Question Number: 20187

League Specific 10/7/2008

RE: Competitive High School

Dave E of Clarkston, Washington USA asks...

High School Soccer: Goalkeeper injury

Once the ball went out of play, my AR informed me that the goalkeeper was bleeding. I stopped the throw-in from occurring so that the goalkeeper could receive treatment off the field. The treatment was very quick (less than 2 minutes). I allowed the goalkeeper to re-enter the field, and then I allowed the throw-in to happen.

The opposing coach protested that decision.
He said I should have required the goalkeeper to be replaced.

What was the correct call?

Thank you.

Thanks,
Dave

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

According to NFHS Rule 3-2-b-2 any player who is treated on the field by a trainer is required to leave the game until play is restarted, and if they are substituted then they must wait until the next legal substitution opportunity to reenter the game.

The same is true in regards to bleeding pursuant to 3-2-e-1, which states when a player is bleeding they 'shall leave the field.' In NFHS rules 'shall leave the field' means that they are required to leave the game. The rule then discusses when they may reenter the game.

In either case no exception is made for the goalkeeper... however, in College (NCAA) and FIFA (USSF) games exceptions are made for the designated goalkeeper... so remember this distinction as you got it wrong in the situation you noted above.