Comparison of rule differences between College (NCAA), High School (NFHSA) and Youth (USYSA).

One of the most annoying aspects of soccer in the United States is that every league wishes to play by its own special rules. There are separate rule books for FIFA, the U.S. Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), the largest organizer of youth club soccer in the U.S., The National Federation of High School Athletics (NFHSA), and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). While the fundamental game is the same in all of the leagues, several important details are different in each of these leagues. These differences can cause confusion among referees, players, coaches, and parents. The following chart points out some of the most important differences between these three leagues.

A warning: This chart is NOT a complete listing of the differences. It only highlights a few major differences. In addition, this chart does not include modifications for small-sided games commonly played by the youngest age groups in USYSA.

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