Question Number: 16970

Law 3 - Number of Players 9/29/2007

RE: Rec, Select, HS High School

Chris Good of Milford, CT USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 16867

I had a situation last night in a traveling Rec U14 game where a player from team A had set up the ball for a direct kick, stepped back and was leaning forward to start her approach. Her coach yells for a subsitituion, but I disallwoed it and told her to play. He went beserk and yelled that it was his ball and he should be allowed to subsitute. I warned him to calm down and that I decide when substitutions can be made. Any advice? I know that in the case of a quick kick/throw in, you shouldn't disadvantage a team, but isn't there also a desire to keep play going and allow substitutions when there is a clear break in play?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Well Chris, you don't actually "decide" when they can sub or not. But you do decide whether they have followed correct substitution procedures.

In this case, they have not. The coach didn't decide about a substitution until well after the stoppage had happened, and play was about to begin. Subs are to be up ready to go when the stoppage occurs.

Evidently CT is following Region 1's directive on subs at any stoppage? We heard this was happening in some State Cup games.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The substitution policy requires the sub/player who wishes to come in be at the midline ahead of the NEXT stoppage. The substitution is based on the referee being aware of the team?s intention and desire to do so. The cry*Ref Sub!* follows the game because far too often policy is not followed and referees are not observant given unlimited times players can be interchanged and subbed in a single match. I agree that on rare occasions a quick restart might be best allowed rather than stop for a sub. Certainly if the opposing team are the ones waiting to get in. That said tactically coaches have a right to get who they want into the game. I have only once had a player refuse to leave so when his coach tried to substitute I told the coach better pick another player. I also suggested that to belabor the point served no purpose except to get him warned then exiled or others players cautioned for USB by entering without permission. I suspect the post game team meeting went poorly! Referees will sometimes point to their watch seeing only a minute or two or even a few seconds and choose to ignore a legal sub. BEWARE this is wrong as it can affect an outcome. For example a player off who is a good pk taker in a tie game seeks entry in the final few minutes. Play goes for a bit and when the next stoppage occurs our awaiting sub, at midline is told No time is nearly gone! Duh that is why we want to get THIS player which is OUR right into the match! Same again a laboring defender has a pulled groin and struggles to stay with his mark. Coach sees it and wants to sub; sub at midline next stoppage referee says no, the opposing team scores after dribbling around the struggling defender. Be ready to send this coach to shower land as he COULD be less than reasonable! Coaches who go *berserk* require time out in the car seat nearest parking lot. You were kind to let him stay! I on the other hand might be less generous with the good cheer medicine! Still reasonable coaches respond well to reasonable referees! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If the coach remained in the technical area there is a suggestion. Going berserk is not conducting yourself responsibly. Read the high school rule 3 and Law 3 to see exactly what a team official may do to notify a match official that he desires a substitute. Once that is firmly established in your mind ensure coaches do it correctly so they may stay in the technical area.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Are there any specific league rules on when subs can occur. Most youth leagues around here do not allow subs on a free kick. If it was a subbing opportunity, then you can tell the coach that since his team quickly took the kick you did not want to take away there right to a quick kick.