Law 3 in soccer, officially known as "The Players," dictates the fundamental rules regarding the number of players, substitutions, and other personnel on the field during a match. It ensures fair play and defines the legal composition of each team.
At its core, Law 3 states that a match is played by two teams, each with a maximum of eleven players, one of whom must be the goalkeeper. Crucially, a match cannot start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players.
Key Aspects of Law 3: The Players
Law 3 covers several essential components to ensure the integrity of the game.
1. Number of Players
- Maximum Players: Each team begins the match with a maximum of eleven players on the field, including one goalkeeper.
- Minimum Players: A match cannot start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players. This minimum ensures the game remains competitive and safe.
- Goalkeeper Requirement: Every team must have a designated goalkeeper on the field at all times.
2. Substitutions
Substitutions are a critical part of modern soccer, allowing coaches to manage player fatigue, tactical changes, and injuries.
- Number of Substitutions:
- Competitive Matches: The number of substitutions allowed varies by competition. Typically, three to five substitutions are permitted per team in most top-tier competitive matches. Some competitions may allow an additional substitution in extra time.
- Friendly Matches: In friendly matches, the number of substitutions can be much higher, often agreed upon by the teams before the game, to allow more players to participate.
- Substitution Procedure:
- A substitute may only enter the field of play after the player being replaced has left.
- The substitute must enter at the halfway line.
- The substitution can only take place during a stoppage in play.
- The referee must be informed before any substitution is made.
- A player who has been substituted cannot take any further part in the match, except in specific youth or amateur regulations.
3. Changing the Goalkeeper
Any outfield player can change places with the goalkeeper, provided:
- The referee is informed before the change is made.
- The change happens during a stoppage in play.
If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referee's permission, they are cautioned, but play continues.
4. Offences and Sanctions
Infringements of Law 3 usually result in a caution (yellow card) or, in severe cases, the game being stopped.
- Illegal Entry: If a player enters the field without the referee's permission, the game is stopped, the player is cautioned, and play restarts with an indirect free kick from where the ball was when play was stopped.
- Extra Person on the Field: If a substitute, substituted player, sent-off player, or team official enters the field and interferes with play, the referee stops the game and can award a direct free kick or penalty kick, depending on where the interference occurred. If an external person interferes, the referee can stop play and restart with a dropped ball.
5. Goals Scored with an Extra Person on the Field
- If an extra person (substitute, substituted player, sent-off player, or team official of the scoring team) is on the field when a goal is scored, the goal is disallowed. The game restarts with a direct free kick from the position of the extra person.
- If an extra person from the opposing team is on the field, the goal stands, and appropriate action is taken against the extra person.
Summary of Key Provisions
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Players | Maximum 11 players per team (including 1 goalkeeper). Minimum 7 players required for a match to start or continue. |
| Substitutions | Number varies by competition (e.g., 3 to 5 in competitive matches). Must be done during a stoppage, with referee's permission, and the substitute enters at the halfway line after the replaced player leaves. |
| Goalkeeper Change | An outfield player can swap with the goalkeeper if the referee is informed and it occurs during a stoppage. |
| Extra Persons | Includes substitutes, substituted players, sent-off players, and team officials. Their presence on the field, especially if they interfere with play, can lead to cautions, free kicks, or even disallowing a goal. |
| Sanctions | Infringements can result in yellow cards (cautions) for players or officials, and restarts with indirect or direct free kicks, depending on the nature and location of the offence. If a goal is scored with an illegal extra person from the scoring team on the field, the goal is disallowed. |
Importance of Law 3
Law 3 is fundamental to the integrity and fairness of soccer matches. It prevents teams from gaining unfair advantages by having too many players, ensures that matches are played with sufficient numbers for competitive play, and provides clear guidelines for personnel changes during the game. Understanding this law is crucial for players, coaches, and spectators alike to appreciate the foundational structure of the sport.
For the definitive and most up-to-date information on the Laws of the Game, always refer to the official publications by The International Football Association Board (IFAB) at theifab.com.
