Following approval by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in February, The FA is able to confirm that from season 2015-16, all adult 11v11 male leagues (below Step 7 of the National League System) and all youth male 11v11 leagues at U17 and U18 will have the option to implement repeat substitutions in their competitions.
IFAB came to this decision based on the results achieved through the enthusiastic participation of 255 leagues, over 7000 teams and 180,000 players in a three-year repeat subs pilot.
Recurrent feedback from the pilot highlighted that repeat subs helped teams retain players by giving previously peripheral players more game time, improved the management of injured players and was ideal for the transition of former youth players into open age football.
This very positive decision for grassroots football couldn’t have been achieved without the leagues that participated in the pilot and on that basis, The FA would like to register its thanks to all those leagues.
If your league isn’t currently implementing repeat subs, but is considering doing so, call your CFA today to discuss changing your rules for 2015-16.
