Rules Differences---USSF to NFHS/FHSAA
****There are other game rules and administrative differences associated with USSF and HS.  It is our responsibility to know ALL of the differences.  Below are the major ones.
TOPIC	HIGH SCHOOL	USSF
BLUE CARD	For non contact (hand ball) offenses for DGSO, player is shown blue card and is not replaced.  No paperwork is sent to FHSAA, but it is reported to the local association (NFSOA)	Does not exist.  DGSO is handled the same as any other red card, ejection.  Game reports must be written and turned into the state association.
CAUTION	Stop play.  Player must leave field and may be replaced.	Add time to end of half.
CAUTION -2ND	Stop play.  Player must leave field and may be replaced.	Player must leave the area of the field and game may not restart till he has gone.
CAUTION -2ND	Display both yellow and red card simultaneously.	Player is show the yellow and then the red.
COACHES	Coaches may be shown cautions and ejection.	May be ejected or cautioned, but are not shown the yellow or red card.
COIN FLIP	Winner chooses	Winner chooses side to attack, loser gets ball.
EJECTION	Player may stay on bench.  He is the responsibility of the coach.	Player must leave the area of the field and game may not restart till he has gone.
EQUIPMENT	NOCSAE approved shin guards, solid socks, "under" apparel same color	Shin guards providing age appropriate degree of protection.  Thermal shorts same color as shorts.
GAME DURATION	2 - 40 minute halves	2-45 minute halves
GOAL KICK	Do not move ball once spotted.	No restrictions
INJURY	Stop play.  Player must be replaced.	Add time if necessary.  Player need not be replaced.
OFFICIAL GAME	If one half has been played, if the winning team is leading by 8 goals and at lest half of the game has been played, suspended games prior to the end of the first half reschedules determined by state association	If not completed, replay the match in its entirety, unless local rules of competition state otherwise.
OVERTIME	Is required, 2 - 10 minute golden goal and then PK's.	If required, 2 -10 minute must play and then PK's
PK	Stutter step:  not permitted. Caution and retake	Stutter step:  no infraction
PK	No reduce to equate.  Coach allowed in center circle.	Reduce to equate- even number of kickers.  Coach not allowed on field.
PK	Teammate of player taking kick encroaches and ball does not go in:  GK, CK or IFK if rebounds back in play.	Teammate of player taking kick encroaches and ball does not go in:  IFK for defense.
REF UNIFORMS	Hats permitted	Hats not specified, but generally permitted if conditions warrant in club matches.
SPECIAL SIGNALS	offside, time out and all fouls.	none
SUBS	Either team:  end of period, goal, goal kick, injury, ejection (not for the ejected player), blood on player or uniform.  Team in possession:  throw in or corner kick.  Not in possession:  if opposing team substitutes and they have checked in to sub.	At any stoppage with the permission of referee.  Local rules generally prohibit subs on any corner kick and only at throw ins when in possession.
THROW IN	Ball never enters field:  throw in to opponent	Ball never enters field: throw in retaken.
Time	Stop clock for all cautions, ejection, pk's, goals, time wasting and ref discretion.	Clock does not stop.  Time may be added at the referee's discretion for all time lost due to goals, subs, cautions and ejections and other reasons.
WATER BREAKS	Mandatory:  stop clock.	Only in FYSSA sanctioned events when the heat index exceeds 85 degrees.
WHISTLE	Kickoff, goals, penalty kicks, stoppages for fouls, injuries	Kickoff, fouls, certain play stoppages.