Question Number: 26988

League Specific 11/6/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Luis of Cape Coral, Fl USA asks...

If a game is stopped before regulation time is it an official game or not? And if not does the entire game have to be replayed or just the remainder of the game?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Luis
It depends on the competition rules. Generally if a game is ended prematurely due to weather conditions etc the game may be replayed. If the game is almost ended with over 75% played the competition organisers may decide to allow the score to stand as a result.
If the game is ended as a result of misconduct the competition organisers may decide to allow the result to stand if it did not benefit the offending team. It would set a dangerous precedent where a team that is losing caused the match to be abandoned for the game to be replayed.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

In the various leagues I ref in, we have rules that the game is considered complete if half has been played, if the second half has been started, or if 2/3 of the game has been played. This would be for games that are ended because of a natural condition - thunderstorm, darkness, etc.

If a team, coach or fans cause the game to be abandoned, the league will usually reserve the right to declare the outcome of the game. Often the team causing the termination is charged with a forfeit and the other team wins.