1|Page
NFHS Soccer Exam 2026–2027 Complete Questions &
Correct Answers | 100% Verified Rulebook Solutions
High-Yield Referee Study Guide.
Course: Soccer Officiating Certification / Recertification
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Topic Area Question
Section 1 Law 1 – The Field of Play & Equipment 1-15
Section 2 Law 3 – Players, Substitutions & Numbers 16-30
Section 3 Law 4 – Player Equipment 31-40
Section 4 Law 5 – The Referee & Law 6 – Other Officials 41-50
Section 5 Law 7 – Duration of Match & Law 8 – Start/ Restart 51-60
Law 9 – Ball In/Out of Play & Law 10 – Method of
Section 6 61-70
Scoring
Section 7 Law 11 – Offside 71-85
Section 8 Law 12 – Fouls & Misconduct 86-120
Section 9 Law 13 – Free Kicks 121-135
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Section Topic Area Question
Section
Law 14 – Penalty Kicks 136-145
10
Section
Law 15 – Throw-Ins 146-155
11
Section
Law 16 – Goal Kicks & Law 17 – Corner Kicks 156-165
12
Section
2026–2027 Rule Changes & Points of Emphasis 166-175
13
About This Study Guide
This comprehensive study guide contains 175 practice questions with
verified answers and detailed rulebook citations designed to simulate the
NFHS Soccer Exam format for the 2026–2027 certification cycle. Each
question includes the correct answer, the specific NFHS rule reference,
and a detailed rationale to reinforce understanding of high school soccer
officiating principles.
Key Features:
• ✓ 175+ exam-style questions covering all 17 Laws of the Game
• ✓ Verified correct answers with exact NFHS rulebook citations
• ✓ Organized by Law for targeted studying
• ✓ Includes 2026–2027 rule changes and points of emphasis
• ✓ Perfect for initial certification, recertification, and referee
development
• ✓ 100% aligned with the current NFHS Soccer Rules Book
,3|Page
SECTION 1: LAW 1 – THE FIELD OF PLAY & EQUIPMENT
(Questions 1-15)
Question 1
The field of play must be rectangular. What are the minimum and
maximum lengths for a NFHS high school soccer field?
A. Minimum 100 yards, maximum 130 yards
B. Minimum 110 yards, maximum 120 yards
C. Minimum 100 yards, maximum 120 yards
D. Minimum 90 yards, maximum 120 yards
Answer: C. Minimum 100 yards, maximum 120 yards
Rule Reference: NFHS Rule 1-2-1
Rationale: According to NFHS specifications, the field of play must be
rectangular with a length (touchline) of minimum 100 yards and
maximum 120 yards. The width (goal line) must be minimum 55 yards
and maximum 80 yards. These dimensions differ slightly from
FIFA/U.S. Soccer which allow lengths of 100-130 yards.
Clinical Pearl: The field dimensions must be marked prior to the game.
If the field does not meet minimum requirements, the game may not be
played. If it exceeds maximums, the game may proceed but should be
noted in the report.
Question 2
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The goal line is ___ inches wide and the goal area and penalty area lines
are ___ inches wide.
A. 4; 4
B. 5; 5
C. 8; 5
D. 12; 8
Answer: D. 12; 8
Rule Reference: NFHS Rule 1-2-2
Rationale: All lines must be clearly visible and of the same width,
except the goal line may be up to 12 inches wide. The goal line must be
the same width as the goalposts and crossbar. All other field markings
(goal area, penalty area, halfway line, etc.) must be 8 inches wide.
Clinical Pearl: The goal line is considered part of the goal. If the ball is
on the line, it is still in play. A ball must completely cross the goal line
between the goalposts and under the crossbar for a goal to be scored.
Question 3
A game is being played on a field where the goal posts are painted
orange. Is this legal?
A. Yes, NFHS allows any color goal posts
B. No, goal posts must be white
C. Yes, as long as they are the same color on both ends
D. No, goal posts must be yellow
Answer: B. No, goal posts must be white
Rule Reference: NFHS Rule 1-5-1
NFHS Soccer Exam 2026–2027 Complete Questions &
Correct Answers | 100% Verified Rulebook Solutions
High-Yield Referee Study Guide.
