NOTES AND MODIFICATIONS

Off-field treatment and assessment protocol 

Introduction

This protocol relates to the Law 5 requirement for an outfield player who is assessed and/or treated on the field of play,* or whose injury causes play to be stopped, to leave the field of play and remain off it for a period of one minute after the restart.

* Law 5 permits treatment on the field of play only in certain circumstances (see below).

The purpose is to give the medical staff the necessary time off the field of play to evaluate the player’s injury and determine whether they should continue playing, as well as to reduce disruption to the tempo of the match.

Procedure

Requirement to leave the field of play for one minute

  • An outfield player is required to leave the field of play for one minute after the restart in the event of one or more of the following:
    • play is stopped because the player has an actual or suspected injury
    • the referee has signalled for the medical staff to enter the field of play
    • the referee has asked the player if they require on-field medical attention and the player has requested it
  • The medical staff should be given sufficient time to carry out an initial assessment on the field but should not treat the player on the field unless it is a serious injury.
  • After any initial assessment, the player must leave the field of play (except as outlined below) and remain off it until play has restarted and one minute has elapsed (running clock).

One-minute period off the field of play

  • The one-minute period off the field of play begins when play restarts.
  • The one minute is timed using a running clock and is determined by the referee, who may be assisted by the other match officials.
  • The player may only return with the referee’s permission; they must re-enter from the touchline if the ball is in play but may re-enter from any boundary line if the ball is not in play.
  • If the injured player is substituted, the substitution is not delayed.
  • If the first half ends before the one minute has elapsed, the player may return as from the beginning of the second half; this principle applies to:
    • the period between the end of normal time and the start of extra time
    • half-time in extra time
    • the period between the end of extra time and penalties (penalty shoot-out)

A player is not required to leave the field of play for one minute when:

  • the player:
    • indicates that they do not require medical attention, except where play was stopped for the injury; or
    • voluntarily leaves the field during play or a stoppage, provided that this does not delay the restart
  • there is an injury for which Law 5 permits a player to be treated on the field of play:
    • a goalkeeper is injured
    • a goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided and need attention
    • players from the same team have collided and need attention
    • a severe injury has occurred, especially a head injury (e.g. concussion), cardiac issue or life-threatening event (e.g. seizure, choking etc.)
    • a player is injured as the result of a physical offence for which the opponent is cautioned or sent off (e.g. reckless or serious foul challenge)
    • a penalty kick has been awarded and the injured player will be the kicker