English Schools' Football Association

Substitute Pilot Extended

In March 2012, The International Football Association Board permitted The Football Association to undertake a 2 year pilot to adopt repeat substitutions for all affiliated matches within their competition. Following a successful pilot, the FA are delighted to announce an extension through 2015.

The initial pilot came about as The FA had been seeking more flexibility on substitutions in the amateur game in an effort to help increase participation in 11 v 11 competitions.

Following a successful two year proposal, some of the positive quotes, comment and statistics have been recorded below:

• The number of players registered has increased this season.
• Clubs are taking and using more than three subs, hence all 16 players on match days feel part of the team. In addition this has helped with attendance at training, not only is match day participation increasing but player skills are improving via training attendance.
• The Reading Football League has had no teams fold since the AGM of 2012. This is the first time in many years.
• The number of unfulfilled fixtures due to being unable to raise a team appears less this season. However, the lack of games and keenness to play when games are on may be the factor here compared to players being available due to getting game time. However, teams can take 12 players to games safe in knowledge that the sub can be used early in the game and if an injury occurs the team does not have to play with 10 men as the player who was subbed can re-enter the match.
• Increased number of veteran players. With repeat subs the older players can be given game time based on their fitness levels and then a breather during a match, 236 players are 35 or older with 22 being 50+ players are less than 21 and if they played youth football will be use to the repeat sub rule.
• Scope exists for all 16 players in a cup final to play in the final rather than at least two not getting on the pitch. For many players this may be the only chance they have of playing in a final and everyone can feel part of it if even of a few minutes game time.
• For a multi team club the 3rd and 4th team managers can name 16 players each knowing that if there is no draw on their squads due to drop outs of higher teams in the club they can use 16 players and do not have to call players asking them not to turn up or if 16 turn up on match day, not give two a game.  This also helps the top teams as they can have full squads and does not deplete the lower teams to an extent they are left with 11 / 12 players.
• Majority of Referees have either come via youth football as a player or junior ref or have officiate at youth games. Therefore, the concept of repeated subs is not new to them. 

The IFAB decision has afforded the FA, CFA’s and Leagues an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that using repeat substitutions up to 5 from 5 can make a significant difference to retaining and growing the number of players in 11v11 male football 17+. To make the most of this opportunity and ensure the most compelling argument for retaining the rule change after the 2 year pilot it is important that all participating Leagues and CFA’s apply this guidance.

For more information please visit the resources section of our website for further documentation and monitoring forms.