student-athletes eligible under the guidelines of the board of directors may participate in Florida high school soccer. If an ineligible player participates, that team forfeits. In addition to no practices on Sundays, there are only 25 contests in the regular season, including those played during regular season tournaments. No more than three should occur in one week unless just a tournament is played, when four games are allowed in total. Contests can only be held on Sunday under emergency conditions in tournaments or if approved by the Executive Director or Board of Directors.

Varsity level games are played in two 40-minute halves, sub-varsity games may choose to play 30-minute halves. During the regular season, a soccer game is official if at least one half has been finished. If a game is stopped because of darkness or inclement weather prior to the first half's completion, it shall restart from the point it stopped. A game will be terminated if there is an eight goal differential at the end of the first half or at any point during the second half. Tied regular season games will end play in a tie. At invitational tournaments, play may be resolved using the overtime procedure. There is a five-minute break after the first half and before the first sudden victory overtime. A two-minute interval will take place before the subsequent sudden victory overtime. A one-minute timeout is allowed in each half for rehydration of players and coaching. A timeout immediately prior to or after the 20-minute mark will only occur at the discretion of the referee if no immediate offensive scoring is seen as an opportunity.

In the Card System for Misconduct, players and coaches who commit violations in NFHS Rule 12-8-1 through 12-8-3 may receive the subsequent cards and be cautioned. However, an official may decide to issue a red card and eject the player/coach if the situation warrants it. Coaches and players found guilty of unsportsmanship conduct are suspended from competition for the remainder of the game, as well as all contests for the following seven days, missing no less than two regularly scheduled games. Additional action may be taken for gross unsporting conduct.

At least two officials, a head referee and an assistant referee, must be used for each regular season game. The use of three officials is optional. The head referee may keep the official time during a regular season game.

Compression or bicycle shorts may be worn under a uniform, but not instead of a uniform bottom. The manufacturer's logo is the only commercial advertising allowed on athletic uniforms. It is the responsibility of the officials to conduct a check of the lineup five minutes before the game. This will include inspection for proper uniform and equipment.

The use of banned substances (alcohol, tobacco or tobacco-like products) is prohibited by players, coaches and officials during the athletic contest and is not allowed within the vicinity of a playing field. The use of anabolic steroids and other drugs that are considered performance-enhancing is considered to be an act of gross unsporting conduct.