Question Number: 27129

Law 7 - Match Duration 1/24/2013

RE: Any Other

Kirkpatrick of Nashville, Tennessee United States asks...

Do you allow extra time for a direct free kick to be taken?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Only if all time, including compensation for wastage, has not been used up. We do not extend the game just because one team has a restart. A penalty kick is the only reason to extend a half once all time has expired.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
Once time has fully expired the game should be ended. Now unlike other sports timing by some referees is not an exact process. As you know allowance is made in either period for all time lost through, substitutions, assessment of injuries, wasting time etc. The allowance for time lost is at the discretion of the referee.
Many referees add on what they estimate is the time lost in these situations. Other referee operate a stop watch system and once the watch reaches zero the game is ended no matter what is happening or where the ball is. Those referees that estimate time generally allow play to finish out with a few seconds either added or taken away. If play is at midfield at 47.55 and the referee is playing 3 minutes added time he may end the game. If a foul has been committed in front of goal @ 47.50 the referee may allow the kick to be taken and the game ended.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The book answer is 'no.' When time expires, it expires.

But, the spirit of the game rests on the notion that the referee has complete discretion to determine when time expires. My view is that we are not required to add time in round numbers. The laws give the same power to add 3 minutes as to add 3 minutes and 27 seconds. I believe the referee should add 'at least' X minutes' because things that occur during added time can create reasons for adding more time.

In this way, the referee's judgment about time is flexible enough to allow a team whose play was disrupted by a foul to take the kick. It is also flexible enough to end the match even though the last event was a foul. What is just and fair is left to the discretion of the referee.

I am rarely searching for reasons to extending a match when the score is lopsided, the players are tired, or the match is at the edge of a brawl. But, in almost all amateur matches, there were lots of reasons to add time - - chasing balls, waiting on subs, etc - - and nothing takes the heart out of an enjoyable match than to be deprived of a free kick opportunity by something as random as a final whistle.

If you let the kick proceed, however, don't blow the whistle while the ball is in the air. While the laws would support the decision, no one would think it wise.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Nope. once all added time is used up the half is over. We only would extend time for the penalty kick. As Mr. Wickman stated the referee has a lot of discretion on how they they deal with a free kick right at the end of a match. I have seen referees end a half right when a team has a free kick near the goal.