How Long is a Soccer Match?

 

 

 

Introduction

 

"How long is a soccer match?" is a common question for new fans unfamiliar with the sport. While soccer games seem to fly by in a continuous blur of action, there is method to the madness when it comes to match duration. Standard games have specific lengths, but various rules and situations can alter the time. Let's take a deep dive into the intriguing details around soccer game lengths! ⚽

 

Regulation Play Time

 

A regulation soccer match is played over two 45-minute halves, for a total of 90 minutes of regular play time. Professional matches are 90 minutes long. Most amateur and youth matches are also 90 minutes.

 

The clock runs continuously over the two halves without stopping when the ball goes out of play. The referee keeps the official match time and signals when each half has ended.

 

The only time the match clock may be stopped is if there is an injury or other unusual delay. Any time added on for injuries or delays is at the referee's discretion.

 

 New Details on Regulation Time

 

- The 90 minute length has been standard in soccer since the early 1900s.

 

- Shorter 80 minute matches were experimented with in the 1990s, but never caught on.

 

- A few leagues have tinkered with 60 minute match lengths, but found it altered the flow of the game too much. The 90 minute timeframe is ideal.

 

- Attempts to reduce the continuous play time to add TV commercials have also never gained support. Tradition wins!

 

- With a running clock and free-flowing action, soccer delivers a unique live sports experience compared to stop-start American football or baseball.

 

 Stoppage Time

 

It's common for a few minutes to be added on at the end of each half to make up for any time wasted during play. The amount of time added is called "stoppage time" or "injury time."

 

 Injury Time 🤕

 

If there is an injury during the match that requires treatment on the field, the referee will add time at the end to make up for the delay.

 

For significant injuries that require a player to be stretchered off the field, it's common for 3-5 minutes to be added on. Minor injuries may only add 1-2 minutes of stoppage time.

 

- More Details on Injury Time:

 

- With multi-million dollar salaries at stake, teams have an incentive to stop play when a star player is injured to allow evaluation and treatment. Referees are very lenient.

 

- However, some players have been accused of embellishing injuries to waste time when their team is ahead on the scoreboard. Not very sportsmanlike!

 

- Match doctors now assess injuries more carefully to determine if a player is truly hurt or "play acting" to run down the clock. Faking injuries can lead to fines.

 

 Time Wasting ⏱

 

Another reason stoppage time is added is if teams intentionally waste time during the match. For example, excessive goal celebrations, players slowly walking off on substitutions, or the goalkeeper holding the ball too long.

 

The referee keeps track of time wasted and compensates by adding minutes at the end. This ensures teams don't benefit from deliberately wasting time.

 

- More on Time Wasting Tactics:

 

- Having a player fake an injury is a prime time-wasting tactic near the end of a match. Referees often add 3-4 minutes of stoppage time to account for this.

 

- Goalkeepers can waste endless time retrieving the ball from the net, organizing the wall on free kicks, etc. Refs crack down on excessive delays.

 

- Players will kick the ball far out of play just to stop the action for throw-ins and restarts. Annoying but effective!

 

 Extra Time ➕

 

If the score is tied at the end of regulation time in certain competitions like the World Cup or championships, two more shorter periods of extra time are played.

 

This is done to try to determine a winner without going all the way to penalty kicks.

 

The two periods of extra time are 15 minutes each, for a total of 30 additional minutes of play.

 

 Golden Goal Rule ⚽

 

In some competitions, if a goal is scored during extra time, the game ends immediately and that team wins. This is called the "golden goal" rule. The idea is to minimize additional time needed.

 

However, this rule is no longer used in most major competitions and leagues. Now the full 30 minutes of extra time is played out regardless of goals scored.

 

- More Golden Goal History:

 

- The golden goal rule was popular in the 1990s and used in World Cup knockout games.

 

- It led to some dramatic sudden death goals before anxious fans.

 

- But it also encouraged very conservative play from teams afraid to attack and give up the winner.

 

- The golden goal was phased out in early 2000s for a more open extra time period.

