Soccer by the Rules – Beckoning Substitutes By Joe Manjone, Ed. D.
The 2013 National Federation Soccer Rules Committee met on January 21, 22, and 23 of this year to consider rules change and rule book editorial change proposals that are made by individuals from all over the U.S. Thirty-two rules change proposals were sent in for consideration this year. Seven of these proposals were accepted by the committee and will become part of the new 2013-14 NFHS Soccer Rules Book that will be available in June. Two of the new rules were discussed in last month’s article. Another new rule change that expands the times when players must be beckoned in will be discussed in this month’s article.
This new rule affects substitutes that come off the bench when a goal is scored and when a player is injured and removed from the field. Previously when substitutes entered the game in these situations, the substitutes could enter during the dead ball period from the bench without checking in with the scorer or nearest official and without being beckoned in by the referee.
Under the new rule that goes into effect in the fall of this year (2013), substitutes who desire to enter during the dead ball after a goal is scored or when a player is injured and removed from the field, must now check in with the scorer/timer or nearest official if there is not a scorer/timer, and wait until beckoned in by the referee.
These new requirements necessitated the changing of two rules. They are:
Rule 3-3-2…..Time for Substitutions; either team may substitute an unlimited number of players from the bench, provided they have checked in per 3-4-1(d):
- When a goal is scored;
- When a player is injured and removed from the field;
- a in the 2012-13 Rules Book now becomes c
- b in the 2012-13 Rules Book now becomes d
- c in the 2012-13 Rules Book now becomes d
- d in the 2012-13 Rules Book now becomes f
Rule 3-4-1b now becomes: A substitute may enter the field of play at the beginning of a period without being beckoned by the referee. After a score and when a player is injured and removed from the field, substitutes must be beckoned.
These rules changes will allow the referee to maintain better control of the game and the flow of players and substitutes on and off the field. These changes should also eliminate concerns as to who is a player and who is a substitute.
Please note that these rules changes do not go into effect until the 2013-14 soccer season, so that if you are playing spring 2013, soccer, you will still be following the rules in the 2012-13 rules book.
Starting in the fall of 2013, follow and enforce these rules in every high school game you work, and make certain your partners do the same. Help coaches to know and understand these new rules changes.
If you would like to suggest a high school soccer rules change or if you have any questions about these rules or any high school rule, please e-mail me at [email protected]