Directives (7)

7. Substitution Procedures
2008/09 Directives

The following procedures are to be adopted in FA Competitions where a fourth official is appointed, the FA Premier League and the Football League.

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The fourth official shall be in charge of all substitutions
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He shall receive a completed substitution form, with the correct numbers of both the substitute and the player being replaced, from the team representative preparing to make the substitution, before the substitution takes place
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The fourth official will be responsible for checking that the substitute’s equipment is in order before they enter the field of play. If their equipment does not comply he will inform them of the changes that need to be made before the substitution can take place. The substitution will not be sanctioned until the equipment has been rectified and checked.
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When a substitution is to take place the referee or assistant referee may be required to assist the fourth official. This is left to the discretion of the referee but must be made clear prior to kick off
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If the referee is carrying out disciplinary action a substitution will not take place until the disciplinary process has been completed

Substitution

Warming Up

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A maximum of 3 substitutes from each side may warm up at any one time where sufficient space permits
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The fourth official will indicate exactly where the substitutes may warm up
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The substitutes must conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times whilst warming up, giving the Assistant Referee room to carry out his duties. The fourth official may reduce the number of substitutes permitted to warm up at any one time where the actions of the substitute is deemed to be interfering with the duties of the Assistant Referee.