Association Football (Soccer) vs Soccer — Same Game, Different Rules
Same sport, different leagues. See exactly where FIFA and NCAA rules diverge.
| Attribute | Association Football (Soccer) | Soccer |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Team Sports | Team Sports |
| Organization | FIFA | NCAA |
| Players | 11 | 11 |
| Location | both | outdoor |
| Season / Version | IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27 | 2025-26 NCAA Soccer Rules Book (M's + W's; running clock managed by referee, 7 subs with re-entry, NCAA tournament format) |
| Verification | 🏛️Official — FIFA | 🏛️Official — NCAA |
Comparison Summary
Association Football (Soccer) and Soccer share 5 rule topics. All 5 have different rules.
Key differences in: Concussion Protocol, Section 2: Equipment, Section 5: Rules of Play, Section 6: Scoring, Section 8: Safety Considerations.
These sports also have Association Football (Soccer) is both, Soccer is outdoor.
Shared Rules — Side by Side(5 shared topics)
Concussion Protocol
Rules differIFAB has established a permanent concussion substitution protocol. If a player is suspected of sustaining a concussion, the team doctor may request that the player be substituted using the additional concussion substitution allowance.
NCAA concussion management protocol: any player with actual or suspected concussion is removed from play immediately and is subject to a graduated return-to-play assessment before being cleared. Concussion substitution permits an additional substitution beyond the normal framework.
Section 2: Equipment
Rules differThe basic compulsory equipment of a player consists of: Spherical, made of suitable material (leather or equivalent); Circumference: 68–70 cm (27–28 inches); Weight at the start of the match: 410–450 g (14–16 oz)
FIFA Quality Programme approved size 5 ball: spherical, 68-70 cm circumference, 410-450 g start-of-match weight, 0.6-1.1 atmospheres pressure (IFAB Law 2). Conference- or championship-issued match ball.
Section 5: Rules of Play
Rules differA match consists of two equal halves of 45 minutes each, with a half-time interval not exceeding 15 minutes. The referee adds time at the end of each half for all time lost due to substitutions, assessment and/or removal of injured players, wastin...
Five alternating kicks per team from the penalty mark; if tied, sudden death continues until a winner. IFAB KFTPM procedure with NCAA-specific implementation.
Section 6: Scoring
Rules differThe team that scores the most goals during a match wins. If the number of goals scored is equal, the match is a draw.
Conference standings typically use 3-1-0 points (win-draw-loss). Tiebreakers vary by conference and may include head-to-head, goal differential, goals scored, and other published criteria.
Section 8: Safety Considerations
Rules differPlayer safety is a fundamental principle underlying the Laws of the Game. The referee must stop play if a player is seriously injured and ensure the player is removed from the field.
NCAA concussion management protocol: any player with actual or suspected concussion is removed from play immediately and is subject to a graduated return-to-play assessment before being cleared. Concussion substitution permits an additional substitution beyond the normal framework.
Permanent link: https://opensourcesports.io/rules/versus/association-football-soccer-fifa-vs-soccer-ncaa