Timewasting
Encyclopedia
Timewasting in the context of sport
s refers to the actions of one team which expend time, but do not otherwise have a tactical purpose. This is usually done by a team that is winning by a slim margin (or, occasionally, tied
) near the end of a game, in order to reduce the time available for the opposing team to score
. The term "timewasting" is generally reserved for varieties of football
, though the practice exists in many other timed sports, including basketball
, gridiron football
, and hockey
; timewasting in these sports is often referred to as running out the clock
.
during injury time, while the substituted players can waste time by being slow when leaving the field. Players may also feign injury, kick the ball away (now a mandatory yellow card
offence), obstruct the taking of a quick free kick
by an opposing player, or delay the taking of their own free kicks or throw ins.
Teams have also been accused of timewasting by instructing (or allowing) their ball boy
s to delay returning the ball for the away team to take a throw in or a corner kick
. UEFA
warned the Scottish Football Association
about this following a complaint by French
coach Raymond Domenech
following a 1–0 victory for Scotland
.
Football referees, the governing body FIFA
and the International Football Association Board
are trying to prevent "simulation" (such as diving
and timewasting) with more powerful punishments as part of their ongoing target to stop all kinds of simulation in football.
, manager of Liverpool F.C.
hit out at the tactics employed by Portsmouth F.C.
during a 0–0 draw.
The booking of Swiss player Paulo Diogo
for timewasting following a goal celebration was considered controversial. Diogo had caught his wedding ring
on the metal perimeter fence of the ground while celebrating his goal for Servette
, which led to him tearing off his finger - the delay was caused by Diogo and the match stewards searching for his finger.
Although punishment for timewasting tends to happen towards the end of a game, as does the offence itself, it can happen at an early stage of the match. During a game in 1972 between Norway and the Netherlands in Rotterdam
, the Norwegian goalkeeper, Per Haftorsen, received a yellow card for time-wasting after only five minutes.
In December 1979, during a Division One game between Liverpool
and Derby County
, Roy McFarland
was booked for timewasting after kicking the ball into the stands after just two minutes of the ninety (Derby having taken a lead - unexpectedly - from a penalty kick
after just 20 seconds of the match).
, it often takes place by one team deliberately collapsing a scrum
. The penalty is a free kick
, as it is considered a technical offense.
In Australian Rules Football
, late in a close game players who have marked
the ball will often attend to their uniforms such as tucking in jersey's or pulling their socks up along with over zealous stretching in an effort to milk the clock. It is up to the umpire to call 'play on' or stop the clock while this happens. Players kicking for goal are now given no more than 30 seconds to take their kicks in response to some players' extended preparation rituals though even this is rarely enforced.
In American Football
, once the Two-minute warning
has passed, a team leading only needs to acquire one additional first down. If the opposing team has no timeouts, then they cannot stop the clock. After this, the quarterback often simply "takes a knee" to allow the clock to run out.
In Ice Hockey
, a leading team may pass the puck to the defense who will then retreat in his zone. During a power play
, the shorthanded team will try to ice the puck in order to gain time until the penalty run off.
Sport
A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
s refers to the actions of one team which expend time, but do not otherwise have a tactical purpose. This is usually done by a team that is winning by a slim margin (or, occasionally, tied
Tie (draw)
To tie or draw is to finish a competition with identical or inconclusive results. The word "tie" is usually used in North America for sports such as American football. "Draw" is usually used in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Commonwealth of Nations and it is usually used for sports such as...
) near the end of a game, in order to reduce the time available for the opposing team to score
Score (game)
In games, score refers to an abstract quantity associated with a player or team. Score is usually measured in the abstract unit of points, and events in the game can raise or lower the score of different parties...
. The term "timewasting" is generally reserved for varieties of football
Football
Football may refer to one of a number of team sports which all involve, to varying degrees, kicking a ball with the foot to score a goal. The most popular of these sports worldwide is association football, more commonly known as just "football" or "soccer"...
