In soccer, there are lots of terms used to signify different aspects of the game. One of the terms that you might have come across is full-time, as it’s a super common (and important) term to describe the end of the match.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about full time in soccer, as well as various other terms that are related to the length of the match.
Full time in soccer explained
Full time in soccer is when the referee blows the whistle for the final time. In the adult’s game, the full time whistle can be blown after ninety minutes, but in nearly all matches, the referee adds time onto the match to account for stoppages. At the full time whistle, the team with the most goals wins the game, and if the scores are level, the match ends in a tie.
What is half time in soccer?
Half time in soccer refers to the end of the first period of the match. Soccer is split into two even halves of forty-five minutes apiece. When the game has been played for 45 minutes, the referee blows the whistle to signify the end of the first half.
The players then go into the locker room for fifteen minutes for what is known as the half-time break. During half-time, players take on refreshments and listen to advice from their coaches. The coach might also change the tactics or even personnel if things aren’t going well.
When the fifteen minute break is over, the players return to the field of play to resume the second half. Just like the first, the second half runs for at least 45 minutes, but the referee is entitled to add time to the end of the half if there have been stoppages in the game.
What is extra time in soccer?
Extra time in soccer refers to an additional period of time that is added to a game if it ends in a tie. Extra time is only added to certain fixtures where a tie is not a viable outcome for the game. For instance, you see periods of extra time in knock-out competitions and cup finals.
When the referee blows for full-time after ninety minutes, the players head to the locker room for a quick five minute break, before returning to the field for an additional thirty minutes of play.
The period of extra time is split into two halves of fifteen minutes and again, the referee might decide to add a few minutes to either half for stoppages. If the game is still a tie after the extra time period, a penalty shootout decides the outcome of the match.
What does soccer overtime mean?
Soccer overtime is different from extra time and is the term given to the period of time that follows the half time and full time whistles. So, for instance, when the first half timer gets to 45.00, the referee might decide to play two minutes of overtime to account for stoppages in the game.
Then, in the second half, the same is true and the referee might opt for four of five minutes, as there are often more stoppages and delays in the second half of matches. Typically, most matches will feature anywhere between three and ten minutes of overtime and it’s a period in which lots of goals are scored!
When overtime is up, the referee blows the whistle for the final time to signify full time. In professional soccer, the fourth official on the sideline indicates the amount of overtime to be played by holding up an electronic board, which is helpful for both players and supporters as they know what to expect.
How long is a soccer match?
A standard adult soccer match runs for ninety minutes, split into two even halves of 45 minutes. As mentioned above, the referee might decide to play overtime if there have been stoppages in the game, which will extend the match for several minutes.
Also, when the competition calls for it, a tie might result in an period of extra time, which sees the players return to the field for a further thirty minutes to see if either can score a winning goal. Often in extra time, both teams are tired and typically play for the penalty shoot-out that follows if things are still tied.
In little league soccer, matches are often considerably shorter and don’t typically last for ninety minutes. It’s also common for little league soccer matches to be split into quarters, so the coaches get more time to work with the kids.
Ultimately, every competition stipulates how long a soccer match should be when played in that particular league. So, if you’re wondering how long your kids’ match is likely to be, you will need to check with the coaches and find out what the competition rules are.
Recap: What is full time in soccer ?
Full-time in soccer simply signifies the end of the match. The referee blows the whistle sharply three times at full-time, which makes it clear to players that the game is over.
The same whistle signifies the end of the first half, which denotes the start of half time. The key takeaway is that in adult soccer, the full-time whistle is blown after ninety minutes and a short period of additional time in most cases.