NFHS SOCCER RULES
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS 2024 GRADED A+.
1/2
, 1. 7.1.1 What is the duration of the game?: 2 x 40 minute (or 4 x 20 minute quarters)
halves or 80 minutes for high school. 60 minutes total is recommendedfor junior high
school.
2. 7.1.2 Can the game be shortened?: If the officials, or both coaches, agree thegame can
be shortened. This decision must occur before the second half is started.
3. 7.1.3 What happens if the game is suspended for weather or other reason?-
: If it is before the end of the first half the game may be replayed from the beginning of the
game or from the point at which it was suspended. If the game was suspended after the end of
the first half the game is oficially ended and the score is recorded.
4. 7.1.4 What is the only reason that the game will continue after the time on the
clock has expired?: Time is up when the time on the clock has expired. The only reason to
extend the game is if a penalty kick has been awarded for a defensivepenalty that occured in
the penalty area before the time has expired.
5. 7.1.5 Is there a mercy rule?: A mercy rule is allowed if agreed upon at the state level.
This goal differental rule applies at any time after the first half is over. Michigan's mercy rule
for instance is 8.
6. 7.2.1 What intervals are allowed between halftime periods?: The DEFAULT
halftime interval is 10 minutes unless opposing coaches mutually agree to a differentlength.
Note that quarters are allowed (see section 7.2.2). Not sure if this has to beagreed upon
before the game or not.
7. 7.2.2 What intervals are allowed between 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th quarters?: Yes, quarters
with a MAXIMUM of 2 minutes are allowed! Not sure if this has to be agreed upon before
the game or not.
8. 7.2.3 When do the teams change ends?: At the end of each period. This means the teams
will switch on each quarter if the game has 4 quarters.
9. MICH - What additional markings are requires outside of the pitch?: The team
2/2
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
ANSWERS 2024 GRADED A+.
1/2
, 1. 7.1.1 What is the duration of the game?: 2 x 40 minute (or 4 x 20 minute quarters)
halves or 80 minutes for high school. 60 minutes total is recommendedfor junior high
school.
2. 7.1.2 Can the game be shortened?: If the officials, or both coaches, agree thegame can
be shortened. This decision must occur before the second half is started.
3. 7.1.3 What happens if the game is suspended for weather or other reason?-
: If it is before the end of the first half the game may be replayed from the beginning of the
game or from the point at which it was suspended. If the game was suspended after the end of
the first half the game is oficially ended and the score is recorded.
4. 7.1.4 What is the only reason that the game will continue after the time on the
clock has expired?: Time is up when the time on the clock has expired. The only reason to
extend the game is if a penalty kick has been awarded for a defensivepenalty that occured in
the penalty area before the time has expired.
5. 7.1.5 Is there a mercy rule?: A mercy rule is allowed if agreed upon at the state level.
This goal differental rule applies at any time after the first half is over. Michigan's mercy rule
for instance is 8.
6. 7.2.1 What intervals are allowed between halftime periods?: The DEFAULT
halftime interval is 10 minutes unless opposing coaches mutually agree to a differentlength.
Note that quarters are allowed (see section 7.2.2). Not sure if this has to beagreed upon
before the game or not.
7. 7.2.2 What intervals are allowed between 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th quarters?: Yes, quarters
with a MAXIMUM of 2 minutes are allowed! Not sure if this has to be agreed upon before
the game or not.
8. 7.2.3 When do the teams change ends?: At the end of each period. This means the teams
will switch on each quarter if the game has 4 quarters.
9. MICH - What additional markings are requires outside of the pitch?: The team
2/2
