Question Number: 17165

Law 7 - Match Duration 10/7/2007

RE: Select Adult

vince of santa rosa, ca usa asks...

Once time expires, is is ok and acceptible to end the half or game on a penalty before the ensuing free kick has been taken?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

On a penalty kick, one for a direct free kick foul that was committed by a team in their own penalty area, time is extended to take the penalty kick. Only the PK may be taken - no rebounds, no continuing play.

It seems you may have used the word "penalty" to mean "foul". If you are talking about any foul that does not result in a PK, yes time may expire before the team gets a chance to take the kick.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Just be sure before you say time expires that you have allowed for all time lost (added back). Those 15 seconds and 30 seconds here and there add up to several minutes - usually enough to complete a free kick, if that's what you were discussing. If it was a PK, Ref Voshol has an excellent explanation for that above, of course.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Vince: I think you mean to say "foul" not "penalty". If time has expired and a penlty KICK has been awarded, you MUST allow the Penalty Kick to be taken. If you have called a FOUL, you may start play before the restart if you so desire. You are the timekeeper and the half is over when you say it is and if you have added on all the lost time you inyended then you may stop play before the free kick is taken. Just be ready to be blasted by players/coaches and fans alike if this kick is a scoring opportunity.