Question Number: 20264

Law 3 - Number of Players 10/15/2008

RE: all levels

Franco of Soccerville, Midwest USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 20071

I have not been a licensed ref in several years, but somewhere I guess I have really screwed some things up. Do you have any clue where I would have got the idea that substitutions were NOT allowed during corner kicks?

I have denied subs as a ref and have been denied subs as a coach during corner kicks. Once as coaching director of club, I had to talk to one of our coaches that blew up during a game and acted unprofessional and it was all because he was upset they allowed subs during corners. Even this year when I was coaching and the refs allowed subs on corners and I asked the ref after the game when did they change that and he told me about 2 years ago and that only the team in possesion is allowed and if they sub then the defending team can also sub.

So subs are allowed and have always been allowed during corners. I don't know how I got so messed up on this.

Franco

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

League policy is where this concept originated BECAUSE LAW 3 is a modifiable law in the youth under FIFA policy. For some reason certain associations chose corner kicks as one stoppage for non substitution. Unlimited substitutions create time use and this was someone?s bright idea. So it was NOT always permitted by SOME leagues, it might be changed or permitted now you need to check the bylaws.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If you were doing youth games or recreational adult games, most of those leagues have unlimited substitution policies. Because unlimited times in or out for a player can mean wholesale substitutions throughout the game, in an effort to keep subbing to a reasonable minimum, the youth associations and recreational adults often have in place rules which say subs can happen only on your own throw-in, any goal kick, kick-off or at half time. And of course subs are possible during an injury stoppage.

So don't beat yourself up too much.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

In YOUTH games subs are NOT allowed at corner kicks almost everywhere as that has traditionally been a youth level modification of the LOTG. There is a movement afoot to have youth games play according to FIFA rules as far as subs are concerned but if you have been doing yuoth games for any amount of time, you would probably be correct in denying subs at corners. Only your local league will know for sure.