Football Substitutions

Football Substitution

A substitution in football is a player that is replaced by another player from the sideline on the same team. Football teams can only have 11 players on the field of play for a down. Unlimited substitutions are allowed only when the ball is dead. Players cannot be substituted without the referee's permission and all substitutions are finalized by the head coach.

About Substitutions

Substitutions occur for a number of reasons, the primary reason being for rest and recovery. Since football can be exhausting for a player, having a backup for him is ideal. This way there can always be a fresh player on the field. Substitutions are also for injured players. If a player gets hurt and has to be taken off the field, there is a substitute who replaces him. Once a player leaves the field, he is not able to return during that game. Other substitutes are on the bench until they are put in the game.