International matches
For international matches, the presence of a third referee and a timekeeper is
mandatory.
For international matches, the chronometer used must incorporate all the
necessary functions (precise timekeeping, a device to time the two-minute
expulsion of four players simultaneously and monitor the accumulation of fouls
by each team during each period of play).
Periods of play
The match lasts two equal periods of 20 minutes, unless otherwise mutually
agreed between the referee and the two teams. Any agreement to alter the
duration of the periods of play must be made before the start of play and must
comply with the competition rules.
Ending the periods of play
The timekeeper indicates the end of each period with the acoustic signal or
whistle. After hearing the timekeeper’s whistle or acoustic signal, one of the
referees announces the end of the period or match with his whistle, bearing in
mind the following:
• if a kick from the second penalty mark or direct free kick, beginning
with the sixth accumulated foul, must be taken or retaken, the period in
question is extended until the kick has been taken
• if a penalty kick has to be taken or retaken, the period in question is
extended until the kick has been taken
If the ball has been kicked towards one of the goals, the referees must wait
for the kick to end before the timekeeper may sound the whistle or acoustic
signal. The period ends when:
• the ball goes directly into the goal and a goal is scored
• the ball leaves the boundaries of the pitch
• the ball touches the goalkeeper, the goalposts, crossbar or ground, crosses
the goal line and a goal is scored
• the defending goalkeeper stops the ball or it rebounds from the goalposts
or crossbar and does not cross the goal line
If no infringement has been committed that requires a direct free kick or a
penalty kick to be retaken or, during the trajectory of the ball, one of the teams
does not commit an infringement that is sanctioned with a direct free kick,
beginning with the sixth accumulated foul, or a penalty kick, the period will
end when:
• the ball touches any player other than the goalkeeper after it has been
kicked at the opposing goal
Time- out
The teams are entitled to a one-minute time-out in each period.
The following conditions apply:
• the team officials are authorised to request the third referee, or the
timekeeper if there is no third referee, for a one-minute time-out using the
document provided
• the timekeeper grants the time-out when the team that has requested it is
in possession of the ball and the ball is out of play, using a different whistle
or acoustic signal from the ones used by the referees
• during the time-out, the players may remain on or off the pitch. In order to
have a drink, the players must leave the pitch
• during the time-out, the substitutes must stay off the pitch
• during the time-out, officials are not allowed to give instructions on the
pitch
• substitutions may only be made after the acoustic signal or whistle has
sounded to indicate the end of the time-out
• a team that does not request a time-out in the first half of the match is only
entitled to one time-out during the second half
• if there is neither a third referee nor a timekeeper, a team official may
request the referees for a time-out
• there are no time-outs during extra time, if played
Half-time interval
Players are entitled to an interval at half-time.
The half-time interval must not exceed 15 minutes.
Competition rules must state the duration of the half-time interval.
The duration of the half-time interval may be altered only with the consent of
the referee.
Abandoned match
An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules provide
otherwise.
Time- out
