1. Law 7
Duration of the Match

2. Objectives At the end of this lesson the student will:
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

3. TIMING Two equal periods Periods are normally 45 minutes
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

4. 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

5. Law 7 – The Duration of the Match
Short drink breaks should not exceed 1-Minute.
Can add time for stoppages for drink breaks and VAR reviews

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. EXTENDING TIME FOR PENALTY KICK
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.

9. REVIEW Equal periods Time kept by referee Half-time
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?
Normal matches are two equal periods of 45 minutes.
Time may be added for:
substitutions
assessment of injured player
removal of injured player
wasting time
any other cause
Time may be extended for the taking of a penalty kick.
The referee does not stop the clock, s/he adds time.
Half-time is required if requested by either team.
Normally for youth games it is 5 minutes.