Rule 2: Time
There's even less to interpret here than in Rule 1. Note that the timings given in the rule book relate to international competitions, and the timings at local or domestic level will likely differ—especially for quarter and half-time breaks. It's important to check the competition regulations in advance so you're clear on the match format and any variations.
Competition-Specific Timings
Many local leagues and domestic competitions use shortened break durations—commonly 1/2/1 minutes (quarter/half-time/quarter). If you are umpiring a game where extra time could be played, make sure you are familiar with the competition's extra time format.
If you can't find this information on the competition's website and it hasn't been sent for you, try asking other umpires or contacting the competition organiser.
Break Variations
Common Formats:
- 1/2/1 minutes
- 2/4/2 minutes
- 3/5/3 minutes
Extra Time Formats
Options Available:
- Single extra period or two halves of extra time
- If scores tied at the end:
- Two-goal advantage to win
- "Next goal wins" rule
Extra Time Procedures
If standard extra time rules are in use and the scores are level at the end of the second half of extra time, follow this process:
Step-by-Step Process
Do Not End the Game
Do not blow the whistle to end the game when time expires.
If there is no visible scoreboard, you may need to hold time briefly to confirm the score with the official bench. Restart play once it's confirmed that the scores are level.
Signal Continuation
A visual signal (e.g. a coloured cone) should be placed at the official bench to indicate that play will continue until one team leads by two goals.
Continue Until Two-Goal Advantage
Play continues until one team achieves a two-goal advantage. At that point, blow the whistle to end the game.
Umpires should track the score mentally and confirm with the scorers at the end to ensure they are correct.
Penalty Awarded at End of Quarter
If a penalty pass is awarded to the attacking team inside the goal circle and time expires before it is taken, use the following process:
Penalty Procedure
Blow the whistle to penalise the infringement as usual.
When time expires, blow the whistle again to signal the end of the quarter.
Inform the players that time is being extended to allow the penalty pass to be taken. Any sanctions from further infringements by the defending team, such as obstruction or interference with the shot, will also be taken.
If a goal is scored, signal it as normal. If not, no signal is needed. No further whistle is needed, you've already ended the quarter.
Take extra care confirming the next centre pass direction with your co-umpire and the official bench.
- At local leagues with non-neutral scorers, you may need to remind them to record the goal.
- This is the one case where odds/evens (i.e. which team takes the next centre pass when the score is odd/even) stay with the same team rather than flipping.