Course: Soccer Officiating Certification / Recertification
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Topic Area Question
Section 1 Law 1 – The Field of Play & Equipment 1-15
Section 2 Law 3 – Players, Substitutions & Numbers 16-30
Section 3 Law 4 – Player Equipment 31-40
Section 4 Law 5 – The Referee & Law 6 – Other Officials 41-50
Section 5 Law 7 – Duration of Match & Law 8 – Start/ Restart 51-60
Law 9 – Ball In/Out of Play & Law 10 – Method of
Section 6 61-70
Scoring
Section 7 Law 11 – Offside 71-85
Section 8 Law 12 – Fouls & Misconduct 86-120
Section 9 Law 13 – Free Kicks 121-135
,2|Page
Section Topic Area Question
Section
Law 14 – Penalty Kicks 136-145
10
Section
Law 15 – Throw-Ins 146-155
11
Section
Law 16 – Goal Kicks & Law 17 – Corner Kicks 156-165
12
Section
2026–2027 Rule Changes & Points of Emphasis 166-175
13
About This Study Guide
This comprehensive study guide contains 175 practice questions with
verified answers and detailed rulebook citations designed to simulate the
NFHS Soccer Exam format for the 2026–2027 certification cycle. Each
question includes the correct answer, the specific NFHS rule reference,
and a detailed rationale to reinforce understanding of high school soccer
officiating principles.
Key Features:
• ✓ 175+ exam-style questions covering all 17 Laws of the Game
• ✓ Verified correct answers with exact NFHS rulebook citations
• ✓ Organized by Law for targeted studying
• ✓ Includes 2026–2027 rule changes and points of emphasis
• ✓ Perfect for initial certification, recertification, and referee
development
• ✓ 100% aligned with the current NFHS Soccer Rules Book
,3|Page
SECTION 1: LAW 1 – THE FIELD OF PLAY & EQUIPMENT
(Questions 1-15)
Question 1
The field of play must be rectangular. What are the minimum and
maximum lengths for a NFHS high school soccer field?
A. Minimum 100 yards, maximum 130 yards
B. Minimum 110 yards, maximum 120 yards
C. Minimum 100 yards, maximum 120 yards
D. Minimum 90 yards, maximum 120 yards
Answer: C. Minimum 100 yards, maximum 120 yards
Rule Reference: NFHS Rule 1-2-1
Rationale: According to NFHS specifications, the field of play must be
rectangular with a length (touchline) of minimum 100 yards and
maximum 120 yards. The width (goal line) must be minimum 55 yards
and maximum 80 yards. These dimensions differ slightly from
FIFA/U.S. Soccer which allow lengths of 100-130 yards.
Clinical Pearl: The field dimensions must be marked prior to the game.
If the field does not meet minimum requirements, the game may not be
played. If it exceeds maximums, the game may proceed but should be
noted in the report.
Question 2
, 4|Page
The goal line is ___ inches wide and the goal area and penalty area lines
are ___ inches wide.
A. 4; 4
B. 5; 5
C. 8; 5
D. 12; 8
Answer: D. 12; 8
Rule Reference: NFHS Rule 1-2-2
Rationale: All lines must be clearly visible and of the same width,
except the goal line may be up to 12 inches wide. The goal line must be
the same width as the goalposts and crossbar. All other field markings
(goal area, penalty area, halfway line, etc.) must be 8 inches wide.
Clinical Pearl: The goal line is considered part of the goal. If the ball is
on the line, it is still in play. A ball must completely cross the goal line
between the goalposts and under the crossbar for a goal to be scored.
Question 3
A game is being played on a field where the goal posts are painted
orange. Is this legal?
A. Yes, NFHS allows any color goal posts
B. No, goal posts must be white
C. Yes, as long as they are the same color on both ends
D. No, goal posts must be yellow
Answer: B. No, goal posts must be white
Rule Reference: NFHS Rule 1-5-1
