Substitution policy

I was recently asked what are the rules pertaining to substitutions
in the Region, Area and Section Playoffs. (This includes tournaments)
As stated in FIFA and AYSO Nat Rules and Regs:
All players must play at lease one half of every game. Excluding overtime.
That means every player must play 2 of the 4 periods during a regular
game. In overtime the coach is NOT bound by any substitution requirement.

But there is an exception to this rule.
If a player shows up AFTER the start of the 1st period, a coach need
play the player ONLY 2 (two) period of the remaining 3.
If the player shows up after the start of the 2nd or 3rd period the
coach need only player the player 1 (one) period.

It is the coach's decision as to how many periods a player plays as long
it is within the rules of FIFA and AYSO.

There is no law in FIFA or AYSO that says if a player shows up
AFTER the end of regulation, BUT before the start of any overtime, he/she cannot
play in said overtime. A coach can choose to play him/her or not as he wishes.
Of course he must be a certified player with no
physical limitations set by a Doctor.

As stated above it is the COACH'S decision as to how he wants
to play his players in attendance.
Iis NOT the referee's job to decide who plays and who doesn't.
As long as the player meets all other FIFA and AYSO requirements.

Hopefully this clears up any misunderstandings.
Sorry if this rule was misapplied or misinterpeted by others but those things do happen.

It's best when people have in their possession a copy of all the rules
pertaining to that paticuliar competition. When they don't or if a situation
comes up that is not spelled out in the rules it is best to allow the kid
to play, (Isn't that we're about anyway?). Then adjust the rules later,
if necessary.

Hopefully it won't happen again.