Law 7

Duration of the Match

2

At the end of this lesson the student will:

Objectives

• state the length of each period and the half-time interval

• state 4 of 5 allowances for time lost

• state when the game may be extended

4

TIMING

• Two equal periods– Change length prior to start of match– Referee and teams must agree to change

• Periods are normally 45 minutes– Clock starts at kick-off– Clock remains “running”

• Extend time only for a penalty kick

5

HALF-TIME

• Players are entitled to half-time

• Must not exceed 15 minutes– Normally 5 minutes in youth matches

• Length must be stated in rules of competition

• May be altered with consent of referee

6

YOUTH MODIFICATIONS

• The length of the periods and the size of ball change for various age groups.

• Check with your local assignor for specific variations.

7

ADDING TIME

• Time shall be added for:– time lost for substitutions– assessment of injury to player– removal of injured player from field– wasting time– any other cause

• Amount of time is at referee’s discretion

8

Additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be

taken at the end of each half or at the end of periods

of extra time.

EXTENDING TIME FOR PENALTY KICK

9

REVIEW• Equal periods

– How long are adult matches?– Can length of periods vary?

• Time kept by referee– For what reasons may time be added?– May extend time for what purpose?– Does the referee stop the clock?

• Half-time– What if 1 team wants it & other doesn’t?– Up to 15 minutes - how long normally?