Question Number: 22900

Law 7 - Match Duration 3/5/2010

RE: Amatuer Adult

Ray oglesby of Wexford, Wexford Ireland asks...

Can a ref blow for full time when the attacking is in the 18 yard box and about shoot

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

The referee is the sole person responsible for keeping time in a game. As such, if the referee is of the opinion that all time allowed has elapsed, the whistle should blow - no matter what else is occurring.

If we always had to wait until the ball was out of play, or a play was finished, or the ball was in play again, or any of the other dozen myths we all hear about when the referee can or cannot end a game, the referee would never be able to end a game.

The Law requires us to allow full time - normally 45 minutes per half - along with adding any time lost due to injury, for assessment of injury to players, for substitutions, for delay and for any other reason we see fit in order that the players will have received the full measure of playing time. Not a minute more or less, even if someone is maybe going to shoot.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ray
The referee is the sole judge of time. The referee will add on time lost for a variety of reasons. If a Referee decides say to add on say 2.45 minutes for time lost and the ball is in the penalty area at 2.45 and he blows the whistle for full time he is correct and entitled to do so.

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Ray, indeed most referees can blow the whistle when time expires. But I don't think you are asking if they can, you are probably asking should they do that.

Well, theoretically when time is up the Grim Reaper fetches you or time and tide waits for no man. On this side of the pond they are fond of saying it's over 'when the fat lady sings'. In real practice, if I got up with my right foot and the players didn't annoy me too much, I would let that shot go. But I don't have to do that. I personally have a vibrator on my watch. On that timer I stop for injuries or what have you, so when my wrist says it's over I blow the whistle. It may look like I did not consult my watch but in fact I kept perfect time and allowed precisely the right time where needed.