Question Number: 16809

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/20/2007

RE: Select Under 18

Ski of Baltimore , Maryland USA asks...

If a player receives a red card prior to the start of play at halftime does the team have to play a man down for next half?

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

That depends in High School or College - No. You would not have to play short.

If it is for FIFA laws (USSF matches) and the individual sent off at half time was truly a player and not a substitute when the half ended, then the team must play short. If the individual was a sub then the team would not play short.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Given proper substitution procedures the players leaving the field of play at the end of the first period must return to the field after the interval so during the interval they remain players. Therefore any player sent off between the two periods of play may not be replaced. Very, very few referees follow the correct procedure to substitute a player before the second period starts. One should note the referee has a list of players and substitutes so he is able to specifically identify who is who. In unlimited substitute matches this may not be possible.

Short cuts abound, so much so that the three national organizations in America have taken it upon themselves to address this in their Advice or their rules. NFHS and NCAA allow a player sent off between the two periods to be replaced, USSF does not though there is mention of substitutes entering without permission, specifically the goalkeeper. In that case when play begins the substitutes are given tacit approval to be where they are.

Regards,