Sectional Reminders

Overtime for ALL Sectional Games (Note: Same for boys and girls, but different from the regular season!):

Boys and Girls: 2 x 15 minute Sudden Victory periods, then PK's if tied

NYSPHSAA requires that all overtime periods must be played as prescribed before commencing with PK's. Coaches may not mutually agree to shorten or eliminate OT periods and go straight to PK's in post-season play.  This is an exception to the NFHS rule book. 

Tie Game Procedures for Sectional Games (updated 2022) .pdf | PowerPoint.

After verifying the score, leave the field together immediately, per NYSPHSAA letter / New York Interpretations.  Do not stay for the post-game handshake or any discussion with either players or coaches.

Question: During the taking of Kicks from the Penalty Mark to determine the winner of a match, what happens if an ineligible player takes a kick?

Answer (confirmed with Scott Reynolds, NY state interpreter, 10/16/2021): This is a serious referee error and could be protestable. Referees should do everything possible (such as all referees on the field recording and confirming player numbers and results) to avoid it. However, if this happens:

• No cards should be issued to players or coaches (this was the referee's mistake);
• The ineligible player's kick and every kick after that do not count; and
• Go back to the ineligible player's turn and resume the kicks from the penalty mark procedure with an eligible kicker

Other important reminders

• Get there early - at least 45 minutes before the kickoff.
• Have your NFHS rulebook, NYS Modifications, and Sectional Reminders at the field.
• Have detailed pre-game with your partner(s), including OT review.
• Inspect field - corner kick distance for defenders, nets and goals properly secured, balls properly inflated, player equipment, etc.
• Identify site coordinator for spectator or fan issues.
• The visible scoreboard clock should run all the way down to 0:00 in all periods, including overtime. Meet with timers re when to stop and start the clock. Home team has the option of having officials keep time on the field. In this case the visible scoreboard clock (if there is one) is to be TURNED OFF.
• The clock must be stopped in the last five minutes of the second half if the team leading wishes to substitute (regardless of whether the other team is substituting at the same time). 
• Speak with trainers about waiting to enter the field of play until beckoned (if they come on the field, the player must leave. If you stop the clock to check on a player, but the trainer is not beckoned on, the player may remain on the field.)
• Get rosters from coaches - check rosters and confirm with coaches that only people on the roster can be on the bench side of field. Add them now (assistants, trainers).
• Remind coaches about subs being at mid-field before the ball goes out of play on a goal kick, corner kick, or throw-in.
• Remind coaches that bench personnel should be seated, not standing.
• Remind coaches that subs warming up should wear pinnies.
• Review with coaches that PK shooters can be anyone on roster not red-carded and the order of shooters need not be determined.
• Identify ball persons.
• Confirm pre-game routine - anthem? introductions of players?
• Pre-game conference with captains and head coaches - congratulate both teams and conduct normal pre-toss routine - ask coaches the question, read the Sportsmanship card.