Question Number: 32533

Law 5 - The Referee 6/21/2018

RE: Pro

Nikita of Moskow, Russia asks...

Hello! I now have a question, who decides how much time will be added to the time? Chief referee or the fourth referee?

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Good question! It is amazing how many referees that don't do the big games don't know this. It is indeed the referee! This is a duty given to the referee per law 5. The fourth official displays the time after communication from the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Nikita
The referee is the sole judge of time and the amount of time to be added on for time lost for injuries, substitutions etc.
At the highest level some referees but not all may ask the 4th official to assist him in keeping account of the time lost through injuries and stoppages. That can also include ARs with one AR keeping his watch running while the other may stop it for injury, substitutions etc Near the end of full time they all may communicate over mics to compare timings. The referee will then inform the 4th official to display the amount of time the referee has decided to add on by using the display board.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Nikita,
the CR centre referee has the final say, although he will use his ARS and 4th to assist in keeping track.

When they DO post the additional time it should be noted that is the MINIMUM amount of time to be added.

If it reads 5 minutes it could be almost 6 minutes plus if there additional match delays during the additional time added it will extend the time as well past the stated amount.

I recall a match where I added 6 minutes , there were 2 injuries and a disputed PK awarded in that time frame so we actually wound up playing for almost 10 minutes.

By the way congratulations to the Russian team for such a good showing and to all those in Russia who worked & volunteered. I find all the venues to be wonderful, the hospitality to be great and the results of all this Russia should be very proud! Cheers