1. LAW 7 – THE DURATION OF THE MATCH
Online Training Script:
Welcome to U.S. Soccer’s online training for the Grade 9 Referee Course.
Training for this course is specific to preparing officials for the small sided and recreational youth game.
This presentation focuses on Law 7 – The Duration of the Match.
U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION REFEREE PROGRAM GRADE 9 REFEREE COURSE
SMALL-SIDED AND RECREATIONAL YOUTH TRAINING

2. PERIODS OF PLAY Online Training Script:
The referee is responsible for keeping time for the game.
Games are usually divided into two halves but there are some small sided and recreational youth games that may be played using four quarters.
The length of the game and the amount of time allowed for halftime will depend on the local rules of competition so its important that all members of the referee team be aware of these rules prior to the start of the game.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
PERIODS OF PLAY

3. U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiative
Duration of the Match:
U-6 : 4 quarters x 10 minutes
U-7: 4 quarters x 10 minutes
U-8: 4 quarters x 10 minutes
U-9: 2 halves x 25 minutes
U-10: 2 halves x 25 minutes
U-11: 2 halves x 30 minutes
U-12: 2 halves x 30 minutes
Age Group (Years)
Periods
Time (minutes)
Under 6 (U6) U7 U8
4 Quarters 10 U9
U10
2 halves 25
U11
U12 30
Online Training Script:
For example, the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiative recommends that small-sided youth games use this chart for guidance on the duration of the match depending on the age of the game.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

4. GAME TIME & ADDED TIME
Start your watch at the kick-off for the start of each half
Stop your watch at the end of the half including added time
Added time
Allowance for time lost which is added at the end of each half
Online Training Script:
The referee begins keeping time after the ball is kicked off to start each half or period of play.
The game is continual which means that the referee never stops time on his or her watch until all the time in each half has been played.
Again, the amount allowed will depend on the local rules of competition.
In addition to the game time indicated by the local rules of competition, the referee has the power to allow for added time at the end of each half or period of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

5. ADDED TIME Online Training Script:
According to the Laws of the Game, added time is used at the discretion of the referee for any reason he or she feels is appropriate.
At the small sided and recreational youth level, added time is often not required but some common reasons for a referee to allow for added time include the assessment and removal of injured players or blatant time wasting.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
ADDED TIME

6. WEATHER Online Training Script:
Remember that player safety is the primary concern for the referee so the game should be stopped if the weather conditions make the game unsafe for play.
This can include, but is not limited to, lightning, heavy rains, snow or icy conditions, and lack of light.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
WEATHER

7. LIGHTNING
30-30 Approach
30 seconds or less from the time between seeing lighting and hearing thunder
Minimum of 30 minutes since last sign of lightning
Local rules of competition may require a different approach
Online Training Script:
While there are multiple examples of severe weather, lightning is among the most common reasons that a game will need to be suspended.
In the absence of information from the local competition authorities, or state legislation, U.S. Soccer recommends that referee use the approach when dealing with lightning.
Note that this is a guideline only, and referees are always urged to error on the side of caution and safety.
When lightning is first seen, the referee should count the time until thunder is also heard.
If the time between seeing the lightning and hearing the thunder is 30 seconds or less, then the game should be suspended and the participants should seek shelter.
The referee should keep play suspended until at least 30 minutes have passed without any signs of lightning or thunder starting from the last time they were seen or heard.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

8. No notes.
REVIEW QUESTIONS

9. REVIEW QUESTIONS Who is responsible for keeping the time of the game?
Referee
Volunteer time keeper
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

10. REVIEW QUESTIONS
For each half, the time runs continuously, which means that the referee ______ stops time of his or her watch until all the time in each half or period of play has been played.
Never
Constantly
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

11. REVIEW QUESTIONS
Should the referee stop play if the weather conditions make the game unsafe?
YES NO
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

12. USSOCCER.COM