MD4Sports

Interesting topic for conversation, but there are plenty of pitfalls no matter what you choose. I think NFHS rules are reasonable. Two tens no matter what, then two fives golden goal then pks. The game has to end at some point and after 110 minutes, most teams are gassed, especially with the intensity of the state tournament. Are pks better than fatigued players running (walking) around till someone gives up a goal? That's up for debate. I also think the better team can find a way to score even if the opponent "packs it in." Most coaches do place some emphasis on pks, realizing that a critical game may come down to just that scenario. While there is some luck with pks, I think they even out in the long run. CBHS may have lost four straight state finals, but I recall they also won four straight state finals in the past. I think this debate will continue for a while.

They are plenty of ways around the TSSAA "dead periods." All that means is that you can't be on campus or have contact with your coach. You can work out off campus and with other players and many facilities offer dead period training! Just ask the American football coaches (and families.)

Just saw here on Coacht that the Fling is coming to Murfreesboro for one more year before they accept bids again next year. Chattanooga is going to bid. Doubt Memphis will since they lost money on their three year run. And I'm sure Murfreesboro will want it to stay there.

Maybe there is a water restriction in the area that limits how much they can irrigate. The stadium field just seemed really parched. Anyway, is Spring Fling committed to Murfreesboro for next year or for multiple years? I read on here that it was coming back, but I haven't seen anything official.

Having recently returned from attending the State tournament for the fourth year in a row, the stadium field and the side fields seemed to be in the worst shape of the three years it has been held there. The stadium field in particular had multiple dead spots and it was completely dried out. The bermuda was in fair shape at best. Certainly they have an adequate irrigation system, but I was surprised the field was so parched. The other fields had multiple sod patch jobs throughout also. Four years ago at the Mike Rose complex, the side fields were in average shape, but the stadium field was pristine. It was disappointing to see the fields in these conditions for the state tournament. I'd be interested to know what the players thought, especially those who have been to state the last few years.

Unfortunately they have not consulted me on his injury.

Player must sit out the rest of the game but team may sub for him and do not have to play short.

A previous post states that game is being played today at 2:30.

I don't think we want to get into that situation. We had quite a discussion on this board after that game last year as many of us thought the call was incorrect. The mouth and gestures were quite profane ( I attended that game); it didn't look like delaying the restart was his offense!!

oknative, Don't forget there are two situations which can warrant a soft red: the second yellow is one, but the other is excessive celebration. A player can be shown the yellow red for excessive celebration without a previous yellow card. As a high school and USSF ref, I wish NFHS would just do away with the soft red. I think they are headed that way as taunting also used to be a soft red and that was changed to a straight red. The fewer different rules the better in my opinion as it engenders confusion. On the other hand, there are a few NFHS rules I like better than USSF like the required sub for a yellow card and an indirect free kick for the team in possession if you stop for injury, etc., instead of a drop ball. Despite my wishes, I suspect there will always be some differences in the rules so we'll just have to deal with it. /popcorneater.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":popcorneater:" border="0" alt="popcorneater.gif" />

Suspension rules are set by each individual state, not NFHS. TSSAA will contact the school after a straight red to confirm the two game suspension. There is no suspension for a soft red. That must have been solely a coach or school decision, not TSSAA. That straight red call on an attacker puzzles me unless he just clubbed the defender or did something violent. Dangerous play itself doesn't even warrant a yellow, just an indirect free kick for the opponent. Must be more to that story I would think.

Please post game times and locations for sectional matches on Saturday.

Don't forget the clock is stopped for penalty kicks also. There is no such thing as "stoppage time" in high school soccer. You stop the clock for the above reasons and when time is out, the game is over, no advantage, no waiting to see if the attacking team scores, no allowing a corner, etc.. If you're lucky enough to get to state, the game clock is official. When it buzzes at zero, game over, no matter what else is going on.

I was at the game and am a high school and USSF referee. The previous yellow has no bearing since he received the straight or hard red for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity. This was a text book example. There are only two situations in which you can receive a soft red- a second yellow or excessive celebration, that's it. You are sent off for a soft red but your team can sub for you and you do not miss any additional games. The hard red gets you sent off, your team plays a man down and you sit for two additional games. Others have complained Maryville should have been awarded a PK. This is completely wrong. A referee cannot award a PK when the foul does not occur in the penalty area and this one clearly was outside the penalty area. I was looking right at it, and I'm sure the video would confirm that. You cannot award a PK just because it was a bad foul or the player had a chance to score, etc. The foul must occur in the penalty area to result in a PK, period. By the way, the center ref in this game is probably the best ref in our area if not in the state in my opinion. He called the foul and showed the red immediately and the restart was spot on just outside the penalty area. /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" />

Why does TSSAA play girls state tournament games on school fields? The boys play at a neutral facility such as Memphis and Murfreesboro. CAK had to play CCS on the CCS home field at 11:30 am on a Wednesday. The entire CCS school was let out to watch the match. What a home field advantage! This should not be the case. What kind of reward is it to make the tournament, then have to travel and play a team on their home field in the middle of a workday making it difficult for your fans to attend while their entire school is let out to attend?