Question Number: 17256

Mechanics 10/12/2007

RE: REC. Under 16

Paul E Cliffe of Westminster, South Carolina USA asks...

When a player is hurt and they come out of the game and are not replaced when can they come back into the game?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

They may enter from the touchline at any time, or from the goalline at a stoppage. The referee must first give permission. Note that in some instances an inspection by the ref may be required, such as for blood, so that it must be done at a stoppage.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If a player seeks treatment during play and is given permission to leave the field by the referee he need not have to await a stoppage to return. He needs only to be on a touchline and gain the referees permission.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Paul,
if a player was injured and or was forced or asked to leave to be treated. In unlimitied Youth matches he could likely be immediately substituted or at the very next stoppage if he left during active play! If there is a substitution limit that was exceeded or if a shortage of players made a sub impossible or he simply needed a breather to get his wind, when or if the player recovered he would get the attention of the referee who could then allow him entry from the touchline if all other things were good to go. A team is entiltled to field 11 players and although they could play with as few as 7 as long as players are not sent off or red carded those missing could apply to reenter by following the advice we stated! Often stronger teams might deliberately play at less then full strength but cannot just readd a player unless the referee grants permissio! Cheers