Time Wasting & Game Management
This YMTC episode explores two time-wasting scenarios and the considerations involved in calling, punishing, and adjusting for themYMTC #10.
Scenario 1: The Ball Boy Incident (High School Match)
Situation:
With 90 seconds remaining, the home team led 1-0 in a crucial Virginia high school match, where the winner would advance to the state playoffs. Two weeks earlier, the visiting team had beaten them 3-0.
The ball was deliberately kicked out of bounds to run out the clock. The home team’s ball boy—an unpaid high school student provided by the coach—slowly retrieved the ball, then kicked it under the home team’s bench, where it became inaccessible due to player gear. The bench players made no effort to retrieve the ball and restart play.
Key Considerations:
- Time-wasting in high school soccer (NFHS rules) is handled differently than USSF/FIFA matches.
- In many NFHS competitions, the clock runs down to zero, and the game ends immediately. In this Virginia high school league, the stadium clock was stopped at two minutes, meaning time adjustments were not possible.
- The coach is responsible for supplying ball persons. If a ball person deliberately engages in time-wasting, the coach should be held accountable.
Possible Actions:
- Caution or Dismiss the Coach
- Since the ball boy acted under the coach’s authority, the coach can be cautioned for unsporting behavior.
- Restart the Clock Immediately
- Avoid further delays by promptly restarting the match.
- Warn the Bench & Monitor Future Actions
- If the bench continues delaying play, further disciplinary actions should follow.
Scenario 2: The Goalkeeper’s Delayed Goal Kick (EDP Premier Match)
Situation:
Midway through the game, a goal kick was awarded. The goalkeeper placed the ball in one corner of the goal area (GA) and prepared to take the kick. The opposing team adjusted their positions accordingly to intercept or pressure the restart.
At this moment, the coach yelled instructions for the keeper to move the ball to the opposite GA corner to gain a tactical advantage. The keeper complied.
The center referee blew the whistle at:
- A. Just before the kick
- B. Just after the kick
Key Considerations:
- Is this misconduct?
- A goalkeeper taking excessive time before a goal kick can be considered delaying the restart of play (cautionable offense).
- If the keeper repeatedly moves the ball to waste time, a yellow card should be issued.
- Was the Referee’s Decision Correct?
- The referee allowed the kick to be taken before stopping play, meaning the ball was already in play.
- The ball should not have been placed back in the goal area for an indirect free kick (IFK). Instead, if misconduct occurred, the keeper should have been cautioned, and play should restart with a goal kick.
Best Practices:
- Use a Verbal Warning First
- If the keeper switches sides once, issue a verbal warning.
- If the behavior continues, caution for time-wasting.
- Track Time-Wasting Patterns
- If a team is leading late in the game and repeatedly engages in time-wasting tactics (e.g., delayed restarts, slow substitutions, excessive dribbling in the corner), the referee should proactively manage the situation before it becomes an issue.
- Enforce Proper Restart Procedures
- If a time-wasting foul is called, ensure the restart follows proper LOTG mechanics.
Final Takeaway
Time-wasting is a game management issue that requires early intervention. Whether it involves a ball boy delaying a restart or a goalkeeper moving the ball for tactical advantage, referees must act decisively to prevent unfair delays and maintain game integrity.
Understanding the differences in time-wasting rules between NFHS, USSF, and EDP competitions is critical for ensuring consistent enforcement.
Last Updated on March 12, 2025 by Frank