Question Number: 23693

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/22/2010

RE: Division II Under 19

John Papandreos of Regina, Saskatchewan Canada asks...

The Striker on the opposing team collided with our Keeper when trying to run for a thru ball. Note: Striker made every attempt to avoid the Keeper but in the process slightly injured our Keeper. Our Keeper signalled to the Official and the game was stopped so that my co-coach (who happens to be the parent of the Keeper and Doctor) could attend to the injured player. As this coach was approaching the Keeper the game official stopped him and said that if he went out to attend to the Keeper that the Keeper would have to leave/sub out of the game. I would like clarification on what the rule is with respect to this. This was in a U18 Boys Div. II tournament game. I was always under the impression that Keepers were treated slightly different than outfield players when it came to injuries. In 20 years of coaching soccer I have attended to many injured players all of which were permitted to either stay in the game and/or be substituted out. As we only had the one Keeper dressed for the game he stayed in the game and played with his injury. Did the game official exercise the appropriate discretion in this case. I have raised this matter with our local soccer officials association however, as is always the case, they never seem to follow up. Any clarification that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi John
It depends under what Laws this game is being played under. If it is a FIFA game then the correct decision is for the goalkeeper to be treated on the field of play and there is no requirement to leave the FOP after receiving treatment unlike all outfield players who must not be treated on the FOP for an injury.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Under the laws of the game, the keeper is exempted from the general requirement that an injured player attended on the field must leave the field of play. Although the rules off competition could differ (e.g., high school rules in the US do not exempt the keeper), it is unlikely.

My best guess is that the referee remembered the general rule, but forgot about the exception.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If playing under the Laws Of The Game, the keeper may be treated on the field as may any seriously injured player where it would be detrimental to have the player moved by non-expert medical professionals.

Here's pertinent Law

as soon as the referee has authorised the doctors to enter the fi eld of play,
the player must leave the fi eld of play, either on a stretcher or on foot. If a
player does not comply, he must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour

Exceptions to this ruling are to be made only when:
• a goalkeeper is injured
• a goalkeeper and an outfi eld player have collided and need immediate
attention
• players from the same team have collided and need immediate attention
• a severe injury has occurred, e.g. swallowed tongue, concussion, broken leg

I still believe it is impossible to swallow ones tongue unless severed off. The piece of tissue under the tongue attaching it to the base of the mouth, the frenulum, prevents this. It is possible, however, for the tongue to move so as to cross the tracheal opening and occlude air supply. I an unconcious player, doctors and other medical people make certain the airway is patent first thing they do