Question Number: 16392

League Specific 8/21/2007

RE: Competive Other

Oswald Brooks of FPO, AE Naval Station Guantanamo Bay asks...

A game has to be stopped because of lightning, Team A was leading 1-0; the game was stopped 15 minutes in the first half. Do I replay the entire game or play the remainder of the time left in the game?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

FIFA says a game that is abandoned will be replayed, unless competition rules say otherwise. You will have to check with the league.

However, if the game has just been temporarily suspended, waiting until the storm blows through, then you would start up where you left off.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If I understand your question correctly, you want to know if you pick up the game where you left off when it was stopped for lightning after a period of time (usually 30 minutes assuming no more lightning is viewed - good on you for caring about safety!). Yes, you can start where you left off - DO NOT start over. Try to remember why you stopped - was it a goal kick, throw-in, etc. or did you just blow your whistle during play to stop the game and get everyone off the field? If the last one, restart will be a dropped ball wherever the ball was when you blew the whistle (unless it was in the goal area). And note how much time has elapsed so you can finish out the half correctly - be sure to keep the coaches and captains in the loop. But, if you guys left the field and abandoned the game because of lightning that wouldn't let up, it is up to your league/association to decide according to their rules whether or not you replay the game or let it stand. Generally, if one half has been played, most associations will let it stand, less than a half - replay. But there are differences.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

It would be my recommendation to play the match over from the beginning if it could not be completed that day. Also, should there have been any disciplinary measures taken by the referee they should stand even though the match was not complete. It is understood there will be scheduling difficulties and the extra match may be a strain on the players.

I remember that a little PT never hurt anyone and time on the Football pitch is time always well spent.

Req pass fol comment to the Marines, Sailors and Soldiers of Guantanimo Bay:

Bravo Zulu

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Well that certainly depends on your league rules and under what code you are playing. I presume you're following the FIFA laws of the game. In that event, the match should be replayed, unless your local rules state otherwise. If you happen to be the league administrator perhaps you can make up the rules that you want to suit your leagues demands (if it's not listed anywhere else in your bylaws)...

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

See Question: 16498