RULE 6 - THE TIMEKEEPER AND THE THIRD REFEREE

A timekeeper and a third referee are appointed. They are seated outside the field at the halfway line on the same side as the substitution zone.

The timekeeper and the third referee are equipped with a suitable clock(chronometer) to be supplied by the association or club on whose field the match is being played.

· Ensures that the duration of the match complies with the provisions of Rule 7 by:

- starting his clock (chronometer) after kick-off;

- stopping the clock (chronometer) when a goal is scored, when a penalty kick or a direct free kick is awarded, when a player is wasting

time (under indication from the referee);

- re-starting it after a kick-off, a free kick and kicks from the penalty mark;

· checks the two-minute effective time punishment period when a player has been sent off;

· indicates the end of each period, the end of the match, the end of the extra time with a whistle or some other acoustic signal distinct from those used by the referees;

· indicates to the referees the exact time to re-start the second and third periods after the three-minute stoppage, as well as the re-start of the

extra time, in such event;

The third referee assists the timekeeper. He:

· keeps a record of stoppages in the game and the reasons for them;

· ensures that substitutions are carried out properly and indicates with a whistle or some other acoustic signal distinct from those used by the

referees any infringement occurred during the substitution procedure;

· takes note of the numbers of the players who score goals and the time of its occurrence;

· recalls the names and numbers of the players cautioned or sent off;

· provides any other information relevant to the game;

· takes care of the behavior of the people allowed to be on the bench destined to the substitute players;

· informs to the teams the exact time when a player who was sent off is allowed to return to the game or to be substituted;

· at the end of the over time, notes the numbers of the players that ended the match. Only these players are allowed to participate in the penalty kick shoot-out (Rule 18).

In case of injury, the third referee may replace either the referee or second referee.

1 For international matches, the use of a timekeeper and a third referee is compulsory.

2 In the event of undue interference by the timekeeper or the third referee, the referee will relieve either of them of their duties, arrange for their

replacement and report to the appropriate authorities.