Why Does Soccer Time Count Up?

Soccer time counts up to allow the timekeeping during a match to be as simple as possible. Having time count up allows the clock to continuously run.

Soccer is the only major sport that goes from 0-up. Racing events like track, cycling, and swimming also count up.

In soccer, the system allows for extra time to be added at the end of a match to account for stoppages in play, such as injuries, substitutions, or time-wasting tactics.

By counting this way, the referee can accurately add the extra time to the end of the match to ensure a fair and complete game.

Does College Soccer Count Up or Down?

Image Source: https://www.campus-chronicle.com/2019/08/16/five-games-every-freshman-should-attend/

To make matters even more confusing, college soccer counts down from 45 minutes each half!

However, it’s important to note that:

1. The clock can be stopped at any time for goals, cards, injuries, etc.
2. Once the clock reaches zero, the game has ended.

What’s Best?

For the spirit of the game, I think all soccer games should count up.

Selfishly, when watching my son’s games, I can easily see how much time has gone by and is left in the half. I don’t need to do much math.

There is something to be said about adding time to the end of regulation. It creates a sense of unknown urgency.

Also, it allows referees to use their discretion of when to end the game. For example, if it is in stoppage time, a ref will let time go if a team is on the attack.

This creates fun drama.