2025-2026-NCHSAA_Handbook

of interruption unless coaches agree to end it.

(2)

If suspended at half time or beyond, the game is over. If the score is tied when the game is sus­

pended, then the game ends in a tie. If one team is ahead when the game is suspended, then it

is the winner.

(m)

Tie Games - If a tie score exists at the end of regulation play during each conference varsity game,

there will be two complete 10-minute periods (not sudden victory). If the score is still tied at the

conclusion of the two 10-minute overtime periods, the game will result in a tie.

(1)

All regular season, non-conference games that are tied at the end of regulation will result in a tie.

(2)

In non-conference tournament play and NCHSAA Playoffs, tied games must be resolved by

the NFHS Tie-breaking Procedure, and those decisions count in a team’s won-loss record. One

goal is added to the winning team’s score, and an asterisk may be placed by the team advanc­

ing to indicate advancement was the result of the progression format.

(3)

Junior varsity teams do not play overtime periods

(n)

Junior Varsity Game Format - Two 35-minute halves with no overtime period.

(o)

Uniformed Police Officer - [See Rule 2.5.3(a)].

(p)

Schedules - Schools are required to submit varsity and junior varsity schedules to their appropriate

regional supervisor by May 15 (men) and January 15 (women).

(q)

Uniform Changing - Not allowed in area of competition. Must use locker room facilities; disqualifica­

tion may occur.

(r)

Equipment - The alternating dark and light color horizontal stripe socks (“bumblebee”) are not legal

(NFHS rule). Balls must have the authenticating NFHS ball mark.

NOTE: Use of NCHSAA adopted balls is strongly recommended for regular season play and in playoff

rounds to ensure consistency and fair play.

(s)

Filming, Videotaping or Video Streaming - [See Rule 2.2.17].

4.8.2

Playoffs

(a)

Playoff Qualifiers - [See Rule 4.1.11(c) for selection criteria.]

(b)

Playoff Brackets - Will be posted on the NCHSAA Website once complete.

(c)

Brackets and Schedule - In all classifications, games are played on the home field of the higher seed.

(d)

Playoff Brackets - Will be posted on the NCHSAA Website once seeding is complete.

(e)

Schedule:

Men

Women

Reporting deadline

October 30, 11:59 p.m.

May 7, 11:59 p.m.

Seeding

October 31

May 8

First round

November 3

May 11

Second round

November 6

May 14

Third round

November 10

May 18

Fourth round

November 13

May 21

Regional

November 18

May 26

State Championship

November 20-22

May 28-30

(f)

Competing Schools - Competing teams should contact each other to work out details for their contest.

(g)

Officials

(1)

For the first two rounds of the state playoffs, officials will be assigned by the local officials

association of the higher-seeded team.

(2)

After the first two rounds, officials will be assigned by the NCHSAA Director of Officiating

Services.

(3)

Regional officiating assignments will be determined by the NCHSAA and host schools shall

follow up with the assigned regional supervisor.

(h)

Game Times - Game time will be 7:00 p.m., unless mutually agreed upon to play at 6 p.m.

(1)

Where the distance is more than 100 miles for the visiting team, game time will be 6:00 p.m.

Any other exceptions must be approved by the NCHSAA.

(2)

Saturday - Teams may play at any time if mutually agreed upon.

(i) If teams cannot mutually agree, the higher seeded team may choose a starting time be-

tween 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

(ii) Between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. if the visiting team is over 100 miles one-way.

(3)

Games may be played earlier than the assigned date above if mutually agreed upon.

(i)

Postponed Games - Postponed games must be played the next day, including Saturday.

(j)

Admission - [See Ticket Pricing Chart page 121]

(k)

Team Expenses and Financial Arrangements

(1)

The NCHSAA receives 15% of the net gate for men’s and women’s soccer in first and second

round games.

(2)

The NCHSAA receives 20% of the net gate from third round games.

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