Question Number: 22874

Other 2/27/2010

anonymous of usa, usa asks...

This question is a follow up to question 106544

where can I find information on how and whem tto terminate, abandon, or suspend a match and what the difference is? Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

A suspended match is one that will resume. For instance, if there is a lightning storm, the game must stop, and can only resume once the storm has safely passed. That game was suspended.

USSF's publication Advice to Referees sections 5.11 and 5.12 describe terminated and abandoned games. They conclude with: 'NOTE: The difference between terminating a match and abandoning a match is a subtle one, but it is historically correct and supported by traditional practice.' Basically a game is abandoned for lack of players or an unsuitable field; it is terminated for misbehavior or safety conditions that pop up during the game like severe weather or darkness.

This panel has recently received information that IFAB, the writers of the Laws, have confused the issue and indeed there may now be no difference. The word 'terminated' now only occurs once in the Laws, and in reference only to the common meaning of the word, that the game is over.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Terminate and abandon now basically mean the same thing. The USSF for years had made a distinction but IFAB and FIFA have mucked up the distinction recently so the terms are interchangeable. Suspend means the game has been stopped temporarily.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

FIFA nows uses 'abandon' for events it formerly (and historically) referred to as 'terminate.' To follow IFAB's new usage, the referee abandons a match for weather, for major interference by spectators, for the refusal of coach/player to either take the field or leave the field; or if there are less than 7 players (for leagues following FIFA's recommendation.) It uses 'abandon' whenever a match is not completed to full regulation time. We expect that ATR 5.11 and 5.12 will be revised in the next draft (unless the next version of TLOG returns to historic usage).

Oddly, only Law 5 uses 'terminated.' It defines one of the exceptions to a referee's general power to change a decision to be 'after the 'match is terminated.' In this context, however, 'terminated' means after regulation time and any overtime has expired.