Question Number: 19756

Law 7 - Match Duration 8/17/2008

RE: rec Adult

Hans H Rothkehl of Ocala, FLorida Marion asks...

During an Adult game the trailing referee called the end of the first half. The players were leaving the field, then, after a discussion by the referees, the players were called back. Free kick was given. When I questioned the referee his answer was that he will bet any mount that that was the correct call. In my opinion,after the final whistle, only a PENALTY kick may be given. No free kick, either direct or indirect.Your opinion. Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Law 7 - The Duration of the Match affords:

Additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of each half or at the end of periods of extra time.

Some referees confuse free kicks with penalty kicks because they have been using incorrect terminology. It sounds as if this referee team was sadly misinformed or fell prey to using incorrect terminology. You are correct in that time must be provided to complete a penalty kick NOT a free kick.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You've got a 'trailing referee' who called the end of the half?

Those words tell me that either the AR called time, or more likely you're playing a game under the dual center system. Since neither one of these systems would be permitted in a FIFA/USSF- sanctioned game, you must be playing under some made-up set of rules. It doesn't surprise me that the referees may have gotten something wrong. Or maybe the rule set does have this provision. Once a league starts making things up, there's no end to it.