Question Number: 35681

Law 4 - The Players Equipment 8/31/2024

Petr of Prague, Czech Republic Czech Republic asks...

Hello,

one short question please.

When are players allowed to change their captain's armband? (Anytime or when the ball is out of play?)

Thank you very much!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Petr
This is not defined in Law.

The accepted position is that the arm band changes when the captain is being substituted which is a stoppage in play. The captain at that time hands the arm band to the player that is taking over those duties.
One does not see a change very often if at all other than at that time as teams may not want to highlight such a change or demote a player during a game.
I have seen teams where certain players adopt a more leadership role than the captains and that does not need an armband.

While the Law has been updated to the compulsory arm band wearing it does not always identify the on field leaders in a team.

IFAB states **If the referee notices that the armband is ‘missing’, play is not stopped, but when the ball is next out of play, the team/coach must ensure that one of their players wears an armband (and is thus the captain).**

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Petr,
hmmm not a LOTG situation more of an assist to clarity and relay information between the CR, other officials, team players and managers.

Upon the one with the arm ban being substituted, handing it over to a team mate, be it the substitute or any of the other 10 players on the field.
Even if exchanged at an injury or half, it is a type of substitution, thus a stoppage is in play! If it was done during active play, in my opinion, it is not technically illegal or actionable just unwise and distracting.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Petr,
The LOTG don't really specify here. As a referee, if I saw players making a change while the ball is in play, I might just suggest they let the referee know next time. While I don't believe it's an issue, some refs might think the "unauthorised" change warrants a yellow card.

Without a lot of detail, we apply the spirit of the game/law.