Question Number: 15332

Law 7 - Match Duration 4/30/2007

RE: High School

Al Wielinga of Sarnia, ON Canada asks...

Continue loving the site. Even as one of the top referees in our local area, I'm still learning a great deal. :)

Referee makes an error in 1st half, playing 40 minutes instead of 45 (mixed up since Boys, Girls, Counties all have different regulations).

Due to very strong winds, he used common sense and played 40 minute 2nd half after discussing coaches during half-time.

He asked two higher classed referees, including myself whether, in Law, he was correct. Both of us agreed that he made a wise application of Common Sense. Our answers, by Law, differed however and we would love your opinion.

One of us stated: Equal halves -- 40 is correct by Law.

Other used QA in Law Book: We cannot compensate for error by adding or subtracting time in 2nd half. 2nd half is 45.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Al,
thanks for the kind words! We really do appreciate them. We are often castigated for being too caustic or abrupt in our tone at times but when one volunteers one's time to answer 15,000 questions I suppose on occasion we are perceived as terse or unsympathetic. Most people who use the site get value for their time spent and the opinions given in response. Those that think us rude or unfair have pointed out we are not perfect and while we do try to respond to the criticisms if we are able it is responses like yours that mitigates the occasional other!

Try looking at the you call it #2 on the main webpage, it covers in great detail what options you have.

In law he was wrong although since both coaches were compliant it is likely no protest will be filed and as you say it serves no purpose to fuss if no fuss is made over the indiscretion.

If the referee played 40 and broke for halftime too early it is WITHIN the laws to recall the teams to play out the final five minutes BEFORE switching ends and restarting the 2nd half. You restart with a drop ball at the point the ball was when you ended or with whatever restart was in effect if 1st half play ended with ball out of play i.e. throw in goal kick etc... If the knowledge of the shortfall is brought to attention only AFTER the second half has begun then you play the 45 minutes as per original match details for now the mistake of ending the first half early cannot be undone as you have has restarted play.
Cheers