Question Number: 21439

Law 7 - Match Duration 5/31/2009

RE: Rec Under 11

Mike Hardy of Burlington , MA US asks...

When does the game or half end? Is it when the clock runs out, is it the first change of possession when after the clock has run out? I have heard many things including that a ref shouldn't stop a game just as a player is about to likely score even if the clock has run out (this one seems doubtful), but please give me the real answer. Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The real answer is when the referee decides play has ended. The referee is required to add time for that lost during the half. This can be due to injury, excessive substitutions, delays, or any other reason. Once all added time is gone, the half should end.
It is popular to say the referee should not stop play if there is an apparent goal scoring opportunity. I find this policy grossly unfair to the defending team. Why extend play past all added time to the detriment of one team and advantage to the other? For me, once I've decided all added time is gone, I blow the whistle to end play regardless of where the ball is.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

I believe in USA high school and college level a horn sounds to end the match. Even a ball on its way into the goal could not count!

FIFA matches where the referee is the SOLE time keeper
The fact is it is as unfair to extend time as it is to shorten it. Since time is relative and rarely to the micro second we generally look for less intrusive ways to end a match then with the ball just about to roll across the goal line. A completed scoring opportunity though is not a requirement for continuing play.

I recall a long time ago allowing a shot on goal with just seconds left, the shot was saved by the keeper and deflected out for a corner. The ball was in the process of being retrieved when I blew the whistle. The losing coach was upset and felt I HAD to let the corner be completed. The winning coach just said, 'Good game ref!'. My lesson was the next time a ball goes out for a corner with a tick of time or two, my whistle sounds then and there rather then letting the player retrieve the ball for me.

Cheers