NFHS SOCCER EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026 –
COMPLETE CONCEPT REVIEW & PRACTICE
MATERIALS (LATEST EDITION)
NFHS SOCCER EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026
1. What is the primary authority for high school soccer rules in the United States?
A. FIFA Laws of the Game
B. USSF Referee Program
C. NCAA Soccer Rules
D. National Federation of State High School Associations
Correct Answer: D ✅✅
Explanation: The NFHS establishes and publishes the official soccer rules used for high school
competitions in the U.S., which may differ from FIFA or NCAA rules.
2. How many officials are required in a standard NFHS soccer match?
A. One referee
B. Two officials
C. Three officials
D. Four officials
Correct Answer: C ✅✅
Explanation: NFHS rules require a three-official system consisting of a referee and two assistant
referees to ensure proper coverage and decision-making.
3. What is the minimum number of players required for a team to start an NFHS soccer
match?
A. 11
B. 9
C. 8
D. 7
,Correct Answer: D ✅✅
Explanation: A match may not begin or continue if a team has fewer than seven players,
ensuring fair competition and safety.
4. Which item is mandatory for all NFHS soccer players?
A. Headgear
B. Shin guards
C. Gloves
D. Compression sleeves
Correct Answer: B ✅✅
Explanation: NFHS rules mandate properly fitted shin guards worn under the socks to reduce
injury risk.
5. What color jersey must the goalkeeper wear?
A. Same as teammates
B. Any color
C. A color distinct from all players and officials
D. Black only
Correct Answer: C ✅✅
Explanation: The goalkeeper must wear a jersey distinguishable from both teams and officials
to clearly identify their role.
6. What is the correct circumference of an NFHS-approved soccer ball?
A. 26–27 inches
B. 27–28 inches
C. 28–29 inches
D. 29–30 inches
Correct Answer: B ✅✅
Explanation: NFHS requires the ball to measure 27–28 inches in circumference, ensuring
standardized play.
,7. Who has final authority to suspend or terminate a match due to weather conditions?
A. Home coach
B. Athletic director
C. Game referee
D. Team captains
Correct Answer: C ✅✅
Explanation: The referee has ultimate authority regarding match safety, including weather-
related decisions.
8. What is the maximum number of players allowed on the field for one team?
A. 10
B. 11
C. 12
D. Unlimited
Correct Answer: B ✅✅
Explanation: Each team may have 11 players, including the goalkeeper, on the field during play.
9. What surface is acceptable for NFHS soccer matches?
A. Natural grass only
B. Artificial turf only
C. Dirt surface
D. Natural grass or artificial turf
Correct Answer: D ✅✅
Explanation: NFHS allows matches on natural grass or approved artificial turf, provided the
surface is safe.
10. Who is responsible for inspecting player equipment before the match?
A. Team captain
B. Head coach
C. Referee
D. Athletic trainer
, Correct Answer: C ✅✅
Explanation: The referee ensures all equipment complies with NFHS safety and uniform
standards.
11. What must happen before a substitute enters the field?
A. Coach approval
B. Referee’s signal
C. Opponent consent
D. Timekeeper notice
Correct Answer: B ✅✅
Explanation: Substitutes may only enter after receiving a signal from the referee, ensuring
controlled substitutions.
12. How long is a standard NFHS varsity soccer match?
A. Two 35-minute halves
B. Two 40-minute halves
C. Two 45-minute halves
D. Two 50-minute halves
Correct Answer: B ✅✅
Explanation: NFHS varsity matches consist of two 40-minute halves, differing from FIFA’s 45-
minute halves.
13. What identifies the home team in uniform selection?
A. Dark jerseys
B. Light jerseys
C. Alternate jerseys
D. Referee decision
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: NFHS rules require the home team to wear light-colored jerseys, while the away
team wears dark.
COMPLETE CONCEPT REVIEW & PRACTICE
MATERIALS (LATEST EDITION)
NFHS SOCCER EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026
1. What is the primary authority for high school soccer rules in the United States?
A. FIFA Laws of the Game
B. USSF Referee Program
C. NCAA Soccer Rules
D. National Federation of State High School Associations
Correct Answer: D ✅✅
Explanation: The NFHS establishes and publishes the official soccer rules used for high school
competitions in the U.S., which may differ from FIFA or NCAA rules.
2. How many officials are required in a standard NFHS soccer match?
A. One referee
B. Two officials
C. Three officials
D. Four officials
Correct Answer: C ✅✅
Explanation: NFHS rules require a three-official system consisting of a referee and two assistant
referees to ensure proper coverage and decision-making.
3. What is the minimum number of players required for a team to start an NFHS soccer
match?
A. 11
B. 9
C. 8
D. 7
,Correct Answer: D ✅✅
Explanation: A match may not begin or continue if a team has fewer than seven players,
ensuring fair competition and safety.
4. Which item is mandatory for all NFHS soccer players?
A. Headgear
B. Shin guards
C. Gloves
D. Compression sleeves
Correct Answer: B ✅✅
Explanation: NFHS rules mandate properly fitted shin guards worn under the socks to reduce
injury risk.
5. What color jersey must the goalkeeper wear?
A. Same as teammates
B. Any color
C. A color distinct from all players and officials
D. Black only
Correct Answer: C ✅✅
Explanation: The goalkeeper must wear a jersey distinguishable from both teams and officials
to clearly identify their role.
6. What is the correct circumference of an NFHS-approved soccer ball?
A. 26–27 inches
B. 27–28 inches
C. 28–29 inches
D. 29–30 inches
Correct Answer: B ✅✅
Explanation: NFHS requires the ball to measure 27–28 inches in circumference, ensuring
standardized play.
,7. Who has final authority to suspend or terminate a match due to weather conditions?
A. Home coach
B. Athletic director
C. Game referee
D. Team captains
Correct Answer: C ✅✅
Explanation: The referee has ultimate authority regarding match safety, including weather-
related decisions.
8. What is the maximum number of players allowed on the field for one team?
A. 10
B. 11
C. 12
D. Unlimited
Correct Answer: B ✅✅
Explanation: Each team may have 11 players, including the goalkeeper, on the field during play.
9. What surface is acceptable for NFHS soccer matches?
A. Natural grass only
B. Artificial turf only
C. Dirt surface
D. Natural grass or artificial turf
Correct Answer: D ✅✅
Explanation: NFHS allows matches on natural grass or approved artificial turf, provided the
surface is safe.
10. Who is responsible for inspecting player equipment before the match?
A. Team captain
B. Head coach
C. Referee
D. Athletic trainer
, Correct Answer: C ✅✅
Explanation: The referee ensures all equipment complies with NFHS safety and uniform
standards.
11. What must happen before a substitute enters the field?
A. Coach approval
B. Referee’s signal
C. Opponent consent
D. Timekeeper notice
Correct Answer: B ✅✅
Explanation: Substitutes may only enter after receiving a signal from the referee, ensuring
controlled substitutions.
12. How long is a standard NFHS varsity soccer match?
A. Two 35-minute halves
B. Two 40-minute halves
C. Two 45-minute halves
D. Two 50-minute halves
Correct Answer: B ✅✅
Explanation: NFHS varsity matches consist of two 40-minute halves, differing from FIFA’s 45-
minute halves.
13. What identifies the home team in uniform selection?
A. Dark jerseys
B. Light jerseys
C. Alternate jerseys
D. Referee decision
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: NFHS rules require the home team to wear light-colored jerseys, while the away
team wears dark.
