Section 5: Rules of Play
Match Structure
- Two 45-minute halves; halftime up to 15 minutes
- NCAA uses a visible countdown clock managed in coordination with the referee — historically a key NCAA-vs-FIFA distinction; the referee remains the on-field clock authority and signals stoppages
- Regular season: tied matches end at full time (no extra time)
- NCAA Tournament: tied matches go to two 10-minute golden-goal extra-time periods, then penalty shootout if still level
Shootout Procedure (Postseason)
Five alternating kicks per team from the penalty mark; if tied, sudden death continues until a winner. IFAB KFTPM procedure with NCAA-specific implementation.
Goalkeeper Rules
- Goalkeeper may handle the ball within the penalty area
- IFAB 2025 amendment: goalkeeper has 8 seconds to release the ball after gaining hand control; failure is a corner kick to the opposing team (NCAA aligns with this IFAB change)
- Back-pass rule: goalkeeper may not handle a deliberate pass from a teammate's foot
Restarts
Throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, free kicks (direct + indirect), and penalty kicks per IFAB Law 8-17 with NCAA-specific timing for restart pace. Drop ball used for stoppage restarts.