Question Number: 20127

Law 7 - Match Duration 10/1/2008

RE: Travel-Rec Under 16

Kayla of Old Bridge, NJ USA asks...

Hi. Last Saturday, my younger sister was playing in a recreational soccer game and right before half-time, one of her team mates took a shot and while the ball was airborne, the referee began to blow the whistle. The ball made it into the goal after the whistle had finished blowing; yet it was shot before the ref blew the whitsle. The referee did not count the goal, but I did not think it was a good call. Should that have been considered a goal or not?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

YOU did not think it a good call? I will bet the other team thought it a great call! Unfortunately for you the match ended BEFORE the goal was scored. This is not like basketball where the ball in the air can still count after the buzzer. Generally we do or we could look for less obtrusive ways to end the match as time is not to the milli second, however, sometimes the match must end and when the referee has decided it must, it has! NO goal!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The referee decided time was up before the ball went into the goal, so the game was over and no goal can be given.

Sorry you don't like the call, but it is the correct one.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Play ends when the referee decides it does. His whistle signals that play has already ended. The goal in question would not count.