Question Number: 16859

Law 3 - Number of Players 9/24/2007

RE: Travel/Select Under 15

Neal of L, MA USA asks...

On a PK, I was not allowed to sub a field player for my GK for the PK. That is allowed based on FIFA rules correct? I know I could not sub from the sideline, but I should be able to sub from the field, right?

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

That depends on the league. If in an international match, then yes you could sub as it is a stoppage. Youth leagues have restrictions on when you can/cannot sub.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Neal. What you asked for was a keeper change not a substitution and as far as I know, this is allowed in every state at any stoppage.

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

Exchanging field players is not a substitution. It is reorganizing your players on the field. It is the same as telling your forward to switch positions with your halfback. Any field player can switch their positions at any time -- even during dynamic play EXCEPT the goal keeper. A goal keeper and field player may switch positions, but only at a stoppage in play and after informing the referee of the switch. Note: It's not about asking the referee for permission, it's about informing the referee that it is going to be done.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Neal if you yelled out you desired to sub the keeper in a youth match with the normal substitution opportunities every referee should deny this substitution. However, if your captain knew you wanted to change the goalkeeper with an outfield player, at this stoppage in play, and communicated to the referee his team was going to change keepers the referee could not refuse the change. It is a right afforded by Law 3.

did you yell out "Ref Subs" or did your captain notify the referee before the change was made? Huge difference there...

Regards,