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Soccer Rules Changes 1580-2000


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Question Number: 26547

Law 3 - Number of Players 7/13/2012

RE: rec Under 15

mike lehman of citrus heights , ca united states asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25855

what is the least number of plyers you can play a game with? We currently have nine but hope to get more.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
The Laws of the Game state that a team must have seven players to start a game and for it to continue.
Now if your question relates to the number of players that are available to play that can be a competition rule set down by the competition organisers.
Playing with 9 players against 11 is a disadvantage and it can be one sided at underage.
Also from experience a sizeable panel is always needed due to the fact that players can be injured, unwell, at other activities, not available to play etc. Without a panel of players, making up the number for each game will be a huge challenge.



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Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

With seven you can start, but 11 v 11 is a lot more fun than 9 on 11. Moreover, as the summer gets warmer, substitutes make a big difference. Shoot for 14.

But, play with 9.



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