Question Number: 23663

Kicks From The Penalty mark 7/13/2010

RE: Former Player Adult

Rudy of Queens, NY USA asks...

If a player is substituted out during regulation, add on time, or over time. Can he/she be eligible for the penalty kick shootout to decide the game?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Under the laws of the game, the only ones who may participate in kicks from the mark are those who are players (not substitutes or substituted players) when the match ends. Such players usually will be on the field of play, but might be temporarily off the field because of injury, blood, equipment etc. Someone who is 'substituted out' is a substituted player, and is not eligible. If the goalkeeper becomes injured during the kicks phase, a substitute may enter to replace the keeper and participate in the kicks.

Note: high school (NFHS) rules are different.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

With adult leagues which have the no return of a player substituted rule (not the recreational league unlimited subs), once a player is substituted he can no longer participate in the game.

In an unlimited substitution game, a player can sub in and out as long as the game continues through regulation and any over time required. But once Kicks from the Penalty Mark begin, no substitutions are allowed, with the exception of a substitution for an injured goalkeeper.