Question Number: 15320

Law 3 - Number of Players 4/29/2007

RE: Select Under 15

Dave Eberle of Clarkston, Washington USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15238

This is a follow up to my original question (15238):

In USSF Youth Soccer, are substitutions permitted during Free Kicks?

I checked with my local league. Their rules state that substitutions may be made with the consent of the referee during any stoppage in play.

I'm still not sure how to handle quick free kicks when the opposing team has a player ready at the halfway line to substitute.

Do I delay the quick free kick to allow the opposing team to make their substitution?

My gut feeling is to allow the substitution at another stoppage of play instead.

Thank you for your further clarification.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

At all times the referee allows substitution to take place IF the players don't want a quick restart of play. The only thing changing this view is when a player is a discipline problem and is to be replaced by a substitute.

Where a problem arises is when the referee allows the coach to yell out "Subs ref" or "Hey Ref, Sub". Once you have set this precedent the coach thinks he is in control of when a substitution will be made. The answer is follow Law 3 to the letter. There will be no substitutions unless the referee is notified before the stoppage in play. The referee can't always be notified but the assistant or fourth can be.

So, a properly attired substitute at the halfway line and the assistant's signal and the players delaying their restart gives you time to allow the change. The substitute need only walk over to the assistant and say I'll be in for #14 when you can. Until ALL referees do it that way you will have problems..

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

According to the laws of the game, a sub may occur at any stoppage in play. Aside from that reread what Ref Fleischer said above, it's very good.