Question Number: 21095

Law 3 - Number of Players 4/6/2009

RE: Recreation Under 16

Joseph Caster of Wilson, North carolina United States of America asks...

Is the defending team permitted to make a goalie change(substitution)just prior to the attacking team taking a corner kick?

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Yes. The laws of the game permit the substitution of players at any stoppage of play, there is no inherent advantage to taking a corner kick with one keeper versus another.

Of note: Some youth league modify their substitution laws and do not allow a defending team to make substitutions at the takings of corner kick (for any position). However USYSA has abandoned that as their recomendation, now they also recomend that subs be allowed at any stoppage in play. Please check your local league rules regarding any law modifications they may have.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Yes, under normal circumstances, however, if you are playing under modified FIFA rules, Law 3 is a law allowed to be altered to better fit the unlimited substitutions at youth level! Sometimes restrictions are placed on when and where exchanges occur. This is your local by laws or associations laws that require you to review to know for sure!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Joseph if you are asking whether or not a goalkeeper and outfield player may change places at a stoppage for a corner kick the answer is yes. This is a right mentioned in Law 3 and all one needs to do is notify the referee the change is being made. The referee must allow it. Note: this change is not a replacement of a player by a substitute.

Regards,