Question Number: 18397

Law 7 - Match Duration 2/19/2008

RE: Rec/Select

Andy B of Oxford, MI US asks...

I have often heard it suggested that you should "wait until the ball is in play in a neutral part of the field before blowing for time". Can somebody please give a more difinitive explanation of exactly when one should blow, because waiting for the above could add anything up to a minute more time if there is a repeated goalmouth scramble with a corner, and that is not fair on the defending team.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Time is up when time is up. One should blow the whistle when all time has expired, including time added on to compensate for time lost. That said, when play is right in front of the goal it's a very exiting moment, and the referee has much more important things to look at than those last seconds ticking off on his watch. Some refs will wait for the ball to get to a neutral position, which as you note might extend the game for an indefinite period of time. The more proper thing to do is to have a general idea of the time left - 10 seconds, 20 seconds, whatever - and keep a countdown in your mind. When you get to zero, and maybe add a few extra seconds just to be sure, you end the game. It's those "few extra seconds just to be sure" which allow you to not end the game while the ball's in flight heading to the net. Extend it more than that, and you're giving an unfair advantage to the attacking team at the expense of the defense.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Ending things is contingent on when things end naturally. In other words when the clock demands an end, things end. Of course in this Game the referee controls the clock [with some exceptions] so ending things is a matter left to his discretion. The idea in finding a neutral point to end things is the convention, right or wrong. It is ingrained in referees here.

Thoughts of neutral moments to end in are when the ball is no longer in play AND the side with the restart is taking their sweet time in restarting. Now, if there's a one goal difference and the restart is being delayed by the side leading, caution and add time. Other way 'round, it's over.

Another ending moment is a clearance by the defenders going a long way. Another, the attacking side no longer advancing on goals but trying to keep possession and retreating to midfield.

Remember if you end time after the ball is kicked a long way into touch, be it for a goal kick, corner kick or throw-in, the players won't see any need to "go fetch" and leave that to you. I usually tell many of the players close by the match is over but don't blow for time. I allow the "go fetch" to happen. When the ball finds its way back that's when I blow for time... Most already know time is up and they usually have started shaking hands or whatever it is they do.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

It does not say that anywhere. That is generally what referees do, but it does not have to be that way. Time is up when time is up. Match only needs to be continued for the restart of a PK.