Question Number: 15360

Law 7 - Match Duration 5/2/2007

RE: Competetive Under 18

Brian Sniatkowski of Kinnelon, NJ USA asks...

In a game recently there were 3 significant second half injuries that required the coaching staff tend to the players and carry them from the field.

Total injury time approached 15 minutes, yet the ref blew the whstle precisely at the 45 minute mark. When asked about this after the game, the ref stated "A soccer game is 90 minutes, that's the rules and that's when I blow the whistle".

Bear in mind that the league plays under FIFA rules and there are no league rules regarding added time. There was no game scheduled after this game, so no time constraints.

I realize that any added time is at the ref's discretion, but is it really acceptable to disregard nearly 15 minutes of injury time using "The game is 90 minutes" excuse?

By the way, the team that suffered all 3 injuries was down 1-0 and pushing a furious attack and had hit the post or just missed numerous times in the closing minutes.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

A statement by a referee such as this: "A soccer game is 90 minutes, that's the rules and that's when I blow the whistle" shows the referee doesn't know a whole lot about Law 7. Never-the-less, he is the field condition that day.

It is unfortunate that the teams didn't get their full 90 minutes, plus lost time, because either side may have scored more goals. The match went full time, in the referee's opinion, and ended at full time.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Brian,
Law 7 Duration of the Match
Allowance for Time Lost
Allowance is made in either period for all time lost through:
-substitution(s)
-assessment of injury to players
-removal of injured players from the field of play for treatment;
-wasting time;
-any other cause.
The allowance for time lost is at the discretion of the referee.

And to answer your question directly is it acceptable under the circumstances in my opinion NO but is it legal? Unfortunately yes, mind you, you could report the incident to the league and perhaps a more knowledgable referee will point out to this fellow the concept of LAW 7 and the meaning of Fair Play! That said perhaps the physicality of play scared him to think only more injuries were in the offering and felt relived to stop? Not neccessarily the right thing to do end early but certainly a possibility.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If you are quoting the referee accurately, he is incorrect and needs to reread the LOTG. SHould have added some time to end of game