Question Number: 26367

Mechanics 5/21/2012

RE: USSF (and High School) Under 19

Mike of Corning, NY USA asks...

It appears based on research in the FIFA laws Interpretations and Advice that the ref MUST use the whistle to resume play after a substitution is completed. (However, many do not practice this for some reason...)

My question is: Do they need to (or should they) also use the whistle to inform players a substitution is about to be conducted when play has otherwise 'stopped' (but not formally) during a throw in or goal kick, or corner kick situation? (re: Unlimited substitutions in USSF youth games.)

Many times we could just say 'wait for my whistle', but sometimes we are far enough away from the players that the whistle would probably be more effective in getting their attention. - Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

You are correct that a whistle is required for the restart after a substitution. (I believe that some referees do not do so because they failed to keep current on the guide to procedures. The mechanic changed several years ago.) There is no procedure for how the referee holds up the restart of play.

Many referees use a short series of pips on the whistle to get everyone's attention. I prefer to add a hand signal. I point with both hands at the substitution area ( where the halfway line meets the touchline) so that everyone can see that a substitution is taking place. This also can avoid the constant shouting for 'SUB' from the coaching staff.

I find that if I make eye contact with the assistant referee and then look at the halfway line at EVERY stoppage in play, there isn't a need for the shout of 'SUB!'

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
The whistle is a communication tool and the referee should use it in my opinion to get all players attention that a substitution is about to take place. It is unhelpful if some players continue with the restrart blissfully unaware of the substitition because they did not hear the referee.
To restart the game it is now required that a whistle be used as soon as everyone including the AR is back in place and ready to resume.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Remember that IFAB writes for games in which a substitution is a rare thing - a maximum of 6 or 10 (considering both sides) throughout the entire 90 minutes. At your local U12 game, you may get more than twice that many in a game that's only 2/3's as long. So while the instruction is that the referee should blow the whistle following a substitution, in a youth game that might not always be necessary. The reason for the instruction is so play doesn't start with someone not knowing about it. In a youth game, that can often be accomplished with your voice. Remember, if we use the whistle too often, the whistle loses its effectiveness. Referees must decide whether strict adherence to the instruction is appropriate at all age levels.

The Interpretation and Guidelines also say that we are supposed to use the whistle following an injury stoppage. Really? Have you ever heard a whistle at a dropped ball? Any game anywhere?