The PIAA is considering eliminating overtime from regular-season high school soccer, following NCAA rules and international norms, with regular-season games tied after regulation potentially ending as draws.

Why It Matters

The potential change aims to finish games earlier on school nights to address concerns about student-athlete welfare and late finishes, aligning with practices at other levels of soccer.

By the Numbers
  • The PIAA soccer steering committee voted 13-0 to recommend the elimination of overtime in regular-season games.
  • The NCAA removed regular-season overtime before the 2022 season, aligning with many other levels of soccer.
State of Play
  • PIAA board to consider the proposed change on Wednesday when it meets in Mechanicsburg.
  • Other state high school athletic associations like Ohio and New York have different approaches to overtime in regular-season soccer.
What's Next

If approved, the change would affect regular-season high school soccer games in Pennsylvania, potentially influencing other state high school athletic associations.

Bottom Line

The potential elimination of regular-season overtime in high school soccer reflects a broader trend in soccer at different levels and underscores a focus on student-athlete welfare and game scheduling on school nights.