What does a player need to do to legally re-enter the field after being substituted?

To legally re-enter the field after being substituted, a player must wait for the referee to signal their return. This procedure is in place to ensure that the game maintains flow and is safe for all participants. The referee is responsible for managing the game, and their signal indicates that it is the appropriate time for the player to return without causing disruption or confusion.

When a substitution is made, the player leaving the field must do so in an orderly manner, and the referee oversees this transition. The signal allows the referee to maintain control and make sure that the field is ready for the player to join back in a structured way, preventing any potential overlaps or miscommunication during the match. The other options, such as re-entering immediately without the referee’s signal, jumping over the touchline, or walking back onto the field at any time, do not adhere to the established protocols for safe and orderly substitutions.