Question Number: 22619

Law 3 - Number of Players 12/6/2009

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 22608

If I can get clarification to the point saying the player must leave the field when he/she is being substituted. The law book says if the player on the field refused to get substituted, play continues. So it does seem that any player can refuse leaving the field on a substitution request.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Actually they can refuse unless competion by-laws state otherwise but then the referee is faced with the dilemma of confrontational USB as the sniping will no doubt get ugly. You must remember the substitute CAN NOT ENTER the field until the player has LEFT the field. Yet the delay could be cautionable as USB if in the opinion of the referee the time wasting is tactical ploy. Time added is sure to be an issue as well and be wary of violent conduct if there is team mate interaction or even retaliation by the opposition at the refusal. To have FIFA simply say play continues, it is hardly going to continue as before.

? If a player who is about to be replaced refuses to leave the field of play, play continues
While a player is not forced to leave just because a coach wants to substitute just how long do you think this goes on without the referee being forced to decide who gets cautioned for time wasting or USB or if a halftime occurs and who gets to be part of the starting 11? If the player is cautioned twice then there is no choice as being sent off the match will be abandoned if he does not leave but we cannot just caution because he does not want to be substituted. It will be in the conflict between the touch line coach and technical areas, the team mates, the actions and words, the time delays are the things likely to follow! The discretionary powers of the referee and the guidelines for cautioning provide some leverage to adjust to certain untenable situations.

A referee could caution show the yellow card for any player who in his opinion
? acts in a manner which shows a lack of respect for the game. A referee must manage this as best he can for as a neutral official he can not force his idea of fair play and commen sense. He could however, seek to avoid unpleasentries by mentioning the possibilities before having to react to them!

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Alex
What you have stated is indeed correct and Referee Dawson has clarified this for you.
The referee in these situations has to use his interpersonal skills to sort out what can become ugly. Each situation will be different and the referee has to make a judgement as to what he/she should do to resolve the situation. It also depends on the match situation and the reaction of the opponents who can either be chuckling at their opponents' behaviour or irate that it is holding up the game.
One way or another the referee has no power to insist on the substitution and play should continue.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The 'penalty' for a player who refuses to be substituted will come after the match from the coach or team officials. Though rare, the potential is a reminder for referees to make sure the player leaves the field before letting the substitute enter.

Answer provided by Referee Tom Stagliano

I think we need to look at the competition level specified by Referee Alex: 'Recreational Adult'

In these games, there could easily be 30 players on the roster, and from game to game, the make-up of the team could change completely. Additionally, it may not be clear who is truly in charge of the team, and the person who came to the 'coin toss' prior to the match may not be the true Captain, but just the most convenient person for the pre-game.

In these situations, sensing hard-feelings by the players, if I were refereeing, I would stop the match, add back the wated time, and make certain that the team sorts things out. Taking a few moments to act Professionally, and to be the 'coolest head at the game' can go a long way to maintaining control, managing the game and assuring the most fun for all the participants in this Recreational game.

Enjoy
- Stag