FA Announcement 

Treatment of injuries

For several Seasons in Surrey, treatment has been allowed on the field of play at all levels of the game (apart from in 'senior' football). All referees will be aware that this is actually contrary to the Laws of the Game, which only allows the injury to be assessed on the pitch; treatment has to happen off the field of play to allow the game to continue.

Unfortunately, the 'powers that be' have caught up with us and the Association is now required to ensure that referees are instructed to apply the Laws correctly and that the clubs are aware their players will be required to leave the field of play if the 'trainer' comes on. There are exceptions, e.g. goalkeepers and outfield players when they have collided with goalkeepers and both require treatment.

With immediate effect referees are required to adopt the following

procedure when a player is injured

1. At an appropriate time, possibly the next stoppage in play, ask the individual whether they require treatment.

2. If "Yes", call on the 'trainer' to assess the injury.   If "No", play   continues.

3. If the 'trainer' comes on, only in exceptional (e.g. life-threatening) circumstances can treatment can take place on the field of play.

4. The player leaves the field of play for treatment

5. Providing it is not a 'blood injury', when ready, the player may re-enter   the field of play from the touchline (not from the goal line) on receiving   a signal to do from the referee.

6. If it is a 'blood injury', the player must wait off the pitch until a stoppage in play for the wound to be assessed by a match official.

Clubs, Players and Managers are asked to accept these [correct] procedures without pressurising the match officials, who are only doing their job in enforcing them.

Thank you

Ray Ward

County Secretary