Question Number: 31491

Law 3 - The Players 4/27/2017

RE: Rec Adult

Ryan of Letterkenny, Donegal Ireland asks...

Obviously I know teams can only have one goalkeeper on the field at a time, but what exactly is the rule stopping them from having two ? Say a team is playing and all their players, keeper included are wearing the exact same kit and gloves. What's stopping the furthest man back from saying they've switched positions and he's now the keeper ?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Ryan,
lol
last man back on the street rec hockey or soccer is an old school keeper/goaltender interaction. The FIFA LOTG do NOT permit a switch during live play ONLY at a stoppage and with the permission of the referee. The distinguishing jersey for id can not be switched during live play. If it was done secretly in behind play it is a caution for both players although the switch could remain after.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee MrRef

Hi Ryan
What stops the team is the Law. Law 3 states that **A match is played by two teams, each with a maximum of eleven players; ONE must be the goalkeeper**. Capitals by me
Law 4 states ** Each goalkeeper must wear colours that are distinguishable from the other players and the match officials**
So a team must have one player wearing the funny coloured jersey and that player is designated the team goalkeeper. Everyone else is an outfield player on the team.
As a young boy playing in the street we used to have a rule of last man back was the goalkeeper. No one wanted to be the goalkeeper. Obviously that worked in bounce street games. Happy days