Treatment of injuries

The Laws of the Game and FIFA instructions indicate that any player requiring treatment must be given such treatment off the field of play, with the least delay possible being made in the progress of the match.

Referees must follow the instruction below when dealing with injured players: 

• Play is allowed to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in their opinion, only slightly injured
• Play is stopped if, in their opinion, a player is seriously injured or receives a head injury
• After stopping play for a serious injury or when recognising the need for medical attention to a player the Referee authorises up to two medical representatives to enter the field of play to assess the injury only and arrange for the player’s safe and swift removal from the field of play
• Any player bleeding from a wound must leave the field of play. They may not return until the Referee or, if appropriate, 4th Official (where appointed) is satisfied that the bleeding has stopped
• An injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has started
• If play has not otherwise been stopped for another reason, or if an injury suffered by a player is not the result of a breach of the laws of the game, the Referee restarts play with a dropped ball

For detailed guidelines, please see the 'Treatment of Injuries Guidance' Document below.