LAW 3 - THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS

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THE LAW

Players are those who are allowed to participate in play on the field. The number of players on a team can be different depending on the age level of the teams (see local rules). For older players, no more than eleven and no fewer than seven for each team can be on the field at a time
		One of the players on each team must be the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper wears a different colored shirt than any of the other players on either team and the officials.
	Substitutes are team members who are not playing on the field but who can replace players. Substitutes must obey the rules just like players. Substitution opportunities in youth matches may be different based on local rules. The referee needs to be aware of these rules. Substitution can also be made during the halftime break, but the referee needs to be informed. The substitute must be ready to enter the field at the halfway line when the game is stopped or wait for the next chance.
		The substitution is not official until the substitute steps onto the field after the referee says its OK. A player on the field can change places with the goalkeeper only: When play is stopped, and When the referee says its OK
	Coaches and other team officials on the sidelines must behave responsibly. If they don't, the referee can remind them about the law. If the problem continues, the referee can require a coach or team official to leave the area.