Question Number: 23539

Law 3 - Number of Players 6/22/2010

RE: Competitive/Rec Adult

Euan McLean of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Canada asks...

Are there any limitations on when a team is allowed to make a substitution?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Under the laws of the game, a team may substitute at any stoppage of play, with a limited number of substitutions.

Youth, women, and seniors may play under modified substitutions rules. Many leagues with unlimited substitution and reentry also adopt modifications that limit substitution opportunities (commonly kickoffs, goal kicks and some throw-ins).

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee McLean
The only limitations under the Laws of the Game are the number and that the substitution must take place at a stoppage in play. There are also procedures that must be followed to make a correct substitution.
As Referee Wickham states at underage, women and senior the competition authorities can modify the substitution law to suit. Referees should refer to the competition rules on substitutions. Examples included unlimited and 'roll on roll off 'substitutions.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

LOTG say at any stoppage. There are numerous modifications to this especially at youth play all over the world

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Depends on the league. The LOTG state on any stoppage, but different leagues will modify this.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Yes, there are limitations. If a substitute is not up at the halfway line and ready to go in when a substitution opportunity presents itself, then the referee has no obligation to allow the substitution at that time. An exception to that would be replacement of an injured player. In that same vein, if the team with the ball is taking a quick restart at a stoppage, the referee may choose not to interfere although this should be done very judiciously.

Some changes are not substitutions, such as when the keeper changes places with a field player with the referee's permission. That should take place at a stoppage, and cannot be refused. Additionally, a referee can allow a substitution at any time under unusual circumstances - a player is suffering from heat, asthma issues, etc. Health and safety trump league rules if there are restrictions on when a substitution may take place.

Other than those caveats, teams are entitled to substitute whenever there is a stoppage, or if they are playing with modified rules, whenever a substitution opportunity is available.