Off-field treatment and assessment

When the rule applies

The requirement applies if play is stopped for actual or suspected injury, the referee signals medical staff onto the pitch, or the player requests on-field attention when asked. Allow adequate initial assessment; treatment on the pitch is normally reserved for serious injury and the stated exceptions.

Timing and return

The referee times one minute on a running clock beginning at the restart. Return always needs permission: through the touchline during play, or any boundary at a stoppage.

• A substitute for the injured player may enter without this delay.
• If the period ends before the minute finishes, the player may return at the start of the next period. This also covers the start of extra time, its half-time and the transition to a shoot-out.

Exceptions

No one-minute absence is required if attention is declined and play was not stopped for the injury, or if the player voluntarily goes off without delaying the restart.

• An injured goalkeeper.
• A goalkeeper and an outfield player needing attention after colliding.
• Team-mates needing attention after colliding with each other.
• Severe injury, especially head injury, cardiac problems or a life-threatening event.
• Injury from a physical offence for which the opponent is cautioned or sent off.
• The injured player is to take an awarded penalty kick.