Online Rules Meeting: All head varsity soccer coaches must view the online Coaches Rules Meeting by April 2nd. Failure by any head golf coach to view the online rules meeting may result in a sanction against that coach. The Coaches’ Rules Meeting will be on the IGHSAU website in the Coaches’ Soccer section the week of February 26th.
Practice and Playing Dates: First Practice Date: March 19 First Competition Date: April 2
2018 Classification: Class 3A – 40 teams Class 2A – 48 teams Class 1A – 62 teams (approximate)
Regional Tournament Dates: Class 1A: May 29, June 1, June 4 Class 2A: May 24, May 29, June 4 Classes 3A: May 26, May 30, June 4
State Tournament – June 7 - 9: The State Soccer Tournament will be held at Cownie Soccer Complex in Des Moines.
Game Limitations: Each school is allowed 17 games.
Scrimmages: Each school is allowed one scrimmage to be used anytime during the entire season.
Jamborees: Each school is allowed one 40-minute half jamboree. The jamboree is permitted between the first date of practice and the date the school plays its first game.
Compression sleeve (NEW for 2018): A compression sleeve shall be of similar length, all alike and of a solid color. A team member may wear a compression sleeve but all compression sleeves worn by teammates need to be the same length and color (sleeves do not need to match the uniform top/bottom color). For example, if a team is wearing a white jersey, the compression sleeve can be red…but all team members wearing a compression sleeve must wear the same length of red sleeve. If a team member is wearing a green compression sleeve on her calf then all other players on that team needing a calf sleeve must wear the same length and color compression sleeve on their calf. The sleeves on the upper and lower body do not have to be the same color, however all team members wearing the sleeves need to match each other with their upper and lower compression sleeves. FYI…the ruling above applies to leggings as well.
Complete Game Ending in Tie (NEW for 2018): A game that has met the complete game requirements (played into the second half), but has ended due to weather/facility/injury may now be recognized as a complete game, even if it ends in a tie. By NFHS rule: the head referee shall declare it an official game if one complete half or more of the game has been played. If less than one-half of the game has been played, then game may be rescheduled…from suspension of play according to state association adoption.
Rainout Protocol:
- Regular Season – It is the responsibility of the host institution, up until the moment the game begins, to judge whether or not the condition of the field, the elements and other conditions affecting the safety of the field of play allow for a safe game to begin. Once the game begins and until it ends, the determination of whether or not a game may be safely continued shall be made by the head referee.
- Regional Tournament – The regular season weather protocol should be followed. With one addition, if the game needs to be rescheduled, then it shall be played the next day. The IGHSAU must be contacted immediately to approve the rescheduling.
- State Tournament – IGHSAU tournament coordinator and the head official(s) will make weather determinations and communicate with participating teams.
Site Availability: If you would like your soccer complex considered for a Regional Tournament site, please have your athletic director fill out the site availability form on our website (ighsau.org) in the Online Forms section by April 20th.
QuikStats (NEW for 2018): Varsity coaches are required to submit their varsity roster and schedule through Quikstatsiowa.com before March 19th. Varsity coaches are now required to have their individual game results updated on QuikStats every Tuesday during the regular season. Coaches are also expected to update their Quikstats throughout the Regional Tournament series. Failure to submit the required information by the mandatory dates may result in the suspension of the coach.
Regional/State Tournament Entry Forms: Regional roster forms will be on the IGHSAU website in the soccer section. Schools are required to print, complete and submit the form to their Regional tournament host five days (or as early as possible) prior to the match.
Awards: State qualifier medals and banner will be presented at each Regional Final site after the completion of the match to each state qualifying team. Each State participant team will receive a trophy, which will be presented following each team’s final game.
State Tournament Travel Expense: The IGHSAU will reimburse State qualifying schools for travel expenses at the rate of $1.25 per mile one way per team. Soccer questions can be directed to Lisa Brinkmeyer, IGHSAU Soccer administrator at 515-401-1835 or [email protected].