, though the practice exists in many other timed sports, including basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
, gridiron football
Gridiron football
Gridiron football , sometimes known as North American football, is an umbrella term for related codes of football primarily played in the United States and Canada. The predominant forms of gridiron football are American football and Canadian football...
, and hockey
Hockey
Hockey is a family of sports in which two teams play against each other by trying to maneuver a ball or a puck into the opponent's goal using a hockey stick.-Etymology:...
; timewasting in these sports is often referred to as running out the clock
Running out the clock
In sports, running out the clock refers to the practice of a winning team allowing the clock to expire through a series of pre-selected plays, either to preserve a lead or hasten the end of a one-sided contest.- American football :...
.
Association football
In association football, the main methods of timewasting include bringing on substitutesSubstitute (football)
In association football, a substitute is a player who is brought on to the pitch during a match in exchange for an existing player. Substitutions are generally made to replace a player who has become tired or injured, or who is not performing well; there may also be tactical reasons such as...
during injury time, while the substituted players can waste time by being slow when leaving the field. Players may also feign injury, kick the ball away (now a mandatory yellow card
Penalty card
A penalty card is used in many sports as a means of warning, reprimanding or penalising a player, coach or team official. Penalty cards are most commonly used by referees or umpires to indicate that a player has committed an offense. The referee will hold the card above his or her head while...
offence), obstruct the taking of a quick free kick
Free kick
A free kick is used to restart play in several codes of football:Association football* Direct free kick, from which one may score directly* Indirect free kick, from which one may not score directlyAmerican football;* Safety kick...
by an opposing player, or delay the taking of their own free kicks or throw ins.
Teams have also been accused of timewasting by instructing (or allowing) their ball boy
Ball Boy
Ball Boy is a comic strip in the UK comic The Beano and also the name of the main character. It first appeared in issue 1735, dated 18 October 1975. It features a five-a-side football team that includes:* Ball Boy - the captain of the team, Ball Boy bears resemblances to The Dandy's Owen Goal...
s to delay returning the ball for the away team to take a throw in or a corner kick
Corner kick
A corner kick is a method of restarting play in a game of association football. It was first devised in Sheffield under the Sheffield Rules 1867...
. UEFA
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
warned the Scottish Football Association
Scottish Football Association
The Scottish Football Association is the governing body of football in Scotland and has the ultimate responsibility for the control and development of football in Scotland. Members of the SFA include clubs in Scotland, affiliated national associations as well as local associations...
about this following a complaint by French
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
coach Raymond Domenech
Raymond Domenech
Raymond Domenech is a retired French footballer and the former manager of the France national team.-2006 World Cup:On 12 July 2004, Domenech was a surprise choice to succeed Jacques Santini after the country's disappointing exit from UEFA Euro 2004 by losing in the quarter-final match to the...
following a 1–0 victory for Scotland
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
.
Legislation
The back-pass rule was introduced in 1992 in order to prevent timewasting by a defender repeatedly passing the ball back to the goalkeeper, who then would pick it up.Football referees, the governing body FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
and the International Football Association Board
International Football Association Board
The International Football Association Board is the body that determines the Laws of the Game of association football.-Operations:...
are trying to prevent "simulation" (such as diving
Diving (football)
In association football, diving is an attempt by a player to gain an unfair advantage by diving to the ground and possibly feigning an injury, to appear as if a foul has been committed. Dives are often used to exaggerate the amount of contact present in a challenge...
and timewasting) with more powerful punishments as part of their ongoing target to stop all kinds of simulation in football.
Legal methods
A common legal tactic often employed during football games involves carrying the ball into the corner of the field and shielding it from the defender. This will commonly lead to a free-kick if the frustrated defender budges the player out of the way, or it can also lead to a throw-in by the defender placing a tackle and managing to legally make contact with the ball so close to the line it often rolls out of play. This can be repeated to continue timewasting.In the media
Managers have criticised tactics they view as timewasting, particularly when they prevent their own team from attaining a victory. In November 2006, Rafael BenítezRafael Benítez
Rafael "Rafa" Benítez Maudes is a football manager, and former player. He is currently unemployed, after leaving as manager of Internazionale in December 2010....
