Notes on NCAA/IFAB Rule Changes, Eight-Second Rule, and JUCO Developmental Program

Context and opening messages

• Speaker references a photo/video montage showing people progressing to the next level; mentions a peer in the room (Mr. Omid) who travels worldwide to dance; recalls prior meetings where others (Ricardo Piero, Darren Bandy) were assigned to the USL Championship final.
• Emphasizes that the gap between levels isn’t large; the same people who reach the top make small, achievable changes consistently. The key idea: easy to do things are easy not to do; small improvements can elevate you to higher levels.

NCAA rule changes and emphasis (if present in JUCO)

• This year is the most convenient for rule changes regarding the NCAA; there are two rule changes and five points of emphasis.
• Rule changes align with IFAB; handling and misconduct inside the penalty area follow IFAB principles; NCAA is downgrading some calls similarly to last year’s FIFA changes.
• Handling issues:
• Deliberate handling offenses (cynical handling) can still be a red card (example: Luis Suárez at the World Cup).
• Other types of handling (unnatural position, unjustifiable position, denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity) no longer automatically result in a send-off in NCAA; penalties may apply if inside the penalty area.
• Coaching area decorum:
• Coaching area and team area must be clearly outlined; some schools may need staff to place cones to delineate areas.
• Delaying the restart by staff
• In NCAA, delaying the restart by staff has led to several send-offs last year; in community college and IFAP, this is a send-off, but in NCAA this is not explicitly supported by the rules.
• If there’s an inflammatory incident with the opponent, referees may use other cautions (e.g., two yellow cards) or potentially remove the staff member if warranted by situation.
• Misidentification of players
• A major pain point; accuracy in identifying players is critical for cards and yellow card accumulation.
• In Division I, video review is available as a tool to ensure correct identification.
• Penalty kick misconduct and encroachment
• Penalty kick misconduct follows the same downgrading logic as handling.
• Retakes for encroachment follow existing rules (no change highlighted here).
• Timekeeping and delay of restart
• Timekeeping remains important; video review is a tool in Division I; in D2/D3, referees should track and correct time with the timekeeper.
• Delaying the restart is not listed as a point of emphasis; referees are encouraged to stop the clock and manage situations to keep yellow-card counts lower when possible.

IFAB changes and practical enforcement for JUCO

• Captain armband rule: only one captain’s armband on the field; enforcement decisions about multiple captains at coin toss (e.g., six captains) can be challenging.
• Drop ball reform (IFAB-related)
• Referees can drop the ball to the team that was going to have possession, unless the ball is inside the penalty area; this allows common-sense restarts in cases where the last touch would have favored one team.
• Important reminder: the restart should be on the whistle; beware that the ball may leave the field and create other restart scenarios.
• Penalty kick misconduct and encroachment (IFAB alignment)
• Encroachment retakes and related misconduct align with IFAB expectations; coaches and players should be prepared for these changes.
• Drop ball scenario example involving substitutes and a penalty kick
• A shot taken, a substitute touches the ball, leading to a penalty or caution in some cases; the slide notes this as a common modern outcome and to be ready for similar situations.

Eight-second rule (goalkeeper release)

• This rule is being trialed/progressed for faster play and higher effective match time.
• Context behind the rule:
• Historically, goalkeepers held the ball longer than six seconds, slowing the game and inviting extended stoppages.
• In Generation Adidas trials, the rule significantly sped up games, reducing delays and reducing coaching pressure on GK release.
• Implementation details and impact:
• The restart for a KO may become a corner kick instead of an indirect free kick, reducing the risk of misapplying indirect kicks inside the box.
• Coaches learn to pressure keepers to release the ball, which speeds up play and makes the game more fluid.
• Practical enforcement guidelines:
• Have a clear signal/count; use a simple countdown method without over-complicating it.
• Potentially use a public countdown (watch, or hand signals) for transparency; do not rely on complicated counting motions.
• Start the count when the referee decides the eight seconds start; keep in mind that the first three seconds can be mental, with the count becoming visible to players after reaching five.
• If interference with the goalkeeper’s release occurs, encourage an indirect free kick for interference; persistent offenses or stopping a promising attack can justify disciplinary action.
• Management considerations during restart:
• If penalizing the GK results in a corner kick, consider potential delay-of-restart issues and the GK’s yellow card status; aim for consistency and keep it simple during the first minutes of a match.
• Best practice: whistle the restart on the corner kick to minimize conflict with players.
• Scope of implementation:
• Currently implemented only at JUCO level; not widely adopted in other domestic leagues according to the speaker.
• Public communication and preparation:
• Pregame briefings with coaches are essential since many participants may not be aware of this change; ensure everyone understands the new timing expectations.

On-field management and communication

• Public vs private communications:
• Two types of communications: public (visible to players, coaches, and spectators) and private (to individual staff or players).
• Managing delays and restarts:
• The referee should take ownership of restarts and aim to restart on the whistle (especially with corner kicks) to reduce confusion and maintain flow.
• Timekeeping and clock management:
• Referees have to manage timekeeping, especially when using video review or during stoppages; timing decisions should be clear and defensible on video review if questioned later.

Pre-game preparations and practical tips

• Captain management:
• Limit the coin toss to one captain; ensure players and coaches understand the new armband rule.
• Field markings and decorum:
• If a school does not have clearly marked coaching staff areas, referees should request cones to delineate these zones.
• Common-sense enforcement:
• Ensure consistency between games; avoid ambiguous calls by applying the new rules uniformly across the group.

