Question Number: 22735

Law 7 - Match Duration 1/19/2010

RE: jv High School

Liz of vista, ca usa asks...

according to cif high school rules, can a ref end a game after a corner has been called but before it has taken place?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes. High school (NFHS) rules do not grant the referee discretion to add for time lost during the match (as under the laws of the game).

Instead, the referee stops the clock for specified events (goals, cautions, penalty kicks, etc.) during the match. When the clock reaches zero (or 40 if you are counting up), the match is over.

The rules contemplate that there will be a visible stadium clock and official timekeeper (like in basketball and other US sports) with a buzzer will sound when time expires. Although a stadium clock is not used in San Diego County and many other parts of the country, the referee is instructed to whistle when the clock expires.

Answer provided by Referee Tom Stagliano

Referee Wickham is 100% correct.

That is why I always recommend that referees in high school games where there is no visible stadium clock or the stadium clock is not the official time, to YELL to the bench area when there is 5 and then 2 minutes remaining in that half.

That way the players and the coaches know that time is short, and when the CK is awarded, the players can hustle to try and take the kick before time expires.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If a corner kick has been called, but time runs out before the kick can be taken, it doesn't matter whether it is in HS, USSF or college. The big difference is in HS and college, the stadium or field clock normally is present and working, and when it is, the referee cannot add time.

In a USSF game, if all added time has been accounted for and the team with the kick still hasn't taken it, then the game is over. The referee is in charge of the time.

The lesson here is just because a restart has been awarded doesn't mean there will be time to take it. The only exception is a penalty kick, when time will be extended for the taking of the kick.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 22834