Question Number: 20304

Mechanics 10/19/2008

RE: Competive Under 19

Mike of Mooresville, USA asks...

If a coach has to come onto the field to tend to an injured player during classic play, does the player have to leave the field?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If play is stopped to deal with an injured player, the player will have to leave the field and may return as soon as play restarts - with the referee's permission.

If a player is injured, whether or not play is stopped for that reason, and the coach/trainer/medical personnel come onto the field, the player will have to leave, but again may return with the referee's permission as soon as play restarts.

If it was the goalkeeper who was injured and play stopped for that reason, the goalkeeper does not have to leave. If the injury to the goalkeeper included a player from either his own team or the other team who is also injured, in that ONE situation, no one has to leave the field.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

As my colleague ably notes, if assistance is required, the player must leave the field. In an unlimited substitution game the team often elects to replace her immediately. If there are no subs available or the team does not wish to use a sub, the player may reenter the field after play has resumed, upon being given permission by the referee.

For youth games, especially the younger ages, we are to be more proactive regarding injuries, so we may blow the whistle to stop play a bit early. If it turns out the player really doesn't need any help, the restart is still a dropped ball. However it is not a stoppage caused by an injury; rather it becomes an 'oops by the referee' stoppage. So the player would be able to remain on the field. Hopefully the referee hasn't severely disadvantaged either team by acting quickly with the player's safety in mind.