Question Number: 29389

Mechanics 5/8/2015

RE: Select/Rec Other

Matt of Bristow, VA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29383

The original poster states 'Although LOTG does not empower referees to remove a player...' I disagree. Law 5 lists among the duties of the referee, 'stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures
that he is removed from the ï¬ eld of play.' If a player is exhibiting signs of a concussion, I would not hesitate to have him substituted for. The way I see it, if a player is exhibiting symptoms that are obvious enough for me to see, then 'in my opinion, the player is seriously injured.' Now the more sticky question is do I allow him to reenter if the coach disagrees after the player is taken off. Having said that, all leagues , clubs and other sanctioning bodies should have an official policy on this matter.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Matt
I believe the questioner when he was referring to *removes* meant that the referee could not do that permanently under the Laws of the Game. So yes the referee can and must have the injured player removed. The challenge is whether the referee does not allow the player to re-enter when requested to do so by his team and can he determine that it is a concussion injury with perhaps a competition rule to prevent re-entry.
And many Leagues do not have an official policy or competition rule in this matter.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Here in IL..the player with the concussion must be cleared by a medical professional before reentering. I just wanted to add that.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Matt,
if you have the backbone and the ability to withstand the criticism you can keep sending the player off every time he returns, if, as you stipulate. you feel he is seriously injured and requires medical attention. If there is medical personal responsible on the touchlines you might be less inclined to do this. But if you see the player is not reacting well, then good for you for taking the hardliner stand. Whether you will be supported in a review board or disciplinary committee hearing hopefully they like Ref Mueller's Illinois fraction, they have a similar bylaw.
Cheers