Section 5: Rules of Play
Match Structure
- Two 45-minute halves; halftime up to 15 minutes
- NCAA uses a visible countdown clock managed in coordination with the referee — historically a key NCAA-vs-FIFA distinction; the referee remains the on-field clock authority and signals stoppages
- Regular season: tied matches end at full time (no extra time)
- NCAA Tournament: tied matches go to two 10-minute golden-goal extra-time periods, then penalty shootout if still level
Coach Video Challenge System (New for 2026-27)
Per the 2026 and 2027 NCAA Soccer Rules Book rule changes, in matches where video review is used, each head coach is granted two video challenges per game. Coach-initiated challenges may be used at any point in the match, subject to the two-challenge limit.
- During the first 80 minutes of a match, officials may initiate video review on their own only for clock-management issues and to determine whether the ball fully crossed the goal line.
- In the final 10 minutes of regulation and throughout any overtime period, officials may initiate video review on any allowable play — but officials will not initiate review during that window if a team still has challenges remaining.
Shootout Procedure (Postseason)
Five alternating kicks per team from the penalty mark; if tied, sudden death continues until a winner. IFAB KFTPM procedure with NCAA-specific implementation.
Goalkeeper Rules
- Goalkeeper may handle the ball within the penalty area
- IFAB 2025 amendment: goalkeeper has 8 seconds to release the ball after gaining hand control; failure is a corner kick to the opposing team (NCAA aligns with this IFAB change)
- Back-pass rule: goalkeeper may not handle a deliberate pass from a teammate's foot
Restarts
Throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, free kicks (direct + indirect), and penalty kicks per IFAB Law 8-17 with NCAA-specific timing for restart pace. Drop ball used for stoppage restarts.