Compare Rules

MLS vs NCAA

AFirst Sport

MLS

Soccer

First Sport

Details

Players11

Settingoutdoor

Season2026 Major League Soccer Competition Guidelines (30 clubs across two conferences; Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs format)

CategoryTeam Sports

BSecond Sport

NCAA

Soccer

Second Sport

Details

Players11

Settingoutdoor

Season2025-26 NCAA Soccer Rules Book (M's + W's; running clock managed by referee, 7 subs with re-entry, NCAA tournament format)

CategoryTeam Sports

Shared Topics

Different Rules

Shared Rules

Rule-by-Rule Comparison(13)

Cautions and Sending-Offs (IFAB Law 12)

Different

MLS

The IFAB list of cautionable and sending-off offenses applies in full. Two yellow cards in the same match results in a sending-off (red card by accumulation).

NCAA

Yellow card cautionable offenses: unsporting behavior, dissent, persistent infringement, delaying restart, failure to respect required distance, entering/leaving without permission; Two yellow cards in same match = automatic red card (sent off); Direct red card offenses: serious foul play, violen...

Concussion Protocol

Different

MLS

MLS operates under the league's Concussion Management Protocol, developed in conjunction with U.S. Soccer and the league medical staff.

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Compare Rules

Rule-by-Rule Comparison(13)

Cautions and Sending-Offs (IFAB Law 12)

Concussion Protocol

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Heat and Air Quality

Match Structure

Officiating Crew

Section 2: Equipment

Section 3: Playing Area

Section 4: Players & Officials

Section 5: Rules of Play

Section 6: Scoring

Section 7: Violations & Penalties

Section 8: Safety Considerations

The Ball