Question Number: 24187

Law 7 - Match Duration 10/18/2010

RE: AYSO Intermediate Under 17

Christian Estrada of Downey, CA United States asks...

I was in a situation in a U14 League Game where there were 10 Minutes left in a game and Team A was losing 9-0 to Team B.

It was the 4th Quarter and after the 9th goal was scored I took the decision to call the match and declare it finished.

I got an earful from the players of the losing team requesting that I should have not called the match over.

Based on no other factors, was this the correct decision???

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Is there a league mercy rule allowing you to end the game early? If not, you were incorrect. The players are entitled to their full time on the field, even if they are losing badly.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

AYSO follows the laws of the game and the laws do not grant the referee the power to make a mercy killing of a lopsided match.

Blow outs require special vigilance since players (and their coaches) respond differently. Some get frustrated and want to stop. Some think that they can win, no matter the deficit. Some use the experience to remember this is just a game for kids and learn. This is an occasion to listen carefully to the players. It's their game.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Nope, you screwed up. Under the LOTG, the players are entitled to two equal periods of play, not periods of play that end whenever the referee feels like they should be done.

Since you knew there was 10 minutes left, you cheated the teams out of playing time. The motivation is understandable, but the authority is not present.