Question Number: 27903

Law 7 - Match Duration 10/17/2013

RE: Under 19

Andrew Unwin of Buenos Aires, Argentina asks...

Can a game end when a goal is scored or must the game be restarted at the centre circle before the final whistle is blown?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If time expires when the ball is out of play, the restart will not be taken.

The only exception is for a penalty kick. If time expires before a penalty kick is taken, time is extended but just for the kick. Once the PK is over, the game is done.

Read other questions answered by Referee Gary Voshol

View Referee Gary Voshol profile

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Andrew
The game can be ended immediately after a goal has been scored. There is no requirement for a kick off. The referee simply ends the game by signalling with his whistle.
Now some referees, particularly when working with assistant referees, give themselves some time by restarting the game after a goal has been scored. When the game has been ended no decision or change can then be made. By moving to a kick off it allows the ARs to intervene (should they wish to) before the game is formally ended after the kick off plus it brings order to the position of players by moving / keeping them into their respective halves.
Once the game has restarted no change can be made to any previous decision made by the referee.

Read other questions answered by Referee Joe McHugh

View Referee Joe McHugh profile

Ask a Follow Up Question to Q# 27903
Read other Q & A regarding Law 7 - Match Duration

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 27925

Soccer Referee Extras: Did you Ask the Ref? Find your answer here.

Enter Question Number

If you received a response regarding a submitted question enter your question number above to find the answer

Offside Question?
Offside Explained by Chuck Fleischer & Richard Dawson, Former & Current Editor of AskTheRef

<>
This web site and the answers to these questions are not sanctioned by or affiliated with any governing body of soccer. The free opinions expressed on this site should not be considered official interpretations of the Laws of the Game and are merely opinions of AskTheRef and our panel members. If you need an official ruling you should contact your state or local representative through your club or league. On AskTheRef your questions are answered by a panel of licensed referees. See Meet The Ref for details about our panel members. While there is no charge for asking the questions, donation to maintain the site are welcomed! <>