[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Below is a play that I have received conflicting opinions from various NFHS soccer officials. I would like to entertain rules (NFHS Rules only please) for this play. Thank you in advance.


Play No. 1: Team A has control of the ball near the touchline in its own half of the field. A1 trips, twists his ankle, falls to the ground. The Referee stops play to ascertain the playing condition of A1and whether A1 wants to remain in the game or leave the game as an injured player. A1 tells the Referee that he is okay and wants to remain in the game. The whole sequence of events takes less than thirty seconds.

Scenario No. 1.1: The Referee does not signal the Timer to stop the Game Clock while attending to A1. A1 remains in the game.

Scenario No. 1.2: When the Referee stopped play he signaled the Timer to stop the Game Clock before talking to A1. A1 remains in the game.

Scenario No. 1.3: When the Referee stopped play he signaled the Timer to stop the Game Clock before talking to A1. A1 must leave the game because the Referee signaled the Timer to stop the Game Clock to attend to A1, and A1 cannot re-enter until the next opportunity for his team to substitute.


Which Scenario is correct?