Question Number: 16616

Law 3 - Number of Players 9/9/2007

RE: rec Under 15

kim hopkins of vicksburg, MS. U.S. asks...

This question is a follow up to question 925

when can both sides sub at the same time?
when can only one side sub?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Kim,
if you are under FIFA rules with no or restricted versions of youth provisions the substitute from either team MUST be at the midline BEFORE any stoppage after being checked by the referee, AR or 4th as required. In youth matches with UNLIMITED subs the check is most often done prior to the game starting so simply being at the midline INDICATES we are ready to sub.

You need to check your local policies as law 3 is subject to change and modifications are made at the youth level! Often only on your own possession is a major one. Plus do not take away an attacking advantage just to allow the opposition to waste some time!

A referee should not deny a substitution when there is no reason not to allow it if the correct protocalls have been followed! Granted unlimited subs can drag and waste much time on a merry go round sub policy that some coaches feel is in the interest of the kids.

A referee has options though to follow policy to the letter, demand a quick in and out or possibly face a caution show a yellow card, and unless prevented by some tournament provision add time to make up for unusally long breaks.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

This depends on the league. In NFHS both teams can sub if there both on the halfway line and appropriatly checked in.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Players from both teams may sub in at stoppage in play according to the FIFA laws of the game - though check your league rules to see if they varry from the laws of the game.