vicecaptain

Vice-captain, also written as vicecaptain, is a leadership role in many team sports. It designates a senior player who acts as the deputy to the team captain. When the captain is unavailable, the vice-captain typically assumes captaincy duties on the field, during training, and in official functions, providing continuity of leadership and representation.

Responsibilities commonly include communicating with referees, organizing team shape and tactics on the field, motivating players, mentoring younger teammates, and upholding standards of discipline and professionalism. The vice-captain may contribute to tactical discussions with the coach, help implement game plans, and step in for the captain during substitutions, injuries, or suspensions. In some teams the armband is worn by the vice-captain when the captain is absent; in others, armband usage varies or there is no formal armband.

Selection is typically by coaches in consultation with senior players, the captain, and club management. The role may be formal, with clearly defined duties and authority, or informal, serving as a recognized leadership position without explicit powers. The vice-captain concept appears across many sports, including football (soccer), cricket, rugby, and basketball, with variations in how much authority is delegated, how often the role is rotated, and how leadership duties are shared.