Question Number: 31580

Other 6/4/2017

RE: High School

Jason of smyrna, Georgia USA asks...

If the captain of the team leaves to go on loan and they come back, will they get the armband back?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jason
That is a matter for the team and the club.
I suspect that if a player leaves and he is replaced as team / club captain then should he return he is less likely to be reinstated as captain as he may not be seen as totally committed to the club or that it is more disruption to the teams togetherness. . In that case it is unlikely the player will become captain again
Now that should not be confused with being captain for a particular game. Antonio Valencia was Manchester United's captain in the Europa Cup final. Wayne Rooney is club captain but was only a sub in the game. When Rooney came on with minutes to go Valencia gave him the captain armband and Rooney lifted the trophy for United.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Jason,
This is not something covered by the Laws of the Game, it is as Ref McHugh says, up to the team or club involved. He has given some good examples of how this might work.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Jason,

As Ref McHugh states this is up to the team/club to decide and is not about the laws of the game.

I'd also be surprised if this was to be the case - the old captain would probably have to earn their position back as it may be disruptive changing the leadership again, especially if the new captain has been doing well. It may be seen as unfair to walk back into the team and take up captaincy immediately - but it depends on the team and the capabilities of others within the team.