Time-limited substitutions

Starting the clock

The ten seconds begin when the board is displayed or the referee gives the substitution signal. If the referee checks equipment at halfway, timing begins after the check and signal. Players leave at the nearest boundary unless the referee directs otherwise.

• The referee may visibly count the final five seconds, optionally with a verbal count.
• For several substitutions at one stoppage, every departing player must be off within ten seconds of the final board or signal. Boards/signals must not be spaced out to create delay.

If ten seconds expire

The departing player must still leave promptly. Play restarts with the replacement off the field. The substitution cannot be cancelled and the named replacement cannot be changed.

• The replacement enters only at the first stoppage after one running-clock minute from the restart, with the referee’s signal.
• A yellow card is reserved for excessive delay, rather than automatically following every time-limit breach.

Exceptions

The referee may waive the limit where an injury prevents timely departure or safety/security prevents use of the nearest boundary. A player already at or crossing the boundary as the countdown ends should not trigger the entry delay.