What changed for penalty kicks in 2026-27?
Rule- USA
- NFHS
- High school
- Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)
- Varsity
- NFHS soccer rules
- 2026-27 season
- Players
NFHS revised Rule 14 for 2026-27, so encroachment (entering the area early) on a penalty kick is penalized only if it has a clear impact on the play.
| Who encroached with impact | Kick scores | Kick misses or is saved |
|---|---|---|
| Defending team | Goal counts (never penalized) | Kick is retaken |
| Attacking team | Goal disallowed, kick retaken | Indirect free kick to the defense |
Goalkeepers: a goalkeeper who encroaches with impact gets a warning for the first offense in a game, and a caution for each one after that.
Kickers: once you've completed your approach, feinting a kick at the ball is unsporting conduct and gets a caution every time.
Added 21 Oct 2026