The following is an attempt to provide the nuts and bolts of the ranking process and a
listing of who to contact. Each of the committees has the freedom to work within the ranking guidelines, but also must obey the restrictions.
General Information
1. The National Soccer Coaches Association of America conducts national rankings of both boys and girls high school soccer programs as a service to its membership and the general public. These rankings are conducted and distributed to the media.
2. The intent of the high school rankings program is clearly outlined by the NSCAA Award Committee and supported by the Board of Directors:
a. To stimulate interest in boys and girls high school soccer on a national level;
b. To recognize some of the schools with outstanding soccer programs;
c. To encourage interstate and inter-regional competition.
3. The NSCAA recognizes that the national rankings are not necessarily a true reflection of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the teams involved due to the lack of inter-regional play, diverse playing seasons and other important factors and conditions. There is no intent or implication to crown any sort of "mythical" national champion in conducting the polls.
4. The schools represented in the rankings will be notified by the NSCAA and a special plaque will be mailed to the schools appearing in each season's final ranking. The awards will be identical for each school and will not reflect a specific ranking (i.e., number one, two, etc.). The schools ranked in the final poll also are honored at the high school breakfast during the annual NSCAA Convention.
5. Committee members are reimbursed for expenses related to the administration of the high school rankings (long distance, postage, etc.) by submitting an "Expense Reimbursement Form" to the national office following the final rating. Committee members also receive a complimentary ticket to the high school breakfast at the NSCAA Convention.
6. The NSCAA works with the committee and the program sponsor in maximizing publicity for the rankings. Committee members are asked to provide the name of any media outlets in their region interested in receiving the rankings, including the name of the outlet, mailing address, e-mail address, telephone and fax number. Also, committee members are asked to forward any local newspaper clippings with coverage of the rankings to the national office.
Rating Procedures
1. Each ranking committee member is responsible for networking in his or her region to keep updated on the won-loss records and results of top teams. If states conduct statewide ratings such as coaches' polls, media ratings, etc., raters are encouraged to obtain the information prior to each conference call.
2. The NSCAA will place a conference call with all members of the committee on Sunday evening prior to each release date. Each regional representative will have three to five minutes on the call to present his or her top teams, complete with updated won-loss records, key results and any other information that will assist the committee (i.e., defending state champion, 15 straight wins, etc.). With the availability of technology some committees choose to use web sites and/or e-mail to quicken the response time and lessen the amount of time required for conference calls. Chairs are asked to please identify the city and state where each school is located.
3. After each regional representative has presented the regional top ranked teams, the committee will take a short recess (remaining on the phone). During the recess, each committee member will compile his or her ranking of the top ranked teams. The call will be reconvened and each representative will present his or her top 25, 20 or 10 vote.
4. The committee chair will record these rankings and tabulate the vote, awarding 25 points for a first place vote, 24 points for second, 23 for third, etc. For top 20 and 10 rankings, the top school will receive 20 or 10 points in scale, respectively. Any ties in the final tabulation shall stand. The NSCAA national office releases the NSCAA High School Rankings the following Tuesday at Noon (CST) to primary media outlets and the NSCAA web site.
5. The NSCAA also includes the regional rankings in its posting and release of the national poll.
6. Decisions of the committee, including voting, will be kept confidential by all committee members.
Rating Criteria
1. No team with less than a .750 winning percentage will be considered for a ranking. In figuring winning percentage, a tie shall count as a half win and a half loss.
2. Institutions which are not a member of a governing high school athletics and activities association or are not a member in "good standing" due to violations, suspensions or other disciplinary action are not eligible for the NSCAA High School rankings.
3. Institutions which allow the participation of postgraduate students (fifth-year players) on the varsity program against any outside competition are not eligible for the NSCAA High School rankings.
4. Any contest played during the regular state-sanctioned playing dates against interscholastic or touring competition will count against that school's won-loss record.
5. When compiling his or her ballot, each committee member must honor the regional ranking order of the other committee members. Example: A rater may rank a number two team from one region over a number one team from another region, but may not rank a number two team over a number one team from the same region.
6. In addition to the above listed criteria, the committee should consider the following factors in compiling their national ranking:
a. Overall won-loss percentage;
b. Strength of schedule;
c. Traditional strength of league, state and/or region;
d. Inter-regional results;
e. Other pertinent information such as top players, state playoff results, etc.
Suggestions and Reminders
1. Exhaust all available sources when compiling your regional rankings and voting for the ranking. Think "national" in perspective when compiling your ballot.
2. Consider putting together a "regional rating board" in your area and get others coaches involved in compiling the top teams in your region.
