From the Pitch: Then there were 8…

The NFHS Soccer Rules Committee has thankfully (finally?) reduced the number of official signals from a mind numbing 23 down to 8, effective with the 2010-2011 season. The eight remaining signals are the signals that were most commonly used by officials at all levels of play. These signals include starting the clock, time out, direct free kick, indirect free kick, play on, penalty kick/goal kick, caution/ejection & corner kick.

I couldn’t be happier with the change.

While some may disagree, I believe the old signal chart was simply over-communication.

If people are watching the game, shouldn’t they already know that a direct free kick was awarded for tripping rather than pushing? That an indirect free kick was awarded for offsides rather than dangerous play? Is it really a big deal if someone doesn’t know whether a direct free kick was awarded for pushing or striking? Was there some sort of confusion as to when the ball was dead?

For those keeping track, here are the old signal charts: