2025-26 Soccer Rules Committee Welcomes New Members

NFHS rules writing committees consist of experts in the given sport.  Each committee member is nominated by state associations, as is the chairperson, who guides the members through their work.  Each of the NFHS’s eight sections are represented on the given rules committee.  To allow for equal representation, there is also a member of the NFHS Coaches Association and the NFHS Officials Association on each rules committee.  Each committee member serves a four-year term.

The NFHS is pleased to welcome four new members of the Soccer Rules Committee: Michael Federico, Steven Clark, Dave Dancler and Sandi Wagner.

Michael Federico, Section 3, joined the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) in September of 2019 as assistant executive director. Federico currently oversees the sports of swimming, soccer, bowling and baseball, as well as overseeing all IT and finances.

Steven Clark, Section 5, has dedicated decades to advancing soccer officiating and participation throughout Minnesota. Since 1995, he has served as the regional/state coordinator for soccer officials with the Minnesota State High School League. His leadership extends to roles as president, assignor, clinician and official for the Minnesota Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association, and the Southern Minnesota Soccer Referees Association.

In his professional career, Clark is a seasoned business educator, teaching since 1998. Beyond the classroom, he has contributed to academia through committee service, event supervision, and coaching basketball, swimming, and track. Outside of his career, Clark enjoys biking, walking, swimming, theater and travel.

David Dancler, Section 5, has more than 35 years as a soccer coach. He currently serves as the varsity boys soccer coach for SF Washington High School for over 21 years and has led the team to 4 conference titles and one state title.

Previously Dancler served on the Board of the SF Soccer Association for 19 years, the last six as board president and has more than 20 years as a club coach. He has also been a recreational, high school, university and regional referee over his 25-year career.  

Dancler is married to his wife, Melanie, of 47 years. They have three grown children and three grandchildren.

Sandi Wagner, Section 8, has been an associate director at the Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) since 2015. She is responsible for historical data, Alaska High School Hall of Fame, Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and coordination of tennis, volleyball, cheer, DDF, soccer and softball.

Prior to joining ASAA, Wagner served for over 30 years as an athletic director, teacher, coach and official. She was a science, health, and physical education teacher and coached volleyball (27 years), soccer (22 years), basketball (4 years) and alpine skiing (10 years). Wagner has officiated volleyball and soccer and was a school athletic director for 17 years, a district athletic director for five years, president of the region for 12 years and a member of the ASAA board for six years.

Wagner graduated from the University of Washington with a Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and Endorsement in Sports Management after completing her Bachelor of Arts in Education degree at Arizona State University.

The Soccer Rules Committee Meeting will take place February 9-11, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana.