1. Law 3
The Number of Players

2. Objectives At the end of this lesson the student will:
state the number of players for a legal game
state when a substitution can occur
list the correct procedure for substitution
state the appropriate penalty for illegal substitution

3. NUMBERS Match shall be played by two teams
Maximum of 11 players per team
One shall be the goalkeeper
Minimum of 7 players to start or continue the match

4. WHAT TO DO Must have at least 7 players to start or continue match
for minor injury, player may leave field
game pauses until player returns
if player is unable to return, abandon match
Report to the league
when game cannot be started
when game cannot be completed

5. OFFICIAL COMPETITIONS
Teams shall supply the names of up to 7 possible substitutes, but may use only 3 of these 7.
Substitutes not so named may not take part in the match.

6. Law 3 – The Players
National FAs can allow a max of 5 subs (except at the top level) and return subs for youth, etc.
Subs made at half-time without informing the referee is not a caution; including the Goalkeeper
Team scoring a goal with an extra player is punished with a DK
A Player who enters the field of play, without permission, and interferes is punished with a DK (explained more on next slide)

7. SUBSTITUTIONS Who? When? Where? How? 3 of 7 listed prior to game
At any stoppage of play
Where?
Player may leave the field anywhere
Substitute enters at halfway line
How?
With referee’s permission

8. SUBSTITUTIONS
Once player is substituted, that player may not re-enter the game.
Check league rules for re-entry modifications

9. SUBSTITUTION PROCEDURE
Substitute reports to assistant referee (or 4th official)
Assistant referee signals at next opportunity
Player may leave the field anywhere
Referee signals permission to enter
Substitute enters field at halfway line and becomes the new player

10. Law 3 – The Players
Player entering the field of play without permission A player who enters the field of play without the referee’s permission when it is needed (e.g. after injury, equipment change) is punished with direct FK is there is interference. Requirement to leave the field after being cautioned is removed.

11. Law 3 – The Players
New text If a player who requires the referee’s permission to re-enter the field of play re-enters without the referee’s permission, the referee must: –stop play (not immediately if the player does not interfere with play or a match official or if the advantage can be applied) (…) –caution the player for entering the field of play without permission –order the player to leave the field of play (if necessary) If the referee stops play, it must be restarted: •with a direct free kick from the position of the interference •with an indirect free kick from the position of the ball when play was stopped if there was no interference

12. Law 3 – The Players
Nothing changes for our games, however at the highest levels, one additional substitution can be permitted for extra time.

13. A PLAYER SENT-OFF Before the game: After the game has started:
May be replaced by a substitute
After the game has started:
May not be replaced at all
Yes ! The team plays shorthanded
After the game has ended:
Include misconduct in game report
Show cards if still on the field

14. SUBSTITUTES
All substitutes are subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referee, whether called upon to play or not.

15. United States Youth Soccer
Unlimited number may re-enter as often as they wish
Who ?
When ?
Throw-in (by throwing team)
Goal kick
Injury stoppage
Half-time
After a goal
Player may leave the field anywhere
Substitute enters only at halfway line
Where?
How?
With referee’s permission

16. REPLACING THE GOALKEEPER
With another player:
At any stoppage of play
Referee must be notified of a change of goalkeeper
Infringement - Caution both old and new goalkeeper at next stoppage of play

17. REPLACING THE GOALKEEPER
With a substitute:
Just like normal substitution
New goalkeeper in uniform and in position is “notification” (even at half-time)

18. LEAVING THE FIELD A player may leave the field Why?
With the referee’s permission
Without using a substitute
Why?
Medical attention
Equipment repair or replacement
To re-enter the field
Must receive the referee’s permission
During play, if from the touch line
At any stoppage of play

19. SHORT-HANDED TEAM Late arriving player(s) may join their team:
With permission of the referee
During play, or
At any stoppage of play
Assistant Referee first checks pass, equipment and roster

20. IMPROPER SUBSTITUTION
Substitute enters without permission
Stop play
Caution substitute
Remove substitute from field
Prior player re-enters
Restart with indirect free kick where the ball was located when play was stopped

21. TOO MANY PLAYERS When ball is in play: When ball is out of play:
Stop play
Caution extra “player”
Remove extra “player”
Restart with Indirect free kick
When ball is out of play:
Caution extra “player”
Remove extra “player”
Restart as you would have anyway

22. Do not allow this to happen
TOO MANY PLAYERS
Goal scored by team with extra player
Caution extra “player”
Remove extra “player”
Do not allow the goal
Restart with IFK from goal area.
Do not allow this to happen
Not sure? Count !!!

23. REVIEW How many players is each team allowed?
11 maximum
7 minimum players
one of which is the goalkeeper
May a player who is sent-off be replaced?
No, not if the match has started
What is the substitution procedure?
When may a field player change places with goalkeeper?
At any stoppage
Referee must be notified

24. REVIEW (cont’) Substitution without permission
Stop game
Caution “player” and remove
Restart with indirect free kick
Too many field players during play
Caution extra “player” and remove
Too many field players & goal scored
Disallow goal - restart with indirect free kick