JUCO Developmental Group proposal (mentorship and development program)

• Purpose and goal:
• Create a developmental group to support the growth of referees who voluntarily join, providing guidance and mentorship throughout the college season.
• Eligibility and characteristics:
• Open to any member who wants to join; ideal candidates are regional or national referees not currently in the top-tier pro ranks.
• Structure and commitments:
• Additional requirements include mandatory Zoom meetings (one or more beyond the initial session) and regular communication.
• Proposed group size: eight to twelve members (first trial); may adjust up or down based on demand and capacity.
• Activities and accountability:
• Weekly dialogues with other members; discussion clips; feedback via texts about the games.
• Members will be held accountable for workouts and development; the speaker shares personal expectations about balancing family, travel, and officiating duties (e.g., forty hours of work plus family time).
• Training and field opportunities:
• On-field training opportunities are being explored and coordinated with potential field availability.
• Application process and opportunities:
• An email will be sent describing the application process (experience, commitment, mobility, board selection).
• Joining does not guarantee assignments or games; it is a development opportunity.
• Timeframe:
• Program runs roughly from late August to mid-November, aligned with the college season.
• Mentorship ecosystem:
• Role models highlighted include Alejandro, Kia, Dennis; connections to Darren and Fernando Ferro (pro two group) and Alex (experienced figure).
• Expectations and culture:
• The program is framed as a serious commitment requiring dedication, sacrifice, and consistent effort (e.g., balancing work, travel, and family commitments).
• Potential expansion:
• Possibility to extend the program year-round or expand capacity if there is demand.

The mentor and peer network; personal narrative and culture

• The speaker emphasizes surrounding oneself with supportive mentors (Alejandro, Kia, Dennis) as crucial to growth.
• Shared anecdotes illustrate the sacrifices and persistence required to advance to higher levels (travel to LA for trainings, late-night questions, balancing family responsibilities, and continuing to officiate while managing a full life).
• Emphasis on the role models and the importance of asking questions, seeking guidance, and dedicating time to study and practice.

Professionalism, appearance, and the “control the controllables” mindset

• Appearance matters: clean-cut appearance, grooming, and overall presentation impact credibility.
• Discussion of practical grooming and dress decisions (e.g., eyebrow-raising details about facial hair) is used to illustrate how small details can influence perception and credibility on the field.
• The underlying message: focus on controllables (preparation, fitness, mental readiness, punctuality) to advance toward top levels.

Fitness, training, and game load management

• The speakers discuss life as a referee requiring substantial training, often balancing long hours, travel, and personal commitments.
• There is an emphasis on sustained effort and consistent practice, including fitness and film review, to maintain peak performance.
• The group acknowledges the reality that many high-level referees have sacrificed substantial personal time and that success requires long-term commitment.

Performance expectations and calling quality

• The speaker challenges attendees to be distinguishable as top referees in the city, not just average but handpicked for elite games.
• The message stresses the need to deliver high-quality performances across multiple games, particularly during tournaments where fatigue can undermine performance.
• The broader ethical implication: referees are guardians of the game’s integrity; they must uphold fairness, consistency, and professionalism to earn respect and trust.

Questions, clarifications, and next steps

• The session ends with a Q&A about whether the developmental group targets fall/wall-season timing or ongoing seasonal work; the answer is that the program focuses on the class season (late August to mid-November).
• Acknowledgement that signers (assigners) prefer not to see referees “game shop” or abandon games last minute for better opportunities; reliability and commitment are stressed.
• The speaker emphasizes documenting and sharing progress with the board and higher-level officials to increase visibility and opportunities for San Diego referees.

Summary of key numerical references and formulas

• Time-related rules:
• Eight-second rule for goalkeeper release: maximum of 8 seconds to release the ball once in possession.
• Previous baseline for keeper release often cited as 6 seconds;
  • Goal: reduce stoppages and increase effective match time.
• Captain armband rule:
• Only one captain armband on the field at a time (no explicit numeric constraint beyond single armband).
• Group size and commitments:
• Development group: intended to be 8-12 members (first trial).
• Scheduling and personal commitments:
• Example weekly load described (e.g., forty hours of work, travel, film review) to illustrate the level of commitment required; a 365-day mindset is emphasized: 365 days a year.
• Mentorship and training cadence:
• Regular Zoom meetings and on-field training opportunities (not all details numeric, but the cadence is described as ongoing and weekly in some form).

Real-world relevance and philosophical implications

• The material connects rule changes to on-field reality, emphasizing practical enforcement, consistency, and fairness.
• It highlights the ethical dimension of refereeing: protecting the integrity of the game, modeling professional behavior, and serving as educational mentors to younger referees.
• The conversation about sacrifices and the development pathway underlines that advancement depends as much on personal discipline, network-building, and preparation as on talent alone.

Quick study prompts (for exam prep)

• Explain the difference between deliberate (cynical) handling versus non-deliberate handling in NCAA rules and their on-field consequences.
• Describe how the eight-second rule was tested in Generation Adidas and how it affects restart choices (indirect free kick vs corner kick).
• Outline the new IFAB-driven changes to captain armbands, drop balls, and restart procedures, and explain how you would implement them in a JUCO game.
• Discuss the purpose and structure of the JUCO Developmental Group, including eligibility, commitments, and how this program aims to bridge to higher levels.
• Reflect on the ethical and professional implications of “protecting the integrity of the game” and practical steps to embody that in day-to-day officiating.