 

 Penalty Shootouts 🎯

 

If the match is still tied after regulation and extra time, it's decided by a penalty shootout. Each team takes turns having five players take penalty kicks.

 

Whichever team scores more goals from their five penalty kicks wins the match. If still tied after the first five penalties, it goes to sudden death penalties one at a time until one team scores and the other doesn't.

 

Penalty shootouts are an exciting way to definitively end tied matches, but also quite nerve-wracking!

 

- Penalty Shootout Tidbits:

 

- Shootouts were adopted in the 1970s to replace drawing lots or coin flips to settle drawn matches.

 

- Some of the most dramatic moments in World Cup history have occurred during shootouts, like David Beckham's miss in 1998.

 

- Goalkeepers can be the hero by saving a penalty shot and giving their team a major advantage.

 

- There is immense pressure on the players taking the penalty kicks with the match on the line. Mental strength is key.

 

 Half Time Length ♻️

 

The half time break at the midpoint of a soccer match is typically around 10-15 minutes. Professional leagues usually have 12-15 minute half time breaks. Youth and amateur leagues generally have 10-12 minutes.

 

 Reasons for Half Time Length 🕑

 

- Give teams time to regroup in the locker room and get coaching instructions.

 

- Allow broadcast networks time for halftime commentary and analysis.

 

- Provide fans a bathroom/concessions break halfway through the match.

 

- Allow grounds crews to do any needed field maintenance.

 

The half time can't be too short or teams won't have time to strategize and fans won't be able to take a proper break. But it also can't be too long or players will cool down too much.

 

10-15 minutes is the sweet spot for an effective but not overly long halftime.

 

- More Halftime Insights:

 

- Manager's halftime team talks are a fixture in soccer lore, like Fergie's inspirational hair dryer tirades at Manchester United.

 

- Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo once made his Real Madrid teammates stay an extra 30 minutes at halftime to practice free kicks and headers!

 

- Halftime studio shows allow former players and pundits to dissect tactics and turning points from the first half.

 

- The elaborate Super Bowl halftime concert spectacle just doesn't translate to soccer's continuous flow. Simple is better.

 

 Youth Soccer Match Lengths 👦👧

 

For young children under 12, most leagues shorten match times compared to the full 90 minute professional time. This accounts for younger kids having less stamina.

 

 Ages Under 12

 

Children under 12 often play 2 halves of 25-30 minutes each. Total match time is 50-60 minutes.

 

Very young teams may have even shorter 15-20 minute halves.

 

Shortening the halves prevents children from getting too exhausted before the match is over.

 

- More on Youth Match Lengths:

 

- Fun games like "kick the can" are sometimes incorporated at halftime to keep kids engaged.

 

- Allowing unlimited subs helps manage kids' energy levels over shorter games.

 

- Proper hydration and orange slices at halftime are staples of youth soccer!

 

- Youth soccer is focused on fun and development, not proper match management. 

 

 Ages 12-18

 

Youth matches for older players (teenagers 12-18) are usually closer to full length professional times.

 

High school soccer usually has 40 minute halves, for 80 total minutes of play.

 

Youth club teams in the 12-15 age ranges often play 35 minute halves (70 minute games).

 

Older youth leagues for ages 15-18 frequently play standard 45 minute halves like the professionals.

 

Having longer match times helps develop stamina for older players nearing adulthood.

 

- High School and Club Soccer Notes:

 

- Elite high school teams may play international rules of 45 minute halves to prep for college.

 

- Club coaches use longer games to evaluate players for scholarship opportunities.

 

- Fitness and endurance become bigger priorities as players mature.

 

- Teens begin learning more complex tactics and formations requiring longer matches.

 

 Indoor Soccer Match Lengths 🏟

 

Indoor soccer, played in hockey-type arenas, has different match lengths than outdoor soccer. Indoor soccer games are played on a shorter field which allows for shorter match times.

 

A standard indoor soccer game consists of 4 quarters of 15 minutes each. With a 2 minute break between quarters, the total match time is about 60 minutes.

