Before a Premier League match, only players named on the team sheet, plus one additional eligible goalkeeper, may use the pitch for warming up. Outfield players may start no earlier than 45 minutes before kick-off, goalkeepers no earlier than 60 minutes, and everyone must be off the pitch 10 minutes before the start.
Who may use the pitch
Before the match, after the match and at half-time, the pitch is limited to warming up or warming down by players named on the team sheet. The same restriction applies to pre-match use of the field.
There is one extra allowance for a goalkeeper. A goalkeeper who is not on the team sheet may still use the pitch if that player would otherwise have been eligible to play in the match. Outside that exception, people not named on the team sheet do not get pitch access for the pre-match warm-up.
Pre-match warm-up window
Here is the timing framework for pre-match warm-ups on the pitch.
| Outfield players | Goalkeepers | |
|---|---|---|
| Earliest start before kick-off | 45 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Longest it may last | 30 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Must finish by | 10 minutes before kick-off | 10 minutes before kick-off |
How the time limits work together
These limits apply at the same time. A team cannot rely on the earliest permitted start and ignore the cut-off, and it cannot rely on the maximum duration and stay on the pitch past the common finishing point.
For outfield players, the session must begin within the allowed window, stay within the allowed length, and end by the same deadline that applies to goalkeepers. Goalkeepers get an earlier access point and a longer possible session, but they still leave the pitch by the same final time.
Where the warm-up happens and how portable goals are used
Each team must stay within the areas laid out in the pitch maps produced by the home club and agreed by the league. That fixes where each side can warm up on the field rather than leaving the choice open on the day.
Portable goals should be provided and both clubs must use them for goalkeeping and outfield drills. There is one permitted use of the goal area that sits outside that requirement. These procedures remain in place unless both clubs and the league agree to a different arrangement.
FAQ
How long before kick-off do players warm up on the pitch?
There is no single start time for everyone. Outfield players may begin from 45 minutes before kick-off, while goalkeepers may begin from 60 minutes before kick-off.
The finishing point is the same for both groups. All pre-match work on the pitch must end 10 minutes before the match starts.
Can substitutes warm up on the pitch?
Pitch access depends on whether a player is named on the team sheet, not on whether that player is starting. If a substitute is named on the team sheet, that player may use the pitch for the pre-match warm-up.
There is also a separate goalkeeper exception. One additional goalkeeper may use the pitch even without being named, as long as that player would otherwise have been eligible to play.
Why do teams use portable goals?
They keep goalkeeping and outfield drills off the fixed goal area. Portable goals should be provided and both clubs must use them for goalkeeping and outfield drills.
The rules keep one permitted use of the goal area outside that requirement. Apart from that single carve-out, the warm-up uses portable goals.
Can these warm-up procedures be changed?
Yes, but only by mutual agreement. Both clubs and the league have to agree before the normal procedures can be altered.
Without that agreement, the standard limits on access, timing, areas of the pitch and use of portable goals all remain in force.