When can a referee allow a player to re-enter the field after being substituted?

A player who has been substituted may only re-enter the field after a stoppage in play and with the referee's permission. This protocol is in place to ensure that the game maintains its flow and that substitutions are managed properly.

Allowing players to re-enter immediately when the ball goes out of play could lead to confusion and disrupt the organization of the game. Therefore, it is essential for the referee to control the timing of player re-entries. The referee's permission is crucial as they need to ensure the field remains safe and that the player returning is ready to participate without any undue delay or interruption to the game.

While a team can express a desire for a player to return, the authority ultimately rests with the referee, who must sanction the action to maintain the integrity of the match. Re-entering after a goal is scored is not a universally applicable rule, as there may be cases where the match resumes quickly or if additional players have been substituted. Thus, the proper procedure is essential for maintaining order on the field.