Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Sports > Football/Soccer

Take the Ultimate High School Soccer Referee Exam Quiz

Think You Can Nail the Ref Test? Dive into the Soccer Exam Now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art style referee quiz elements with whistle red card soccer ball clipboard pencil coral background

Calling all aspiring high school soccer officials! Ready to challenge your knowledge with the ultimate soccer exam designed for refs like you? Our free high school soccer referee quiz puts your understanding of rule enforcement, penalty kicks and player conduct to the test. Whether you're prepping for a ref test or want to brush up on key regulations with a referee rules quiz, our soccer rules quiz offers instant feedback and practical scenarios. Curious to see if you can make every call accurately? Click through our soccer exam and explore additional training drills in our soccer quizzes library to kick off your journey to confident, game-day officiating now!

How many players per team are on the field at the start of a high school soccer match?
9 players
12 players
10 players
11 players
A team fields 11 players at the start of a match, one of whom is the goalkeeper. This is consistent across youth, high school, and professional levels under NFHS and FIFA rules. Having eleven players ensures the standard formation of one goalkeeper and ten outfield players. NFHS Soccer Rules
What is the standard duration of each half in a high school soccer match?
2 halves of 45 minutes
2 halves of 40 minutes
2 halves of 35 minutes
4 quarters of 20 minutes
High school soccer under NFHS is played in two 40-minute halves. This differs from NCAA and professional soccer, which typically use two 45-minute halves. Understanding time structure is essential for proper timekeeping and added time calculation. NFHS Soccer Guidelines
What restart is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line last touched by the attacking team without a goal being scored?
Throw-in
Goal kick
Corner kick
Indirect free kick
If the attacking team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line without scoring, the defending team is awarded a goal kick. The ball must be kicked from anywhere within the goal area. This restart is defined in Law 16 of the Laws of the Game. IFAB Law 16
Which signal does the referee use to indicate that a goal has been scored?
Hold the flag horizontally while standing still
Blow the whistle twice and point to the center spot
Raise both arms above the head
Extend one arm forward and whistle once
The referee indicates a goal by raising both arms straight above the head. This clear signal differentiates a goal from other restarts. After the signal, play is restarted with a kickoff from the center spot. NFHS Officials Reference
For a legal throw-in, how must the ball be released by the player?
Kicked into play from any height
Thrown underhand with one hand
From behind the head using both hands
Dropped from waist height
A proper throw-in requires the ball to be delivered with both hands from behind and over the head, with both feet on or behind the touchline. This ensures consistency and fairness in restarts. Failure to do so results in a turnover and the opponent's throw-in. IFAB Law 15
What type of free kick is awarded if a player trips an opponent in a careless manner?
Direct free kick
Indirect free kick
Drop ball
Penalty kick
Tripping is one of the ten offenses that result in a direct free kick because it involves contact and potential risk of injury. If it occurs inside the penalty area by a defending player, a penalty kick is awarded. Careless, reckless, or excessive force determines whether it's direct. IFAB Law 12
How does the referee signal that play should continue under the advantage rule?
Holding one arm vertically
Pointing to the spot of the foul
Waving a yellow card
Extending both arms forward
When playing advantage, the referee extends both arms forward to indicate that play will continue despite a recent foul. This signal informs all players that benefits of play are being applied. If the advantage does not materialize within a few seconds, the referee may call back play. NFHS Advantage Interpretation
What restart follows an offside offense?
Indirect free kick
Direct free kick
Penalty kick
Drop ball
An offside offense results in an indirect free kick for the opposing team, taken from the position where the offside occurred. The ball must be touched by a second player before a goal can be scored. This is clearly outlined in Law 11. IFAB Law 11
How many officials typically officiate a high school soccer match under NFHS rules?
1 official
3 officials
2 officials
4 officials
High school soccer uses a three-official system: one center referee and two assistant referees. This ensures proper coverage of the field and accurate offside and foul calls. Some higher levels use a fourth official, but NFHS mandates three for varsity matches. Three-Official System Guide
A player receives two yellow cards in the same match. What action must the referee take?
Show a red card and send the player off
Show a blue card
Issue a verbal warning
Restart with a drop ball
Two yellow cards automatically equal a red card, and the player must be sent off. The referee shows the red card immediately after the second caution. The team then plays with one fewer player for the remainder of the match. IFAB Law 12
Which describes a player in an offside position?
If they are in their own half
Only if their entire body is beyond the goalkeeper
If any part of their body is behind the ball
Any part of the head, body, or feet nearer to opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent
Offside position is judged by comparing the player to the ball and the second-last opponent. Arms are excluded. A player must be closer to the opponents' goal line than both the ball and the penultimate defender. Being in one's own half or behind the ball is not offside. IFAB Law 11
