Question Number: 10075

Law 7 - Match Duration

RE: Travel Under 13

Max of Branchville, NJ USA asks...

I have a question. If i am on a break away and it is me against the goalie and i am about 10 yards over the middle yard line. And the game clock starts beeping and it is over can he stop the clock while I am on a breakaway?? I was arguing but he didnt know so could you answer this question Thank you..MAX

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Since you are not playing High School, I have to wonder where the beeping is coming from. It's a bad idea for referees to wear watches that beep or signal in any way. This may confuse players. The referee is required to add any lost time to the end of any period of play. Most referees would not end the game on a breakaway. That said, the game is over when the referee says it is. There is no requirement he allow play to continue past the time added.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Max think of the poor defenders having to defend one more attack. When the referee knows time has expired he blows the whistle and lets everyone else know. Having the watch beep is just bad form.....Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Morley

The referee is the sole timekeeper so the game ends when he says so, however I would hope must referees would use a little bit of common sense.