Question Number: 16481

Law 3 - Number of Players 8/29/2007

RE: u9 rec Under 10

Randy of midland, tx usa asks...

on my teams throw-in, if i substitute a player can the opposing team do likewise.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

That will depend on your league rules.

Following FIFA Laws of the Game, teams may substitute on any stoppage in play, if the correct procedure is followed. Subs must be ready before the stoppage and have reported to the center line. The referee must be informed of the desire to sub. The incoming players must wait for the referee to motion them onto the field.

Most youth leagues have unlimited subs and allow players to return to the game after they have been subbed out. Because of this, many leagues have limited the opportunities when subs can be requested, so game time is not excessivly fragmented. Common times are
*before a kickoff (start of half, after goal)
*before a goal kick
*for an injury, or
*before a throw-in by the team in possession of the ball - in some leagues, the team not in possession of the ball can sub if the team taking the throw does.

US Youth Soccer is encouraging leagues to adopt rules that allow for substitutions at any stoppage, just as the Laws of the Game allow. Several State Cup competitions on the East Coast have adopted this, and it may gradually appear across the country.