Question Number: 19794

Law 7 - Match Duration 8/21/2008

RE: Adult

Derrick of chicago, Illinois usa asks...

If a referee decides on his own without confering with either teams, to shorten a half for any reason then plays the entire second half (45mins)what is the ruling on this. Should the entire game be replayed or the five minutes or result stand? The referee in this instance claims that he shortened the first half because he time went by as he waited on the teams to be ready. He should have arrived at least half hour prior to the start of the game and checked the players in. He sat in his car until it was start time. Please send reply to this question ASAP as a ruling is being made by our league regarding this matter.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

How do you rule on correcting stupid referee tricks? It can't be done.

The general remedy for a protested game, where there is no overriding league rule, is that the game should be replayed. If facts are as you stated them, you should report them to the league and let them sort it out. It's not a matter covered by the Laws of the Game.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Law 7 states there will be two equal periods of play. The referee didn't see to that. The match is invalid.

I remember a Grade 06 referee on a match where he was being assessed for promotion to Grade 05. He sat in his car until 10 minutes before match time. I asked why he was late halfway hoping there had been a huge traffic jam that delayed him. He said he was just listening to the radio!!!?!

I closed my book and wrote the assessment as a failure because he made a conscious choice to not arrive at the match 30 minutes before hand as is required by the Guide to Procedures for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials. The failure stuck...

Regards,