Question Number: 23993

League Specific 9/22/2010

RE: U14 Under 13

Fred of Bartlett, New HAmpshire US asks...

Are substitutions allowed for 7th & 8th grade soccer during a goal kick or a corner kick?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Substitutions for any grade are allowed at any stoppage, except when a league has made particular modifications outside of those permitted by the laws of the game, such as those made in High School Soccer.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I am not sure whether you are talking about school rules (NFHS or modifications for middle school / junior high) or FIFA/USSF/USYS rules.

Under strict FIFA rules, a substitution can be made at any stoppage, including goal kicks and corner kicks.

Many youth league rules limit when subs can be made, because they allow unlimited number of substitutions with right of re-entry. Commonly these rules allow substitutions at goal kicks, but not at corner kicks. You will have to check your league rules to be sure.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Fred, you need to find out what rules your area plays by. If FIFA rules, sub at any stoppage. Most youth Leagues modify this and only allow subs at goal kick, own throw-in, after a goal, at the start of the second half, or after a caution. Under NFHS rules I believe this is also the modification and if this is a middle school, you likely are playing under NFHS rules.