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Player substitutions and injury
Tactical changes
Informally called a ‘tactical sub’; teams can make strategic changes to player positions during game-play. Key things to know:
Any amount of players can swap positions
Changes can be between players already on-court and/or on on the bench
A tactical sub request is made to an umpire using the rolling hand signal shown in the photo
The request can be made by any player on-court
During a tactical sub both teams can make changes, irrespective of who made the request
The changes happen after the next goal is scored - the umpire will call out for a tactical substitution
Injury time
Injury can be called at any point during the game. If a player comes off for injury, they are allowed back on court with the umpire’s permission.
When a player is injured, hurt or sick an umpire must be notified by:
Any player on court
A primary care person (usually the coach)
Following the umpire around the court to get their attention is not allowed. It an umpire doesn’t register that the injury is on their court and doesn’t stop play. If this happens, find a court or umpire supervisor to help stop the game.