Question Number: 22132

Character, Attitude and Control 10/2/2009

RE: AYSO BU12 Under 12

Mike Suarez of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

What do you say to coaches and players that ask the referee how much time is left in the game; especially towards the end of the game? I usually say something like 'it's getting there' or 'it's winding down'. Or if I really want to be aloof, I'll say that 'I'll let you know at the whistle'. Something vague, and not too specific. I figure this is safer, especially if I give a specific time and don't stick to it. I also feel that it gives an unfair advantage to the player or coach if they know my time and the other players and coaches do not.

When I'm an Assistant Referee, I never tell the coaches the time, even though I do keep a back-up time. For one, it is really the center ref that keeps the time, and I don't want to give any info that may contradict how the center ref calls the game.

I do know that other referees do give this information. I've heard some center referees shout 'five more minutes' to both sides as the clock winds down. I wonder what happens if they accidentally run over a minute. I'm pretty precise with my time, so its not an issue, but why risk it.

I've come up with this approach on my own, and have never read any documentation to support my view. But there is a part of me that wonders if this just makes me out to be jerk. Maybe I should just give them the information, rather than create unnecessary frustration.

Curious if the panel has an opinion, or different approach?

Thanks !

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

My answer is generally in the 'about X minutes, give or take' and if they are pests, I'll make some smart remark with a smile. Something like 'got a hot date next? (age appropriate, of course)' or 'gee, I'm not sure I can read nanoseconds on this watch?'

They usually get the message, and if they don't, well, we can always ignore them.

As a player, if it is really hot (or cold), or if we are behind, I may just want a gauge on how much suffering, or how much of a push I have left. If as the referee, I think this is what a player is after, I will give them the approximate "about" time. If they are trying to work the clock or me, they will most likely get no answer other than a smile and something along the lines of "I'll check my watch and get back to you."

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

I try to announce when there is 10 minutes left in regulation time. When asked by players during live play, I have to be careful to not immediately look at my watch. Keeping an eye on play is more important. But, if play is stopped, I'm happy to answer X minutes IN REGULATION TIME.

I also try to announce the amount of added time: 'At LEAST 2 minutes of added time.' The 'at least' gives me the flexibility to do more; once you announce it, you cannot do less.

I find that players appreciate knowing how much time is left, and that it costs nothing to let them know.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
When asked about the amount of time left I generally am helpful with a rough estimation. The only problem for the referee is when he says there is say 7 minutes left and the player shouts across to the bench 'Seven minutes left'. Referee decides to play 3 minutes added time and he is getting grief from the players and the bench about this. I personally never had a problem with this although an assessor did highlight this to me early in my career saying that I should never give the time

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

While I am not adverse to giving out an approximation, if it is asked for every few seconds or every minute they get a glare and I say well now if I add the time it takes for you to ask and me to figure it out we are about 30 seconds longer than last time. They usually stop the pestering at that point!
Still it is not wrong to say time is winding down. It is not a state secret just be a round about not exact!

I signal 5 minutes to my ARS from the end of the match regulation time (if there is a discrepancy at that point my ARs are instructed to get my attention in case of a watch problem or I am ending to early easy to do with youth tournaments and different age groups) then at some point in that 5 minutes I decide how much added time will be added and indicate that to my ARS. I usualy show fingers and mouth to the ARs or find a moment to talk briefly if we get close. If we do not have the signal cards on the touchline, once the 5 minute match time has concluded I simply yell out, we are into added time of approximately(??) minutes so the teams are fully aware we are into added time and aware approximately how long I will let play continue!
Cheers
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If asked and I'm the center, I say whatever time I have left plus stoppage time. If I'm an AR, I say what I have on MY watch but am careful to point out the center is responsible for the exact time and we don;t know how much stoppage time will be added.