Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

Below is this week's segment – Soccer Changes - Listen

New this year in high school soccer, goalkeepers will have more time available to them before having to release the ball.

Now – once a keeper establishes possession of the ball – they will have eight seconds before having to play the ball. Previously, keepers had six seconds before having to release it.

The penalty for failing to release the ball in time is also changing.

A goalkeeper who is whistled for hanging on to the ball for longer than eight seconds will now see the opponent awarded a corner kick. The old rule awarded an indirect free kick.

So remember – starting this year – keepers get up to eight seconds before having to release the ball, and failure to do so will result in a corner kick for the opposing team.

Previous 2026-27 editions

Sept: 15: Dead Ball Penalty - Listen
Sept. 8: Libero Ejected - Listen
Sept. 1: Soccer Foul After Shot on Goal - Listen
Aug. 25: Fumble Out of Bounds - Listen