Question Number: 17199

Law 3 - Number of Players 10/8/2007

RE: rec Under 15

Steve Schley of hayward, CA USA asks...

Can a goalie substitution with a player that is on the field at the time ever be considered a delay of game?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

A keeper CHANGE is allowed at any stoppage and the referee will add time for this. If a coach thinks he's being smart if he's ahead and time is running down by performing a keeper change, he's not as the referee simply adds that time lost at the end of the half.

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

This is not a substitution. It is a switching of player positions. And since the goal keeper and player who is switching with the goal keeper need to undress, then redress themselves, this kind of switching of positions can only be done at a stoppage and upon informing the referee of their intent to do so. Depending on whether these two players are lolligagging around, would depend on whether I would deem this to be a time wasting tactic. If they are taking their sweet time, and I have addressed this with them and no improvement is made, then I would have good reason to caution both for delaying the restart of play. Thankfully I have the power to add time for these kinds of things and could just as easily keep the card in my pocket for something else.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The *switch* not a substitution is permitted in law 3!
A referee must ensure we add the FULL time used, cautions likely are extreme case situations. USB is always in the opinion of the referee but generally a stern look and watch point, effectively gets the better hurry along idea across.

If it was a tactic where field scheduals and or tournament time lines were at risk because each player just kept switching back and forth as keeper at every opportunity then record and report. Such things are not to be tolerated!
Our misconduct alarm for USB is now approaching that extreme case we thought would not be happening!

For any other infringements of this Law:
? the players concerned are cautioned and shown the yellow card


Changing the Goalkeeper
Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper,
provided that:
? the referee is informed before the change is made
? the change is made during a stoppage in the match

Cheers