1. The Duration of the Match (7)
Online Training Script:
Welcome to U.S. Soccer’s online training for the Grade 8 Referee Course.
Training for this course is specific to preparing officials for the competitive youth game.
This presentation focuses on Law 7 – The Duration of the Match.
U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Grade 8 Referee Course
Competitive Youth Training

2. Halftime Online Training Script:
Players are entitled to a half-time interval.
This interval should not exceed 15 minutes and the exact time allowed will be determined by the local rules of competition.
The length of the half-time interval may only be altered with the consent of the referee following agreement between both teams.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
You can’t “skip” halftime unless both teams agree. Halftime can’t extend more than 15 minutes under the Laws of the Game. At our level of play, halftime should generally be in the five minute range. Use common sense – in cases of extreme heat, players may need some extra rest time. If it’s very cold, they may want to get moving more quickly. Rule of thumb – they ask for five minutes and both teams are ready to go after 3 minutes, start the half!

3. Added Time Referee MAY add time for: Substitutions Injury assessment
Removal of injured players
Time wasting
Any other reason
Online Training Script:
At the discretion of the referee, allowance for time lost can be made for substitutions, assessment of injury to players, removal of injured players from the field for treatment, time wasting and for any other cause deemed appropriate by the referee.
The referee can add as much time as deemed necessary and all allowances of time must be in whole minutes, no fractions of a minute.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
This is why we said we don’t stop the clock. Rather, we “add time.” Stress that added time is at the discretion of the referee.
Generally speaking, we don’t add time in small sided games. Very often back to back games are scheduled, and it’s important to start the second game on time because darkness becomes a concern. Since we want to be consistent, we shouldn’t treat teams differently just because there is no game after theirs.
If time is to be added, the amount of time is at the discretion of the referee. If the referee says that one minute is being added, that means that the referee must allow play to continue for AT LEAST one additional minute. The referee may decide to add more time – because of things that happen during added time – but can never decide to add less than was announced.

4. Extended Time If a penalty kick is awarded, and
Time runs out before the PK is completed
“Extend” time to allow completion of PK
No rebound
No second touch
When PK is complete, period is over
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Stress that this is different from “added time” and only occurs in a very limited situation.

5. Severe Weather Lightning seen – stop play and get to safety
Thunder heard – stop play and get to safety
Thirty minute “clean” period required
Tournament chair says, “We start 20 minutes after lightning.” - They start without YOU.
Exception – ADVANCED technology on site
NOT a computer on weather.com
Online Training Script:
Severe weather is an issue that can impact games at any level.
Since safety is the referee’s primary concern, he or she must be prepared to suspend a game due to severe weather.
Again, the local rules of competition can provide specific information on dealing with severe weather and some facilities hosting competitive youth games may have advanced technology that can aid the referee in making decisions about weather conditions.
Referees should be sure to know what is expected of them by the local rules of competition and what resources are available to them in making decisions regarding severe weather.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Lightning and thunder are equal in Western New York. In either case, the referee MUST stop play, advise the coaches to get their players to safety, and then get themselves to safety. You cannot restart play until 30 minutes have elapsed since the last thunder or lightning. If you are at a tournament and are told that “the tournament” says to restart games 20 minutes after lightning is observed, they will have to start the game without you. Referees may not change the 30 minute rule unless “advanced technology” is available on site. That means actual lightning detection equipment, not a computer that’s tuned to a local weather map. Although we are sympathetic to the desire of coaches, players and spectators to “get going” with the game, we will always err on the side of safety.

6. Review Question
The referee’s decision to allow for added time should be based which of the following?
Substitutions, injuries and time wasting
Normal stoppages for throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks
Suggestions from one or both coaches
Whether or not the game started on time
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

7. Review Question Allowance for time lost means which of the following?
If 3 minutes were added to the end of the first half, 3 minutes must also be added to the end of the second half
The amount of time added to each period of play is up to the referee
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points: