Question Number: 15883

Law 3 - Number of Players 6/25/2007

RE: Under 13

Clare of Dubuque, Iowa USA asks...

Can a golie be switched even if it isn't half-time or the game is over, or if they are hurt?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Certainly. Law 3 says,

"Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that:
* the referee is informed before the change is made
* the change is made during a stoppage in the match"

Goalkeepers are players, so they would also fall under the substitution rules as set by your league. I haven't seen any rule modifications that limit when a goalkeeper can be substituted. That's not to say it's never been done ... someone somewhere probably had a bright idea sometime that keepers should play the entire half. Why they would want that rule, I have no clue.

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Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yes - at any stoppage with referees permission. If a bench sub is replacing keeper then it must be a substitution opportunity.

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Answer provided by Referee Jon Sommer

No you have to play without one!!! Yes of course a goalkeeper can be swooped. at all times on a football field there must be two men identified as goalkeepers by a different colour strip. A substitution can be made at any stoppage so long as there are still subs left in line with the league regulations.

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