Question Number: 16634

Law 7 - Match Duration 9/10/2007

RE: Travel Under 15

fred swanson of fairfax, VA USA asks...

The ref blew the whistle 3 min. before the 35 min half time mark while team A was in an attacking position. The AR and coach of team A called this to the ref's attention on the spot. He still called half time. At the end of the 2nd half, he added the 3 min in which team B scored a goal. Is this the appropriate action the ref should have taken? Does team A have a good case for a protest?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

It was not proper, and was a misapplication of the Laws. That means the team could attempt a protest. However, if I was on the review board, I would vote that the results stand as-is. The irregular timing should not have had a material effect on the outcome of the game, as both teams ended up with the same, correct number of minutes to play.

The correct procedure, of course, would be to have the teams come back on the field to complete the final 3 minutes once the error is accepted by the referee on the advice of the assistant ref. The fact that the referee erroneously stopped play is not, in itself, a protestable event.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

This was an incorrect application of the laws of the game. An appeal could be won, but the protest comittee may not feel the proverbial "juice" is worth the "squeeze" in ordering a replay when both teams have received the appropriate amount of playing time.

You may get the referee punished though or reeducated, if that is your intention...

That said, the comittee may see things your way and order a replay of the entire match. I can't seem them simply disallowing the goal scored at the end, in any case. I could be wrong, and you'll never know if you don't try. But if it was my protest fee on the line, I'd think I'd want a little bit better of a beef before I sank my teeth into this one.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Yikes, this is a MAJOR misaplication of the law and if you read our you call it section question #2 it is discussed in great detail! While it certainly opens the door for a protest the referee COULD have prevented the need if he admitted that the three minutes were required recalled all back on the field to the same sides, restarted with either a drop ball at the stop point if he had ended play while the ball was in play. If play was already stopped for say a throw in or out of touch for a goal or corner kick even a free kick then that is how play should be restarted. Run the few minutes then break for the half. That said there is limited time to register a protest and not all leagues may follow through with what should take place! If this was a sanctioned league match of any significance I can almost guarantee the match will be replayed!
Cheers