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Greater Cleveland Soccer Officials Association

Greater Cleveland Soccer Officials AssociationGreater Cleveland Soccer Officials AssociationGreater Cleveland Soccer Officials Association

Serving Northeast Ohio

2026 Tournament Regulations

 The OHSAA tournament starts October 19, and the 2026 Soccer Tournament Regulations cover the procedures we're responsible for, including the 40-minute pre-match timeline and international walkout, the 6-goal running clock and 8-goal termination, and the full overtime and penalty-kick sequence.


Please read the whole document before your first assignment so every crew walks onto the field knowing the same procedures. 

Read Now

Mid-Season Reminders

 With the season in full swing, some issues have occurred in games that can be managed better by making sure the bench areas are properly enforced and that dissent is addressed early. These 2 items fall under NFHS Point of Emphasis: Bench area decorum 

Reminder to all Officials

Please arrive AT LEAST 1/2 Hour Before your match start time. The earlier, the better to prepare properly for the game. Also, do not forget to contact the Home School Athletic Director at least 3 days before to confirm the match, and confirm your crew at least 3 days in advance as well. 

Properly Marked Fields

  • Team bench areas run from the 40 yard line to the 20 yard line and 10 feet from the touchline.
  • Remind coaches of the boundaries when you get rosters and have the benches moved if needed.
  • Offer a suggestion to mark their areas with cones if they tend to wander during games.
  • Also be aware of other obstacles and humans around the perimeter of the field and make sure they are at least 10’ from the boundary lines. Camera operator (school yearbook, BCSN) are encroaching into the 10’ boundary and sometimes stepping onto the field.

Professional Conduct and Communication

  • Head coaches are responsible for maintaining bench decorum and can be cautioned along with the offender for any inappropriate behavior in the bench area. 
  • Examples: consistently arguing calls, provocative or inflammatory actions (arm gestures), confronting opposing coaches, players or spectators.
  • Address this behavior early and use cards effectively.
  • Stop the clock, slow and calm walk to the bench. 
    • “Coach, we are 5 minutes into the game and you have already argued 3 calls. Please stop dissenting.” 
    • “Coach, you are yelling your disagreement onto the field. If you have questions, just ask, but no more dissent.” 
    • You can choose to warn or caution, but then must follow through.
  • Communication between officials and coaches should remain brief, respectful and focused on facts.
  • When a caution or ejection is issued, officials are expected to calmly and clearly advise the head coach using rule book language (i.e., unsporting conduct, dissent), and the coach must receive it without displaying dissent.
  • What a referee allows in one game will happen to the next referee in the next game. Please enforce bench decorum professionally and consistently.

Quick Kicks

Rule Changes

Referee Resources

Referee Resources

 Several rules updates were approved in high school soccer for next school year, including new guidance on carding, penalty kick encroachment, a longer time limit for goalkeepers to release the ball, and additional clarifications on equipment and electronic devices. 

Learn More

Referee Resources

Referee Resources

Referee Resources

View all of our current and past resources.

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GCSOA

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Northeast Ohio Soccer Officials

GCSOA is a group of dedicated soccer officials serving the northeast Ohio region. We are passionate about the sport and committed to ensuring fair and professional officiating for all games and leagues. Our team of experienced referees is dedicated to upholding the rules of the game and providing a positive experience for players, coaches, and fans alike.


To learn more about becoming an offical:

Become a Referee

OHSAA Hall of Fame Inductee

A special congratulations to our own, John Kipp, on an outstanding officiating career! A well deserved honor.


" I am grateful for the GCSOA Instructors, Assessors, and fellow Officials who helped me grow over many years. GCSOA is responsible in a large part for my successful career." - John Kipp

A Few Congratulations

Eric Saterfield

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