Law 3
The Number of Players
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
2
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
SUBSTITUTIONS
Who?

3 of 7 listed prior to game
When?

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
A PLAYER SENT-OFF
• Before the game:
– 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
11
SUBSTITUTES
All substitutes are subject
to the authority and
jurisdiction of the referee,
whether called upon to
play or not.
12
United States Youth Soccer

Unlimited number may re-enter as
often as they wish
When ?  Throw-in (by throwing team)
 Goal kick
 Injury stoppage
 Half-time
 After a goal
Who ?
Where?  Player may leave the field anywhere
 Substitute enters only at halfway line
How?

With referee’s permission
13
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
14
REPLACING THE GOALKEEPER
With a substitute:

Just like normal substitution

New goalkeeper in uniform and
in position is “notification”
(even at half-time)
15
LEAVING THE FIELD
A player may leave the field
– 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
16
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
17
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
18
TOO MANY PLAYERS
When ball is in play:
 Stop
play
 Caution extra “player”
 Remove extra “player”
 Restart with Indirect free kick
When ball is out of play:
extra “player”
 Remove extra “player”
 Restart as you would have anyway
 Caution
19
TOO MANY PLAYERS
Goal scored by team with extra player
Caution extra “player”
 Remove extra “player”
 Do not allow the goal
 Restart with Goal Kick
from goal area.

Do not allow this to happen
Not sure? Count !!!
20
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
21
REVIEW (cont’)
• Substitution without permission
– Stop game
– Caution “player” and remove
– Restart with indirect free kick
• Too many field players during play
– Stop game
– Caution extra “player” and remove
– Restart with indirect free kick
• Too many field players & goal scored
– Caution extra “player” and remove
– Disallow goal - restart with indirect free kick
22