The NCAA has announced proposed rule changes for college soccer, with the most impactful change being the substitution rules. The proposed changes include no reentry for players in either half once they leave via substitution, with only six substitution windows per match, and stopping the clock on all substitutions in the last 15 minutes to reduce time-wasting. These changes would only affect Division 1 men's soccer. UC Riverside men’s coach and rules committee chair Tim Cupello stated that the proposed changes align with the sport that incoming student-athletes are used to and might play professionally. Video review system changes have also been proposed, allowing referees to initiate reviews on various game-changing decisions. The potential return of the "golden goal" format in postseason play and the requirement for teams to provide rosters and starters before kickoff are also part of the proposed changes. The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel is set to discuss these recommendations on April 18, with any approved changes taking effect for the 2024 season.

By the Numbers
  • Teams would only have six windows to make substitutions throughout the match, with an additional window for overtime.
  • No team in the men’s or women’s NCAA Division 1 Tournaments has gone behind in extra time and then come back to win the match since the "golden goal" rule was removed in 2022. Additionally, there has only been one instance where both teams scored in extra time, a 2022 second-round match in the men’s tournament between FIU and New Hampshire (FIU won 10-9 on PKs).
State of Play
  • Proposed rule changes to address time-wasting and align college soccer with professional play.
  • The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel is scheduled to discuss the proposed recommendations on April 18.
Bottom Line

The proposed changes in college soccer rules aim to align the game with what incoming student-athletes are accustomed to and may encounter in their professional careers. These changes, if approved, would impact the 2024 season, potentially enhancing the accuracy of game-changing decisions and postseason play dynamics.