Unlike many American sports that count down to zero, soccer uses a running clock that counts up from zero to 45 minutes for each half. This unconventional timing has historical roots.
Soccer time counts up to 45 minutes per half because the clock never stops for injuries or substitutions. Instead, the referee adds “stoppage time” at the end of the half based on the time lost.
The Concept of Stoppage Time
Because the clock counts up continuously, the referee must keep track of how much time was wasted. At the end of the 45 minutes, they signal the fourth official to hold up a board indicating the minimum number of added minutes.
Why Not Stop the Clock?
Stopping the clock for every throw-in, foul, or goal kick would drastically change the flow of the game. A running clock keeps the momentum going and places the authority entirely in the hands of the referee.