, manager of Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
hit out at the tactics employed by Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
during a 0–0 draw.
The booking of Swiss player Paulo Diogo
Paulo Diogo
Paulo da Cruz Diogo is a retired Swiss professional footballer of Portuguese origin. He played almost his entire professional career in the Swiss first division.- Career :...
for timewasting following a goal celebration was considered controversial. Diogo had caught his wedding ring
Wedding ring
A wedding ring or wedding band is a metal ring indicating the wearer is married. Depending on the local culture, it is worn on the base of the right or the left ring finger. The custom of wearing such a ring has spread widely beyond its origin in Europe...
on the metal perimeter fence of the ground while celebrating his goal for Servette
Servette
Servette is a district of the city of Geneva, Switzerland. The district's name comes from the Latin word for forest, silva, and means "little forest". Its name alludes to Servette's rural past, before Geneva grew beyond its walls and incorporated the area....
, which led to him tearing off his finger - the delay was caused by Diogo and the match stewards searching for his finger.
Although punishment for timewasting tends to happen towards the end of a game, as does the offence itself, it can happen at an early stage of the match. During a game in 1972 between Norway and the Netherlands in Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. Starting as a dam on the Rotte river, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre...
, the Norwegian goalkeeper, Per Haftorsen, received a yellow card for time-wasting after only five minutes.
In December 1979, during a Division One game between Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
and Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
, Roy McFarland
Roy McFarland
Roy Leslie McFarland is an English football manager who was also a player, notably at Derby County where he played 434 league games helping him to earn 28 caps for England.-Playing career:...
was booked for timewasting after kicking the ball into the stands after just two minutes of the ninety (Derby having taken a lead - unexpectedly - from a penalty kick
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
after just 20 seconds of the match).
Other types of football
Timewasting also occurs in other forms of football: In rugby unionRugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
, it often takes place by one team deliberately collapsing a scrum
Scrum (rugby)
Scrum , in the sports of rugby union and rugby league, is a way of restarting the game, either after an accidental infringement or when the ball has gone out of play...
. The penalty is a free kick
Free kick (rugby union)
A free kick in rugby union is usually awarded to a team for a technical offence committed by the opposing side. Free kicks are awarded for technical offences such as playing too many players in a line-out or time wasting at a scrum. A free kick is also awarded for making a mark.Once awarded a...
, as it is considered a technical offense.
In Australian Rules Football
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
, late in a close game players who have marked
Mark (Australian football)
A mark is a skill in Australian rules football where a player cleanly catches a kicked ball that has travelled more than 15 metres without anyone else touching it or the ball hitting the ground....
the ball will often attend to their uniforms such as tucking in jersey's or pulling their socks up along with over zealous stretching in an effort to milk the clock. It is up to the umpire to call 'play on' or stop the clock while this happens. Players kicking for goal are now given no more than 30 seconds to take their kicks in response to some players' extended preparation rituals though even this is rarely enforced.
In American Football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
, once the Two-minute warning
Two-minute warning
In the National Football League, the two-minute warning is given when two minutes of game time remain on the game clock in each half of a game, i.e. near the end of the second and fourth quarters. There is an additional two-minute warning in the rare event only two minutes remain in an overtime...
has passed, a team leading only needs to acquire one additional first down. If the opposing team has no timeouts, then they cannot stop the clock. After this, the quarterback often simply "takes a knee" to allow the clock to run out.
In Ice Hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
, a leading team may pass the puck to the defense who will then retreat in his zone. During a power play
Power play (sport)
"Power play" is a sporting term used in various games.*In ice hockey, a team is said to be on a power play when at least one opposing player is serving a penalty, and the team has a numerical advantage on the ice...
, the shorthanded team will try to ice the puck in order to gain time until the penalty run off.