Question Number: 15802

Law 3 - Number of Players 6/15/2007

RE: Rec Under 19

Daniel of Stouffville, Ontario Canada asks...

can a team ask for a substitutuion at any time during the game or is there a rule that states that it should only take place on your own teams throw ins and goal kicks?

thanks

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

That depends on the league. Generally if a team is allowed unlimited subs, then subs can only occur on certain scenarious. Most youth leagues in the U.S. allow subs unlimited on throw ins (your own), goal kicks, goals, half time, and injuries. In international matches subs can occur at any stoppage (referees discretion), but each team can only sub a limited number of times. Furthermore once a player is out, they cannot reenter the game.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

When refereeing any match I tend to look to the players on the field and what they are doing at a stoppage. If they seem to want haste there will be no substitution THEN, we'll wait for the next stoppage.

If the league has determined substitutions will be made at specific stoppages then the same applies, I yield to how the players react. In all cases I consider it insulting when a coach bellows "HEY, Ref - sub" when the ball goes out of play. Unless the substitute has notified an assistant, is standing at the halfway line and we have time there is going to be no substitution then. Unless, the coach screams more than once and the ball is headed into the goal. There I gladly stop things, return the ball to the previous restart and allow the substitute to enter, as per his wishes.

The ball went into the goal? You're kidding? Really? Sorry coach, I thought you really wanted the substitute NOW. You have it! Make It! Thanks...

Yes I have!!!

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

According to the Laws of the Game a substitution may be made in any stoppage in play. However, many leagues have their own special set of rules which govern when substitutions may be taken.

Check with your local league to determine the rules of competition that you are governed by.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Daniel,
in my opinion a substitution on any stoppage could be allowed under FIFA laws provided the substitute is at centre waiting BEFORE the stoppage (checked in)
As there is often no 4th or even neutral ARs this concept allows the referee to see even before a stoppage the teams wish to sub and because we have no limits on the number or times, getting this done quickly is of the essence!
Certain leagues wil impose restrictions as substitutions are one section of the laws allowed to be changed under FIFA direction. If they are part of the league policy as a referee you need to be aware!

My guidelines for unlimited substitutions are the players leaving exit at nearest point to boundary lines raise their hand to indicate who and when. Only then do I wave in the correct number of subs at centre with the number of players leaving. Often the leagues impose two at a time for less confusing moments but seen as many as 6 at a time in larger teams at the recreational levels. Just be firm with how they enter and exit and you will avoide the too many or not enough syndrome.

For limited subs I prefer they exit and enter at the centre line as I add 30 seconds give or take. In subs on the fly the replacement is tagged at centre by the exiting player during play there are no sub stoppages in these 7 versus 7 , 20 minute a game tournaments

I am of the belief if there is no reason not to , the sub goes ahead! I will not take away an advantage but if the ball goes way, way out for a blue goal kick and blue shows no hurry to restart if green was ready to sub I could allow them to do so! I, like ref Fleischer, prefer to think I can tell what the players want to do and will defer a sub to that right to restart quickly up until the coach of that team wants to interfere and sub anyway then calling back a great advantage is his choice!

I will allow subs right up until the final seconds if they are properly done. As a tactical decision referees can not interfere with those types of decisions. I watched a game recently where the referee refused to allow a sub waiting to replace a tired defender at the last minute because he pointed to his watch and said time is almost up guess which player committed a pk and which team lost!
There are always reasons besides delay that subs are made , replace a weakened player, get a pk shooter on the field before the match ends in the event of a tie. Remember we can caution any player who decides a substitution is a right to delay a match.

My only exception is if an injury occurs I will allow that team to replace the hurt player directly from the technical area. They still have to report to centre but need not be there as in other substitutions. If the opposing team had players at centre or there were other teammates at centre they sub as an injury stoppage is a stoppage same rules apply!
Cheers