Question Number: 21173

League Specific 4/22/2009

RE: Rec Under 13

Fred Koehler of Clarkston, MI USA asks...

On a throw in can the team not in possession of the ball ask for and receive allowances for substitions.

I thought asking for substitutions is only allowed on your own team's throw-in.

thanx

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

It depends entirely upon the substitution rules of your league.

Under the FIFA rules, a substitution can take place at any stoppage (free kick, throw-in, corner kick, injury, etc.) but in most youth leagues, there are only prescribed times for substitution. Usually, you are only allowed to sub on your own throw-in, not that of your opponent, as you note, plus at goal kicks and kickoffs.

However, a referee can make an exception to those rules for the safety of the players or the good of the game. It shouldn't be regularly or even often, but it can happen.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I refereed a youth match locally over the weekend. The visiting side took a 1 goal lead in the 3rd minute. They subsequently substituted at nearly every other stoppage, significantly slowing the game. So I gave the players back 4 and 5 minutes in each half, because the amount of lost time was substantial.

Thank God for that.

Now, I think that the law is fine the way it is, I just wish that youth leagues instituted no-reentry (as is done in all adult and youth leagues outside of USA and Canada). At the very least, no reentry in a half would be a good comprimise and stepping stone to get there.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Michigan Youth Soccer changed a couple seasons ago to match the High School rule for substitutions on throw-ins. If you have subs ready and your opponent subs on their own throw-in, your team can sub too.