2008-09 Soccer Rules Changes

1-1-1: The field of play shall be rectangular, 100 to 120 yards long and 55 to 80 yards wide. The following minimal dimensions are recommended:
 a. High Schools -110 yards by 65 yards;
 b. Junior High Schools - 100 yards by 55 yards.

4-3: Each head coach shall be responsible for ensuring that each of his/her players is properly and legally equipped.
Add: PENALTY: 
Improperly Equipped Players (18-1-1-s)
Cautions will not be issued for improperly equipped player(s). 

Improperly equipped player(s) shall be instructed to leave the field of play when the ball next ceases to be in play. Play shall not be stopped for an infringement of this rule except that the referee may stop play immediately where there is a dangerous situation.

In all situations, the removed player(s) may re-enter only after reporting to an official who shall be satisfied the player's equipment and uniform are in order. There shall be no replacement until the next opportunity to substitute. However, the removed player may re-enter during the dead ball after reporting to an official who shall be satisfied the player's equipment and uniform are in order.

Illegally Equipped Players (18-1-1-r)
The head coach shall receive the first caution issued (yellow card) for an illegally equipped player(s). All subsequent cautions (yellow cards) issued for illegally equipped player(s) shall be issued directly to the player(s) and not to the head coach.  

Illegally equipped player(s) shall be instructed to leave the field of play when the ball next ceases to be in play. Play shall not be stopped for an infringement of this rule except that the referee may stop play immediately where there is a dangerous situation.
 
The removed player(s) who has not been cautioned may re-enter during a dead ball. Player(s) who have been cautioned can only re-enter at the next legal substitution opportunity. There shall be no replacement for non-cautioned players until the next opportunity to substitute.

In all situations, the removed player(s) may re-enter only after reporting to an official who shall be satisfied the player's equipment and uniform are in order. There shall be no replacement until the next opportunity to substitute. However, the removed player may re-enter during the dead ball after reporting to an official who shall be satisfied the player's equipment and uniform are in order.

5-2-2-d-2: Address good sportsmanship.

5-2-2-d-4 New: Inquire of each head coach whether each of his/her players is properly and legally equipped.  Any questions regarding legality of a player's equipment shall be determined by the head referee, or the center referee in a game officiated using the double-dual system of officiating.

Delete 5-2-2-e: Address coaches and players concerning good sportsmanship.

Points of Emphasis

 1. Shinguards
 2. Team Benches
 3. Knee Braces
 4. Game Management
 5. Pregame Responsibilities
 6. Handling

Major Editorial Changes 2008-09

14-1-6-b Situation: The ball is in play until its momentum has been spent, it goes out of bounds, or it is retouched by the kicker.

18-1-1-r: ILLEGALLY EQUIPPED - a player not wearing equipment required by rule or wearing an item/items not allowed by rule.

18-1-1-s: IMPROPERLY EQUIPPED - a player wearing legal equipment that is being worn incorrectly or becomes illegal during play.

Rules Comparison: The 2008-09 rules book will contain an updated comparison of the major differences among NFHS and NCAA rules and FIFA laws.