A pair of notable changes will have a big impact on high school soccer in Florida in the coming years.
On Monday the Florida High School Athletic Association’s board of directors announced the approval of an overtime procedure change that goes into effect for the 2018-19 season.
Overtime soccer matches, which historically ended in a “golden goal” sudden victory following the first score by either team, will now consist of two full 10-minute periods. Penalty kicks will follow should the score remain tied.
The rule change mirrors that of the National Federation of State High School Associations.
The board, which acts on behalf of advisory committees representing coaches throughout the state, also agreed to add a new classification, as expected, which coincides with a new scheduling cycle beginning with the 2019-20 calendar year.
The increase in classifications — from five to six — means an additional boys and girls soccer team will be crowned state champion by the FHSAA.
The Sentinel reached out to a handful of boys and girls soccer coaches from around our coverage area this week to get their thoughts on the changes.
Here’s what they told us:
“As one who lost last season to Olympia 3-2 in “Sudden Death” overtime in the FHSAA Playoffs, I can tell you that I really liked the format as it adds a lot more to the game knowing that one goal decides the winner/loser of a match. It was a tough way to lose, but adds more drama.” – Hagerty boys soccer coach Michael McAvoy
“I’ve always liked the excitement that “Golden Goal” provided to the game, so I’m sad to see it go. Playoff matches are exciting anyway, and the sudden death format only heightened that feeling. We’ve both won and lost “Golden Goal” playoff games over the past two seasons and both were super enjoyable experiences.” – DeLand boys soccer coach Chris Dowdell
“I am OK with the overtime procedures as it’s in line with the national federation [but] I personally like the golden goal as it adds drama to the OT. That is special to high school playoffs. [Going to six classifications] is a double-edged sword, but as long as the classifications are evenly distributed that is fine. If [classifications are] even, then I like it for participation, but on the other hand I don’t like that it waters down the finals and makes it a little less exclusive.” – Oviedo girls soccer coach Scott Waisanen
“I think the change to the overtime procedures is long overdue and fantastic. I appreciate the FHSAA Soccer Advisory Committee’s work in producing this change. Expansion of classifications shows how our game continues to grow.” – Lake Mary girls soccer coach Bill Eissele
“I think playing out the overtime is a great idea. This allows a team to fight back and have a chance to push the game to a penalty shootout or even win it. As a coach, the tactics change from a tie game to either winning or losing. Lots involved to figure out and manage.” – Montverde Academy girls soccer coach Robbie Aristodemo
“I agree with the overtime switch. The golden goal is very exciting but it can be unfair at times, because at that point of a game it’s easy for anyone to make a mistake. Playing the full overtime is less emotional, but gives teams a better chance of winning based on talent.” – Freedom boys soccer coach Juan Baquero
“Not a surprise about the change in overtime procedures. Soccer at most all levels worldwide has been using a form of the two-overtime period. It is of my opinion that it will take away some of the excitement of a golden goal, but it will also lesson the heartbreak of losing in that fashion. The expansion of classifications was long overdue because of so many high schools adding the sport, and having districts so large, which makes regular season scheduling so difficult.” – Seminole boys soccer coach Brian Emrick
jcarnahan@orlandosentinel.com
