Monitored Substitution is allowed in 14U, and 16U/19U divisions only if it is handled in a manner that will ensure that every participant plays at least one half of every game by requiring a separate time monitor, independent of the Coaches, who checks each player in or out of the game.

Where Monitored Substitution is being used substitutions will be permitted with the Referee’s permission during any stoppage in play as specified in the IFAB Laws of the Game, Law 3 (The Number of Players) as well as in the section titled “Practical Guidelines for Match Officials”.

Substitution rules used in High School, College, or other soccer organizations do not apply to AYSO games. The substitution procedures used in games played according to the IFAB Laws of the Game will be in effect. Namely, when a substitution is requested (the Assistant Referee signals a substitution has been requested), the Referee will determine when there is an appropriate stoppage in play, and will then allow the substitution to occur as outlined by the Laws of the Game.

Where is Monitored Substitution applied?
Any 14U or 16U/19U games played within Area 8J. Any games played between an Area 8J team and a team from 8A or 8E.

Are eligible teams required to use Monitored Substitution?
It is expected that all 14U, 16U/19U teams participating in Area 8J Interplay to implement Monitored Substitution for their games. Monitored substitution is contained within the Area 8J Interplay Guidelines as approved by the Regional Commissioners.

What is required?
As stated by the Section 8 Referee Admin the definition of a monitor: Volunteer (does not require a registered volunteer), independent of the team staff, one for each team, records the amount of time each player plays during the game.
The Independent Monitor does not have to sit on the “coaches” side of the field. They may do all of their duties on either side of the pitch. Monitors are responsible for recording play time of the eligible players, it is the coaches and match officials duties to ensure that Everyone Plays.

What is the Region Board responsible for?
Ensuring that all eligible teams are aware of Monitored Substitution.
Ensuring that all eligible team coaches and Referees are trained in the procedures of Monitored Substitution.
Collecting the post game substitution report.
Analyze the report for any coach or Referee training opportunities.
Maintain the reports for the entire membership year.
Provide reports to the Area or Section upon request.

What are Coaches responsible for?
An accurate team roster with jersey numbers.
Recruitment of the monitor for the game.
Ensuring that the data is collected and submitted to their region board at the conclusion of the game.

What is the Monitor responsible for?
Being present at the game.
Collecting the team roster from the coach.
Recording the amount of game time each player is on the pitch.

What form of data recording does the Monitor have available to them?
The Monitor may use a smartphone app, or a paper form to generate their records.
Examples; Monitored Substitution Time Monitoring Form, SubTime app, Substitution Cavalry, Smartsubs.
Any method that will save the records of play time for submitting to the Region Board are acceptable. Each Region may have a preference however.

Referee Pre-Game Duties and Instructions
During pre-game duties ensure that both teams have an Independent Monitor. The monitor cannot be a team coach. If both teams have a monitor then the game will follow the AYSO Monitored Substitution Protocol. If at least one team does not have a monitor and one cannot be appointed before the start of the game the match will follow the AYSO Standard Substitution Protocol, more often refereed to 'playing quarters' where player substitutions happen during the quarter and half breaks.
During team check in instruct all players that they need to meet at the half line to show the match officials that they are ready for a substitution. Players will wait there until the referee blows the whistle and signals for the substitution opportunity. Players or coaches disregard Referee instructions are subject to misconducts and further disciplinary sanctions from the referee.

When can substitutions happen?
Goal Scored - Both teams
Throw in - The throwing team. If the throwing team is conducting a substitution and the non-throwing team has a player ready to sub both teams may sub.
Goal Kick - Both teams regardless of the kicking team.
Corner Kick - Kicking team coach may ask for a substitution. Both teams may sub if the kicking team is making a substitution.
Injury - Normal injury substitution protocol. The Referee may allow a full substitution at their discretion.

When are substitutions not allowed?
Fouls
The Referee or other match official does not give the players permission to enter the field of play

Signaling a Substitution Break
Center Referee: Anytime you are allowing a substitution break, you MUST blow the whistle and give a clear signal with the arm beckoning the substitutes on the pitch. Most referees will also give a verbal command in the form of saying “Subs!”

AR: Raise the Flag using the signal shown below, and wait for the referee to signal a Substitution opportunity.
This signal should only be used at an appropriate stoppage of play that a substitution opportunity may be had.
Both AR’s shall signal during substitution opportunities and mirror one another.


Signals During a Substitution Break
AR: After the first signal has been made, you will lower the flag and place it in your right hand (at your side) signaling that play is not ready to restart. Once all of the substituted players have completed their changes and both teams are back to the appropriate amount of players on the field, you shall place the flag back into the left hand (at your side) to signal play is ready to restart. 

Signals at the Conclusion of a Substitution Break
Center Referee: Once the substitution opportunity has been completed, the Referee will blow the whistle to restart play.

Other Considerations
The Referee is in charge of all stoppage opportunities, regardless of a coach asking for a substitution opportunity, it is the referee’s responsibility to allow the substitution. If there is a clear opportunity to do so, the referee shall allow the change.
The Referee may choose not to allow a substitution opportunity if they deem that it is being used as a time wasting strategy.