Soccer match half time – Even champions need a break

One of the most famous soccer quotes of all time was uttered by coaching legend Sepp Herberger. To describe the game he said, "The ball is round and the game lasts 90 minutes." Valid points, but he neglected to include the break in play that takes place in the middle of those 90 minutes. What does half time mean for a soccer match? What happens during this time? And exactly how long is this break?

Why is there a half-time break during a soccer match?

Think about it: How would you feel playing at a high-octane level for 45-minutes straight? Even exceptionally fit professional footballers need a break sometimes and half time is a chance for the players to recover from the first half of the soccer match and prepare for the second. More importantly, it is an opportunity for soccer coaches to motivate their team or even adjust their strategy for the second half to secure a win. Whether it is substituting a player or changing the soccer team formation on the field, this is the time to do so.

What are the rules for half-time? 

It should come as no surprise that there are soccer rules governing when and how half time takes place in soccer.

• Although the length of a half may vary according to the referee’s discretion, half time is a continuous 15-minute break between the two 45-minute halves of a match.
• The referee’s whistle indicates the end of the first half, and subsequently, the start of half time. A second whistle indicates when half time is finished and the second half begins.
• The soccer ball remains in the referee’s possession for the duration of half time.
• Any changes made to the soccer field may only be made during this time, and with the referee’s approval.
• Teams change sides at half time so that players get the opportunity to defend both ends of the pitch during a game.

How long is the half-time break in soccer?

As defined by the DFB rule book:

• Half time lasts a maximum of 15 minutes.
• Any changes to the length of this break time is at the discretion of the referee.
• The start and end of half time is indicated by a single blow of the referee’s whistle.

What happens in the stadiums during the half-time break?

A soccer stadium can be a fun and lively place, especially after an exciting first half of play. For those watching from home, this is the perfect time to go to the restroom or grab more snacks and another drink. Interviews or expert commentary on the game so far will usually be shown during this time. It is also a great time to use the Bundesliga App to find other scores from around the league. If you are lucky enough to watch a game in person, entertainment may be provided in the form of concerts, competitions, or appearances by team mascots for your viewing pleasure.

Curiosities and interesting facts about half time

• The post-whistle penalty: A curious half time incident occurred in April 2018 during the match between FSV Mainz 05 and SC Freiburg: Referee, Guido Winkmann, awarded FSV Mainz a penalty during the half-time break, even though the final whistle had gone and the SC Freiburg players had already left the soccer field. What was the reason behind this? One of the Freiburg players had committed a handball, which the video assistant referee (VAR) in charge only radioed through after the whistle had been blown.
• Plans for a longer halftime break: According to a report by Germany’s ARD-Sportschau, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the global soccer rules, is considering extending the half-time break. The proposal comes from the South American association CONMEBOL and argues that a 25-minute-long half time would allow for better show interludes, similar to the U.S. Super Bowl. A similar proposal by FIFA was previously rejected because it was deemed too commercial.
• Half-time whistle after only 32 minutes of play: On November 8, 1975, refereeing legend Wolf-Dieter Ahlenfelder caused a sensation by blowing his whistle and signaling half time in the Werder Bremen vs. Hannover 96 match (final score 0-0) after just over half an hour. Confused players pointed out the faux pas to the referee before he allowed the game to continue. According to his own statement, Ahlenfelder had previously drunk a beer and a digestive schnapps to accompany a hearty lunch. Whether this is connected to the early whistle can not be conclusively clarified.