Question Number: 24784

Law 3 - Number of Players 4/7/2011

RE: Youth Competitive Adult

Larry Stone of Roselle, IL USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 24746

Around here (northern Illinois), there seems to be a group of coaches and players who think the most heinous thing that can happen in a soccer game is to allow substitutions before corner kicks. I have no idea why. I was once working a youth tournament that allowed subs at any stoppage and before one game, a coach asked for clarification as he thought surely they did not mean to include before corner kicks (on the other hand, I have also worked a tournament that allowed subs at any stoppage except corner kicks and no one could figure why except corner kicks).

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Larry
The thinking behind not allowing a substitution at a corner kick is that it allows for a quick kick and it also prevents a team from marshalling its defence before the kick is taken. Same applies to throw ins/free kicks by the attacking team who want to get on with play quickly with opponents out of position or down in numbers defensively.
One of the challenges posed by introducing local rules is that many then think that it is part of the Laws of the Game. So when the referee allows what is viewed as 'illegal' it draws the wrath of the opponents.
Local rules must not amend the Laws of the Game except where it is allowed for which are
# size of the field of play
# size, weight and material of the ball
# width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground
# duration of the periods of play
# substitutions
Substitution in this context only relates to the number and frequency rather than the process.
What has happened is that unscrupulous coaches have abused the substitution process which has led to Leagues introducing all sorts of local rules which is unhelpful in the wider context. These local rules are not valid in FIFA approved competitions.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Most localities do not allow substitutions at corner kicks in youth play with unlimited substitutions. I would be surprised if Illinois did. You should check with your State association