Question Number: 31445

High School 4/9/2017

RE: High School High School

Rob Ford of Stafford, Va USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 31443

Both teams started with 11 and the error occurred after a large substitution for Team A. After play resumed the AR counted and alerted Team A that they didn't put enough subs back on the field.
If I read your answers, if Player A1 was originally on the field, she should have been allowed back on at the next stoppage. Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Rob
Yes that is correct. Team A should have been allowed to bring its team up to 11 at the next stoppage.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Rob,
If, as you say, A1 had been on the field before the mass substitution then yes, she should have been allowed back on at any dead ball situation.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Rob,

You are correct. The eleventh player should have been allowed in at the stoppage. The referees should also have counted the players before blowing the whistle and restarting after the substitution.

I did want to expand on my reason for mentioning that pitch is not a high school term. High School Soccer has different goals than other soccer organizations and has rules that try to attain those goals. Three of the primary goals of high school soccer are education - the athletic field is an extension of the classroom; Participation - giving as many students as possible the education values that result from athletic participation; and Safety - making the game safe and injury-free for the student athlete.

Thank you for providing the details of this situation. Hopefully, it will result in a learning opportunity for the referees.