When does a handball result in a direct free kick?
Only if it occurs inside the penalty area
When the player deliberately handles the ball or gains an advantage from an unnatural arm position
Only if a goal is scored directly from the handball
Whenever the ball touches the hand or arm
A handball offense requires deliberate action or an unnatural arm extension that increases body surface. Accidental contact without an advantage is not penalized. All handball fouls are direct free kick offenses, and inside the penalty area they lead to penalty kicks. IFAB Law 12
If, during a penalty kick, the ball rebounds off the crossbar and the kicker plays it again before another player touches it, what is the ruling?
The kick is retaken
The kicker may play the ball again and continue
Play is stopped and an indirect free kick is awarded to the defending team
A goalkick is awarded
After a penalty kick, the ball must touch another player or the goalkeeper before the kicker contacts it again. If the kicker touches the ball a second time, play is stopped and the opponents get an indirect free kick from the spot of the second touch. IFAB Law 14
What should the referee do when a player is bleeding?
Stop play, have the player leave the field to receive treatment, and restart with a dropped ball if needed
Allow play to continue until the next stoppage
Award a free kick to the injured player's team
Apply a quick bandage on the field and continue play
Bleeding is a health and safety issue. Play is stopped at the next natural stoppage or immediately if needed, and the player must go off for treatment. The restart depends on the stoppage: most often a dropped ball. This ensures player safety and rule compliance. NFHS Injury Guidelines
A coach requests a substitution after kickoff has been taken. What is the correct procedure?
Refuse the substitution completely
Allow the substitution only at the next stoppage of play
Stop play immediately and allow the substitution
Award an indirect free kick to the opposing team
Substitutions must be made at a stoppage in play and with the referee's permission. A request after kickoff means the substitution will wait until the next natural stoppage. This maintains flow and safety. NFHS Substitution Procedures
Which action is considered delaying the restart of play?
Calling for a water break
Walking off slowly after being cautioned
Substituting at a stoppage
Intentionally kicking the ball away after the referee stops play
Kicking or throwing the ball away deliberately is delaying the restart and is cautionable. Referees must manage time-wasting to keep the match fair. Verbal warnings are possible, but the yellow card addresses repeated or blatant delays. IFAB Law 5
When can a referee issue a red card without first showing a yellow card?
For violent conduct or serious foul play
If a player disagrees loudly with a decision
When a player scores an own goal
For any offside offense
Violent conduct and serious foul play are sending-off offenses requiring a straight red card. No prior caution is needed. This deters dangerous play and maintains safety. IFAB Law 12
Which behavior is classified as dissent by word or action?
Removing jersey after scoring
Quietly asking for clarification
Clapping hands politely
Kicking the ball away when displeased with a decision
Dissent includes audible or visible protests like kicking the ball away or gesturing angrily. It is cautionable with a yellow card to maintain referee authority. Polite inquiries are allowed. IFAB Law 12
What is the minimum distance that opponents must stand from the ball during a free kick?
10 yards
5 yards
15 yards
20 yards
Opponents must be at least 10 yards (9.15 meters) away from the ball during a free kick until it is in play. This distance ensures the kicking team has space to execute the restart. The referee enforces this with the 10-yard arc or by positioning players manually. IFAB Law 13
How does the referee signal an indirect free kick?
Waving the flag in circles
Blowing the whistle twice before the kick
Pointing with one finger at the goal
Raising the arm above the head until the kick is taken
An indirect free kick is signaled by the referee raising one arm straight above the head and holding it until the kick has been taken and the ball has traveled. This informs players and spectators that a second touch is required before a goal can be scored. IFAB Law 13
If a goalkeeper deliberately handles a back-pass from a teammate, what restart is awarded?
Indirect free kick
Goal kick
Penalty kick
Direct free kick
Deliberate handling of a teammate's pass results in an indirect free kick to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. This discourages time-wasting and ensures fair play. If inside the goal area, it's taken from the closest point on the goal area line. IFAB Law 12
An indirect free kick is awarded inside the defending team's penalty area. How must it be taken?
From the penalty spot
As a drop ball to the goalkeeper
From the point where the offense occurred with opponents on the goal area line
From any point along the 6-yard line
When an indirect free kick is inside the defending penalty area, it is taken from the spot of the foul. All opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play, typically on the goal area line. A goal can only be scored if another player touches the ball. IFAB Law 13
If the referee plays advantage after a foul but the advantage does not materialize, what should they do?
Allow play to continue and caution the fouled player
Stop play and return to the original foul for a free kick
Issue a yellow card to the fouling player only
Award a penalty regardless of location
If advantage is signaled but fails to materialize promptly, the referee stops play and returns to the location of the original foul for the appropriate free kick. This ensures the fouled team is not disadvantaged. The time between advantage and call-back should be brief. IFAB Law 5
