Question Number: 27098

Other 1/9/2013

RE: N/A Other

Peter Grove of Middlesbrough, United Kingdom asks...

This question is a follow up to question 27091

Although Ref McHugh is usually totally spot on in his references to the history of the Laws, I think I can improve on his answer slightly.

Although the power of the referee to allow for additional time goes a long way back, it has not quite been there since the very beginning of the Laws.

The first set of laws were promulgated in 1863 but it was only in 1898 that this power was granted to the referee.

In the Minutes of the IFAB Annual Meeting, Held at the Offices of the Football Association, 61, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., on Monday, 20th June 1898, it is stated that the following alteration recommended by the Football Assocation was adopted:

Law 12 - Between the words 'to suspend' in line 14, insert the words 'allow for time wasted, to'

Taking into consideration the previous wording, this meant that the affected sentence then read:

'The Referee shall have power to allow for time wasted, to suspend the game when he thinks fit, and to terminate the game whenever, by reason of darkness, interference by spectators, or other cause, he may deem necessary [...]'

Note: The Laws were numbered differently in those days and Law 12 was the one which dealt with the duties and powers of the referee back then.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Peter
Many thanks for your detailed answer and update on the question on added time. Your knowledge of the history of the Laws is as always impressive.
Thank you for your contribution