For a sport that prides itself on its use of a running clock, there sure are a lot of stoppages in soccer. Free kicks, substitutions, and even unforeseen events like protestors on the field can cause the game to come to a halt. But what happens to all that lost time? Is it simply lost forever? The answer is no. In soccer, that time is carefully monitored and added on at the end of a half, creating one of the most thrilling and fiercely contested periods of the game: stoppage time.
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What is Stoppage Time in Soccer?
Stoppage time refers to the additional time added by the referee at the end of each half to compensate for any time lost due to injuries, video reviews, or other interruptions. If play is halted for, let’s say, five minutes because of an injury, the referee will add five minutes of stoppage time after the clock hits 45 minutes.
How is Stoppage Time Calculated?
Referees closely monitor the time the ball is out of play. They keep track of stoppages, injuries, and any other delays that occur during the game. By the end of the half, the referee communicates with the fourth official on the sideline, indicating how much time should be added to account for the interruptions. The longer the stoppages, the more stoppage time will be added.
How Does Stoppage Time Work?
When it’s time to add stoppage time, the fourth official raises an electronic board, similar to the one used for substitutions. The board displays the number of minutes that will be added to the end of the half. For example, if one minute is shown, the referee will blow the whistle at or around the 46-minute mark instead of the usual 45-minute mark. This process continues for as many minutes as necessary.
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It’s important to note that while television broadcasts show a stoppage time clock ticking upward, those in the stadium are left unaware of how much time remains. In-stadium scoreboard clocks usually stop at 45 or 90 minutes, leaving fans in suspense as only the referee knows the true remaining time.
Why is There Stoppage Time in Soccer?
Soccer is a game that often experiences stoppages. Despite the clock continuously running, stoppages occur frequently. Injuries require time for treatment, video reviews can be lengthy, and incidents such as yellow cards and free kicks take time to administer. Stoppage time allows for these natural interruptions to take place during the flow of the game while ensuring that teams have a fair amount of time to try to score.
Furthermore, stoppage time provides one of the most captivating periods in sports. It forces teams to make strategic decisions, whether to attack relentlessly or to defend their lead.
Max Stoppage Time in Soccer
According to the rule book, there is no maximum limit for stoppage time in a soccer match. This means that stoppage time can be extended for outrageously long periods, such as 10, 11, or even 12 minutes. In rare instances, extraordinary circumstances, like power outages or other unforeseen events, can lead to significantly prolonged periods of stoppage time.
Average Stoppage Time for Soccer Matches
Typically, referees add between one and five minutes of stoppage time at the end of each half. This duration is usually sufficient to compensate for routine stoppages, such as substitutions and free kicks, without indicating a severe disruption to the game. However, the early stages of World Cup 2022 have seen longer periods of stoppage time than usual.
Why is There So Much Stoppage Time at World Cup 2022?
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Fans and teams have noticed the extended stoppage time in Qatar, with more than 10 minutes added at the end of a half on multiple occasions. According to Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA’s referees committee, this extended stoppage time is intentional. FIFA aims to minimize time-wasting and maximize game action by more accurately calculating stoppage time.
Collina explained, “If you want more active time, we need to be ready to see this kind of additional time given. What we want to do is accurately calculate the added time at the end of each half. It can be the fourth official to do that, we were successful in Russia and we expect the same in Qatar.”
With stoppage time playing a crucial role in soccer, it adds an extra layer of excitement to the game. Whether it’s a race against the clock to score a last-minute goal or a team desperately defending their lead, stoppage time keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
FAQs
Q: Is there a maximum limit for stoppage time in soccer?
A: According to the rule book, there is no specific maximum limit for stoppage time in a soccer match.
Q: How is stoppage time calculated?
A: Referees keep track of the time the ball is out of play, and at the end of a half, they communicate with the fourth official to determine how much time should be added to account for interruptions.
Q: Why is there stoppage time in soccer?
A: Stoppage time allows for natural interruptions during the flow of the game, such as injuries, video reviews, and disciplinary actions. It ensures that teams have a fair chance to score and adds excitement to the match.
Q: Why is there so much stoppage time at World Cup 2022?
A: FIFA aims to minimize time-wasting and maximize game action by accurately calculating stoppage time. This has resulted in longer periods of added time in some World Cup matches.
Conclusion
Stoppage time is an integral part of soccer, allowing for necessary interruptions and adding drama to the game. Referees meticulously calculate and add time at the end of each half to compensate for stoppages. While there is no maximum limit for stoppage time, referees typically add between one and five minutes. World Cup 2022 has seen longer periods of stoppage time, reflecting FIFA’s efforts to maximize game action. So the next time you watch a soccer match, keep an eye on the clock and brace yourself for the excitement of stoppage time.
Nguồn: https://www.pesstatsdatabase.com
Danh mục: Sport