Question Number: 22154

Law 7 - Match Duration 10/4/2009

RE: Competitive Under 12

Josh Phillips of Bloomington, MN USA asks...

If time expires when the ball is out of play for a corner kick, when should time be ended?

As soon as the ball is put into play?
As soon as the ball is cleared out of the penalty area?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

A lot of referees subscribe to an idea that you shouldn't end a half unless the ball is in relatively neutral territory. The laws say nothing about this; in fact, time is only to be extended for a penalty kick. However, when we have stoppage time this time is largely discretionary and we are never going to get it absolutely spot on, as such those who believe we should try and wait until the ball is in neutral territory are able to apply this idea within the laws of the game.

My thoughts are similar to Ref Dawson - if they're taking their time, then I'll end the half. If they're taking it promptly, then I may consider the possibility that I have been a little inaccurate in recording stoppage time and allow the corner to occur. Maybe. Nothing in the laws requires me to permit the restart.

It's also going to depend somewhat on exactly how long is left...are we talking about a second to go when it's kicked out, or when time expires as they're preparing for the kick? One will render me more likely to end the half immediately than the other.

If, however, you do allow the corner kick to proceed and a goal is scored, I would strongly encourage you to not end the half until a second or two after the kick off has been taken - it helps ensure it doesn't look like you unfairly extended time for an attack.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

There is a myth that if there is ANY chance to attack the referee must allow it to its completion.

On a corner kick where time has expired the corner can not occur as the match is over! Nothing says we must restart to end the match.

If the team getting the corner had a few seconds and the other team had been wasting time the score tied or the team with the corner 1 goal down and they HUSTLED to retrieve set the ball and get the kick in my watch might allow for those few seconds on the field as opposed to them chasing it down off the field more so then a 9 to 0 blow out in the freezing rain.

If the team with the corner was in no hurry and leisurely went to get and return the ball then I collect the ball without the few seconds being on the field as they just frittered them away off the field.

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

I usually wait until they have brought the ball back, and then I collect it and blow for time. If time has expired, you cannot put the ball back into play. If you call it when the ball leaves the field, you will be the one chasing it.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 22181