Section 4: Players & Officials
Roster and Match Squad
- 11 players on field per team; team must have at least 7 players to start/continue a match
- Match-day roster: institution-defined; typical D1 squad 25-30 players
Substitutions (NCAA-Specific)
- NCAA permits substitution and re-entry — distinguishing it from FIFA/IFAB rules where substitution removes a player permanently
- Standard NCAA framework: unlimited substitutions during regulation; substituted players may re-enter beginning in the second half (specific re-entry rules per the rule book and conference)
- Concussion substitution permitted at any stoppage independent of normal substitution count
Officiating Crew
Center referee, two assistant referees, fourth official, plus replay/video review official at championship-level events (NCAA Tournament). Regular-season conference matches typically use 3-4 officials without VAR.
Bench
Head coach, assistant coaches, athletic trainer(s), and named substitutes in the technical area. Bench conduct subject to NCAA Sportsmanship Code; ejections carry suspension review.