Question Number: 22797

Law 3 - Number of Players 2/5/2010

RE: Adult

Sylvia Chacon of Lincoln, NE USA asks...

If a soccer team puts in a player for another can they take out the same player they just put in to put in another.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Depends if you are playing by FIFA rules or with a modification of Law 3. If playing with unlimited substitutions and there is another sub waiting at the center line the referee should allow him to substitute for the player on the field.

If playing by FIFA rules it would depend on whether or not the team had any substitutions left as there are only a specified number allowed.

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Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I believe you may be asking, 'If Player 1 is subbed out and Player 2 comes in, can Player 3 sub for Player 2 at a later time?' Provided you haven't reached your maximum number of substitutions, this would be allowed.

However there could be another question you meant to be asking. 'Player 1 will be subbed out; Player 2 is ready to go in. But before play restarts, the coach decided he'd rather have Player 3 go in. Is that allowed?' If the proper substitution mechanics are being used, Player 1 leaves the field first. Then Player 2 comes in - that substitution has been completed. Player 2 now leaves the field and Player 3 comes in - that is another substitution. The team has just used 2 of their allotment. This would be legal if they had 2 substitution opportunities left, and if they didn't use the tactic to excessively delay play.

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Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Sylvia
The substitution process is clearly defined in the laws of the game. Along with that there are competition rules governing the type and number of substitutes.
At open age it is usually three subs from perhaps 5/7 named substitutes. So the team can use three substitutes and the team can replace any player of the eleven on the field of play. That includes any player who has joined the game earlier as a substitute.
As regards a change of mind by a team, once a substitute steps on the field of play, as the player he/she is replacing leaves ,that is a completed substitution and the team has used one of its allowed substitutions. To replace the 'substitute' (he is now a player once he steps on the FOP) that will require another substitution. Might seem harsh but the player could say commit misconduct after just going on the FOP and he/she would have to be dismissed and the team play short rather than the excuse that it was not a substitution. Also say the substitute runs on and twists an ankle then if he/she is unable to continue then another substitution is required.

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