During a penalty kick, the goalkeeper moves off the goal line early and the ball goes into the net. What is the correct decision?
Disallow the goal and give an indirect free kick
Order a retake without any caution
Disallow the goal and award a goal kick
Award the goal and caution the goalkeeper for unsporting behavior
If the goalkeeper leaves the line before the ball is kicked, but the kick results in a goal, the goal stands and the goalkeeper is cautioned with a yellow card. This punishes early movement without nullifying a valid score. A retake is only ordered if the kick misses. IFAB Law 14
How is play restarted if it was stopped inside the penalty area for an injury?
Indirect free kick to the team that was in possession
Dropped ball to the goalkeeper
Direct free kick to the defending team
Penalty kick if play was with striker
When play is stopped for an injury inside the penalty area, the restart is a dropped ball to the goalkeeper. The keeper drops the ball from knee height. All other players must be outside the penalty area and at least 10 yards away until it is in play. IFAB Law 8
Which factors must be considered when determining stoppage time at the end of each half?
Substitutions, injuries, time-wasting, and other stoppages
Only player injuries
Number of yellow cards issued
Goals scored and number of corners
Added time accounts for all time lost due to substitutions, injuries, time-wasting tactics, goal celebrations, and referee delays. Goals scored do not directly add time. The referee signals the minimum amount before play resumes. IFAB Law 7
If a spectator enters the field and interferes with play, what is the restart?
Direct free kick to the non-offending team
Indirect free kick to the non-offending team
Goal kick to the defending team
Dropped ball where the ball was located when play was stopped
Interference by a non-player leads to a dropped ball at the position of the ball when play was stopped. This rule covers spectators or objects entering the field. It ensures neutrality and safety before resuming. IFAB Law 8
When the ball strikes a match official and leads directly to a change in possession or a goal, what is the restart?
Dropped ball to the team that last touched the ball
Goal kick or corner kick as appropriate
Direct free kick to the team losing possession
Indirect free kick to the team gaining possession
If the ball accidentally strikes the referee and leads directly to a change of possession or a goal, play is stopped and restarted with a dropped ball to the team that last had clear possession. This rule was introduced in 2019 to reduce unfair advantages. IFAB 2019 Clarification
What is the correct restart if the match ball becomes defective during play?
Indirect free kick to the team that had possession
Goal kick or corner kick depending on position
Direct free kick to the team that did not touch the ball last
Dropped ball where the ball was when play was stopped
If the ball bursts or becomes defective, play is stopped immediately. The restart is a dropped ball at the spot where the ball was located when play was halted. This ensures fair replacement and resumption. IFAB Law 2
A penalty kick rebounds twice off the post and goes out of play without touching another player. How is play restarted?
Goal kick
Retake the penalty
Corner kick
Dropped ball
If a penalty kick rebounds off the goal frame or posts without touching another player and goes out of play, the restart is a goal kick. No player other than the kicker or keeper has touched it, so play cannot continue. IFAB Law 14
A player commits a cautionable offense, the referee plays advantage, but then another unrelated foul occurs. Can the referee still issue the yellow card for the original offense?
No, the original cautionable offense is forgotten once advantage is played
No, unless the goalkeeper requests it
Yes, at the next stoppage for any reason
Yes, but only if the new foul is also cautionable
When advantage is played, the original misconduct is no longer punishable after an unrelated incident. The referee must act immediately if they wish to caution; otherwise, the opportunity is lost. This prevents retroactive punishment unrelated to the ongoing play. IFAB Advantage Guidance
During a penalty kick, the kicker begins to run up, stops abruptly to feint, and then scores. What is the proper decision?
Allow the goal without caution
Disallow the goal and restart with a dropped ball
Award a retake and caution the kicker for unsporting behavior
Award an indirect free kick to the defending team
Feinting once to deceive the goalkeeper is legal, but feinting after stopping the run-up is unsporting behavior. The kicker must be cautioned and the penalty retaken. This maintains fairness and discourages deceptive stoppages. IFAB Law 14 Guidance
A player is wearing two bracelets under long sleeves and claims they are medical alert items. What should the referee do?
Allow them if medically certified
Issue a yellow card for unsporting behavior
Permit one but not two items
Require their removal or cover them with tape before allowing play
Law 4 prohibits jewelry but allows medical alert items if they are taped and secured. The referee must ensure items are fully covered and pose no safety risk. If they cannot be safely secured, the player must remove them before continuing. IFAB Law 4
0
{"name":"How many players per team are on the field at the start of a high school soccer match?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"How many players per team are on the field at the start of a high school soccer match?, What is the standard duration of each half in a high school soccer match?, What restart is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line last touched by the attacking team without a goal being scored?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Fundamental Rules -