 

Some recreational and kids' leagues may opt for even shorter 10-12 minute quarters to fit shorter attention spans. The shortened game times keep indoor soccer fast-paced and intense.

 

- Indoor Soccer Differences:

 

- Walls and close confines lead to ricocheting balls and more shots on goal.

 

- Less players and playing surface make for higher scoring, frantic action.

 

- Kids love the loud music, flashing lights, and carnival-like atmosphere.

 

- Professional indoor leagues offer fans an exciting winter alternative to outdoor soccer.

 

 Summary✔️

 

While a 90 minute soccer match is standard, there are many reasons the length may be adjusted shorter or longer. Extra time, penalty shootouts, and different rules for youth and indoor make soccer match lengths flexible. But you can expect around 90 energizing minutes for a regulation outdoor soccer game!

 

 Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the length of each half in a professional soccer match?

 

Each half in a professional soccer match is 45 minutes long, for a total match time of 90 minutes. The clock runs continuously during each 45 minute half without stopping.

 

How much injury time is usually added on at the end of a half?

 

The amount of injury time added on at the end of a half is at the referee's discretion, but typically ranges from 1-5 minutes depending on the severity of injuries and amount of time wasting. For significant injuries causing long delays, up to 5 minutes may be added.

 

What happens if the score is tied at the end of regulation time?

 

If the score is tied at the end of regulation, two extra time periods of 15 minutes each are played. If still tied after extra time, the match goes to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

 

What is the purpose of having a half time break?

 

The purpose of the halftime break is to allow teams to regroup in the locker room, make tactical adjustments, get coaching instructions, and for players to rest and rehydrate before the second half. It also allows fans to take a bathroom/concessions break and networks to provide commentary.

 

How long is each quarter in indoor soccer?

 

Indoor soccer is played in 4 quarters of 15 minutes each, with a 2 minute break between quarters. This leads to a shorter total game time of about 60 minutes compared to 90 minutes in outdoor soccer.

 

Why are youth soccer matches shorter than professional matches?

 

Youth soccer matches are shorter to account for young players having less physical stamina. Under age 12, halves may be only 25-30 minutes. Ages 12-15 play 35-40 minute halves. Only older youth play full 90 minute games.

 

What is the golden goal rule in soccer?

 

The golden goal rule means that if a goal is scored during extra time, that team wins immediately and the game ends. This rule is no longer used in most major competitions.

 

How many players take penalty kicks in a shootout?

 

In a penalty shootout, each team takes turns having 5 players take penalty kicks. If still tied after the first 5 kicks, it goes to sudden death penalties until one team scores and the other doesn't.

 

What is average amount of stoppage time added in a soccer match?

 

The average amount of stoppage time added is around 3-5 minutes per half, though it can be more or less depending on injuries, delays, and time wasting. The referee determines the appropriate amount of time to add.

 

Why has 90 minutes become the standard match length in soccer?

 

90 minutes has become the standard match length as it provides enough time for continuous flow while limiting fatigue. Attempts to shorten or lengthen matches have disrupted the essence of the game. The 90 minute timeframe has worked well for over 100 years.

 

How has the adoption of the golden goal rule impacted soccer matches?

 

The golden goal rule led to dramatic sudden death finishes but also encouraged conservative play from teams afraid to attack. It has now been phased out in most competitions in favor of a full 30 minutes of open extra time.

 

What tactics do players use to waste time during a match?

 

Tactics like faking injuries, kicking the ball far out of play, excessive goal celebrations, and goalkeepers delaying restarts successfully waste time but often draws the ire of opponents and referees who then add stoppage time.

 

How does indoor soccer differ from outdoor soccer?

 

Indoor soccer's walls, smaller fields, fewer players, and shorter quarters lead to higher-scoring matches with nonstop action. The carnival-like atmosphere with music and lights also contrasts the more traditional outdoor game.

 

Why are unlimited substitutions commonly allowed in youth soccer?

 

Unlimited substitutions keeps kids from tiring out too early in shortened youth matches. It allows coaches to give all players equal playing time for development rather than just rewarding the best athletes.