SAASL Statement
16 July 2025
Subject – Sportal Sunday Premier A Fixture – Elizabeth Downs V Ingle Farm – 29th June 2025
The League is advising the outcome from the Sportal Sunday Premier A fixture between Elizabeth Downs and Ingle Farm on the 29th June, after communication with Michelle Smith the General Manager of Referee Education/Training and Compliance at Football SA, the below information can be advised –
As per Law 7 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, if a referee signals the end of the match and subsequently realises an error has been made in timing (for example, stopping the match too early), the referee is permitted to restart play and complete the remaining time.
In this instance, the referee was using two watches, as is general practice, one counting down the 45-minute half and a second tracking additional time. The referee inadvertently blew the whistle for full time early due when the countdown watch sounded not allowing for injury time. Recognising the mistake, and in accordance with the Laws, resumed play to complete the remaining time. The match was then concluded appropriately.
This is a recognised and correct procedure under the Laws of the Game.
Further clarification was also sort and the below response was supplied –
Law 5 – The Referee
5.2 Decisions of the referee
- The referee may not change a restart decision on realising that it is incorrect or on the advice of another match official if play has restarted or the referee has signalled the end of the first or second half (including extra time) and left the field of play or abandoned the match.
What this means in practice:
If the referee signals for full time but remains on the field of play and realises an error in timing (for example, stopping the match too early), they are permitted to restart play and complete the remaining time. The key factor is that the referee has not left the field or formally abandoned the match. Which is the case in this instance.
Law 5.3 Powers and duties
- Acts as timekeeper, keeps a record of the match and provides the appropriate authorities with a match report, including information on disciplinary action and any other incidents that occurred before, during or after the match.
The match was then concluded properly after the remaining time was played, and the issue was reported to the appropriate authorities.
Therefore, based on the above information received from Football SA in relation to the IFAB Laws of the game, it is determined that the result of this match will stand as recorded, on Dribl as 3 all result.