    Master the essential laws governing play, fouls, and misconduct to excel in your soccer exam.

  2. Apply Rules in Match Scenarios -

    Use real-life game examples to sharpen decision-making and boost your performance on the high school soccer referee quiz.

  3. Evaluate Player Conduct -

    Assess on-field behavior, determine cautions and sending-offs, and prepare confidently for your upcoming ref test.

  4. Interpret Penalty Kick Procedures -

    Ensure proper application of restart protocols and placement guidelines during penalty kicks to ace the referee rules quiz.

  5. Analyze Pre-Match Setup -

    Review equipment inspection, field markings, and kickoff procedures to start matches smoothly.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Advantage Rule Mastery -

    When a foul occurs, referees can play the advantage if the non-offending team benefits immediately (NFHS Rule 5-3). Remember the mnemonic "FAST" (Foul, Advantage, Stop or Take note) to decide quickly during your soccer exam or ref test. Practicing scenario drills from US Soccer training videos helps cement when to call back play versus letting advantage run.

  2. Perfecting Penalty Kick Protocol -

    Penalty kicks require precise positioning: the ball on the spot, kicker's foot behind, keeper on line per IFAB Law 14. Use the "3-3-3" checklist (3 officials aligned, 3 yards from the arc, 3 seconds keeper set) to ensure consistency on your high school soccer referee quiz. Reviewing NCAA refereeing guides clarifies restart timing and encroachment signals.

  3. Applying the Offside Law -

    Offside occurs if a player is nearer the opponent's goal line than both the ball and second-last defender when played (IFAB Law 11). The "EPF" rule (Evaluating Position, Feet, and Flag) helps you spot infractions during a fast break in your referee rules quiz. Drill with video clips from reputable referee academies to sharpen real-time offside calls.

  4. Managing Misconduct and Cards -

    Differentiate yellow vs. red cards by category: unsporting behavior, dissent, serious foul play (NFHS Guide). A quick memory tip: "DRS" (Dissent, Recklessness, Serious foul) maps to cautions or ejections on your soccer referee exam. Consult peer-reviewed studies on referee decision-making to understand context and maintain fairness.

  5. Coordinating with Assistant Referees -

    Clear communication minimizes errors: use standard flags, hand signals, and "EAU" (Eye contact, Audible cue, Understanding) protocol from USSF training. In your ref test prep, simulate 3-referee mechanics to practice positioning and coverage of sidelines. Official NFHS mechanics manuals offer diagrams to perfect teamwork under pressure.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Football/Soccer Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker