[Football] Change how matches are timed

[raymondo]

Remove timing from the referee, from their desire to let play continue until ball ends up on half way line. 35 mins (or whatever) active play each half - stop the clock when ball is dead. Time wasting disappears, doubts about bias disappear, 2-2 result in this case.

 

[veuve]

Needs to be changed, use rugby's example.

 

[kevo]

Absoulutely. They are trying to make the game more accurate and consistent by using VAR, yet the actual duration of the match - something that could easily be difined by technology - is left to the referee's discretion. Ludicrous.

 

[vegster]

Remove timing from the referee, from their desire to let play continue until ball ends up on half way line. 35 mins (or whatever) active play each half - stop the clock when ball is dead. Time wasting disappears, doubts about bias disappear, 2-2 result in this case.

Should have been done years back when Fergie was bullying referee's over time added on and penalties almost weekly.

 

[RustyKent]

Agreed, matches now taking over 100 mins with ball in play around 60.

 

[beorhthelm]

thought this for a long time. dont agree taking the rugby approach but there are clear rules on time added on, stick to them. ref seems able to add another 30sec, a minute or 3 for no reason.

 

[AlbionInUs]

Good idea in theory, but it’s harder than you think. As a ref, there is so much to focus on. It is hard to start and stop the watch so often. And what if you forget?

 

[neilbard]

Needs to be changed, use rugby's example.

Don't rugby stop the clock every time someone moves.

 

[macbeth]

They need an independent timekeeper, should not be relying on the ref

 

[AlbionInUs]

In top level football, time keeping shouldn't be with the ref. Like you say, he's got other things to focus on rather than looking at his watch.

So are we changing the rules only for the Prem? Everywhere it is 90 minutes, but here it isin’t?

 

[phoenix]

Absoulutely. They are trying to make the game more accurate and consistent by using VAR, yet the actual duration of the match - something that could easily be difined by technology - is left to the referee's discretion. Ludicrous.

Have you actually read the op's post !!!!

 

[GT49er]

100% agree, thought this for a while.

No stoppage time. Match ends on 90:00.

Not 90 - that could take 3 hours! 30 minutes each way (that is 30 minutes with the ball in play).

 

[GREASED WEASEL]

I'm sure I used to get the 10 to 5 train from Hove back to Brighton back in the day

These days you'd miss half of the 2nd half

 

[GT49er]

Good idea in theory, but it’s harder than you think. As a ref, there is so much to focus on. It is hard to start and stop the watch so often. And what if you forget?

The 4th. official has next to f*** all to do at the moment. Be good to make 'em earn their not unsubstantial match fees.

 

[raymondo]

Good idea in theory, but it’s harder than you think. As a ref, there is so much to focus on. It is hard to start and stop the watch so often. And what if you forget?

The ref shouldn't do it, have a timekeeper in the stands (5th official). When the ball is dead (out of play, or ref blows for an offence etc) the clock is stopped. I really don't think it's hard.

 

[raymondo]

In top level football, time keeping shouldn't be with the ref. Like you say, he's got other things to focus on rather than looking at his watch.

Exactly, take the job away from the ref. The ref is somehow too involved with the ebb and flow of the game. Timekeeper, 5th official, in the stands, visible clock on the stand.

 

[portlock seagull]

Stop it. We lost. That’s all there is to it. All this BS tinkering, meddling and striving for perfection has ruined the game as it is. And if your objective is fairness, don’t be so bloody naive. The “level playing field” is so weighted with gold towards the big clubs, we’re practically attacking a 90 degree slope. That’s the real injustice. Not refs and rules, as life sucking as VAR is.

 

[raymondo]

Stop it. We lost. That’s all there is to it. All this BS tinkering, meddling and striving for perfection has ruined the game as it is. And if your objective is fairness, don’t be so bloody naive. The “level playing field” is so weighted with gold towards the big clubs, we’re practically attacking a 90 degree slope. That’s the real injustice. Not refs and rules, as life sucking as VAR is.

I don't think it would be bullshit tinkering, rather a fundamental, positive change. Then all the post match threads can just be about the football! I agree with your sentiment though, that such a change would only be made if the Top 6 started asking for it...and they rarely seem to have a reason to

 

[Snowflake]

It's not Bullshit. It's a good idea alround. One thing Basketball has right. Shorten the time of half's but you will get an exact guarantee of ball in play time.

 

[Shropshire Seagull]

Needs to be changed, use rugby's example.

Yeah but, league or union?
League, the hooter sounds on the second time is up - game over.
Union, play continues until ball next goes dead.

I like the idea of a big digital clock on the stand [one at each end so everyone can see] and a ref carrying a clicker that starts and stops this big clock ticking down from 45 mins [or the 4th official can do this]
Any injury or time when ball is out of play, ref stops the big clock and then starts it immediately play resumes.
No more time wasting as the ref has stopped the clock. Slow goal kicks, throw-ins or feigning injury no longer an issue.
Best of all, we always get our 45mins money's worth.