Following the lead of FIFA, soccer's international governing body, the NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer Rules Committee has voted to change a rule regarding actions taken by goalkeepers after a save to conform to FIFA's new six-second limit.

Under the new rule, the goalkeeper is now permitted six seconds to return a ball to play after a save without restriction to the number of steps that can be taken during the time period. The change was approved by the committee during a May 10 conference call.

The rules committee introduced a five-second limit several years ago, after which FIFA developed its six-second rule. FIFA formerly allowed for the goalkeeper to return the ball within five seconds and restricted the goalkeeper to no more than four steps after taking control with his or her hands.

"This rule change brings back the unlimited-steps rule from collegiate soccer in the 1950s and early 1960s," said Cliff McCrath, the committee's secretary-rules editor and the men's soccer coach at Seattle Pacific University. "It provides further standardization with world soccer and should be welcome news to officials and players alike."

In April, FIFA adopted its rule to allow a goalkeeper six seconds to return the ball into play regardless of the number of steps taken during the interval.

According to Phil Pincince, women's soccer coach at Brown University and rules committee chair, the change may force teams to organize more quickly after a goalkeeper save, which may make the game more exciting.

"With this new rule, when a goalkeeper makes a great save, he or she might be able to get out to the 18-yard line to punt, drop kick, throw or roll the ball," he said. "With quick and strong goalkeeper distribution, the ball could be in the attacking third of the field more quickly."

The new rule will be reflected in the 2000 NCAA Men's and Women's Soccer Rules book, which will be available in July. To order a copy of the book, call 888/388-9748.