Question Number: 24707

Law 7 - Match Duration 3/19/2011

RE: Rec Under 10

Fred of Franklinton, nc us asks...

Does time have to be extended for a throw-in or can the final whistle sound regardless the position of the ball. In this case, the time was within two seconds of the final whistle when the ball went out of play. This was not a case where a team intentionally played the ball out of bounds, it went out based on normal play. Time expired prior to the ball being thrown back in. The coach insisted that play can not expired until the throw had been completed. I explained that there was no add on time, nor delaying tacics, therefore the time expired when my watch indicated the time expired.
I believe I'm correct, however other opinions are always appriciated. BTW it ended in a tie score..

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

You were correct. There is no requirement in the laws that the ball be in play or that a team is entitled to one more anything. The match ends when the referee determines that time has expired.

The myth that the ball cannot be out of play in part may come from how rare it is for a match to end that way. Many referees extend time for a few seconds so that they don't have to chase the ball!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Fred
There are very few sports in the world where the ball must be in play for the game to end and soccer is not one of them.
When time has fully expired the referee ends the game no matter where the ball is. So your decision here was 100% correct.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Why are so many people confounded by the idea that a soccer game can end with the ball out of play, but have no such qualms about gridiron football?

Time is up when time is up - and all lost time is accounted for. There is no need for the ball to be in play.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The ONLY reason that time may be extended past all time allowed (regular time and all added time) is for the taking of a penalty kick. As is almost always the case, you the referee were correct and the U10 coach was wrong. The referee is the sole timekeeper of the match. The match is over when you say it is. and even if you let the team take the throw, what difference would it make if you were going to blow your whistle immediately anyway? If this ever happens again, simply tell the coach to please read the LOTG and pay attention to Laws 5 and 7.