Substitution Rules by Age Group at the Midwest Youth Cup

Substitutions at the Midwest Youth Cup are unlimited at every age group. U8 through U12 substitute on the fly during play. U13 through U15 substitute at standard restart moments. A substituted player may return later in the same match.

Key facts

• Substitutions are unlimited at all ages.
• U8 to U12: on-the-fly substitutions during play.
• U13 to U15: substitutions at standard restart moments.
• A player who is subbed off may re-enter the match.

On-the-fly ages: U8 to U12

At U8 through U12, teams substitute on the fly. A player may enter and leave during live play, provided the outgoing player has fully left the field before the incoming player steps on. Keep substitutions organized at the halfway line so the flow of play is not disrupted.

Restart ages: U13 to U15

At U13 through U15, substitutions happen at standard restart moments on any restart, with the referee's acknowledgement. Have substitutes ready at the halfway line so the change is quick once the referee signals it is fine to enter.

Unlimited means re-entry is allowed

Because substitutions are unlimited across every age group, a player who comes off can go back on later in the same match. This lets coaches manage minutes across a three-game day, since no team plays more than three games in a day.

Goalkeeper substitutions

A goalkeeper change follows the same unlimited substitution rules. Make the swap at a stoppage and make sure the referee is aware before play restarts, so the change is recognized cleanly.