Among all high schools across the nation, soccer is considered one of the most electrifying, fastest-paced, and skilled sports.
If you’ve ever been to or watched a high school soccer game, you’d know the excitement of talented teens competing with each other, the passionate coaching, and the energetic crowds cheering them on.
However, if you’re new to the sport or just intend to go to a game, it would beg the question: how long is a high school soccer game?
How long does a high school soccer game usually last?
If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick answer: an average high school-level soccer match in the United States is 80 minutes of running time, two 40-minute halves, divided by a 10-minute halftime break in between.
With that, you’re looking at roughly an hour and a half from start to finish, inclusive of halftime and minor stoppages. As with many things in sports, the real answer involves a bit more detail.
Let’s dig deeper.
Understanding Regulation Length in a High School Soccer Game
The setup of high school soccer is relatively simple, with a formation laid out that allows for equitable competition and the enjoyment of participants and spectators alike.
A breakdown of the regulation configuration of the game is highlighted below:
Two 40-Minute Halves
High school soccer games are divided into two 40-minute halves, adding up to 80 minutes of playing time.
Though it may be short compared to professional soccer, which usually goes for two 45-minute halves, this time is rather more manageable by the young athletes in balance with academics and other extracurriculars.
The continuous nature of soccer-where the clock does not stop except at halftime or officially ordered stoppages-means these 40-minute halves are usually filled with action.
10-Minute Halftime Break
This is a time when players catch their breath, hydrate, and hear coaching adjustments.
This break is about 10 minutes in length but that small amount of time is crucial for the athletes to keep their energy adjusted for the second half.
This is the time when fans can talk with friends or get something to eat, waiting for the resumption of the action.
Stoppage Time
Even though the clock runs in each half without stops, the referee can add up to several minutes of stoppage time at the end.
The additional time makes up for lost game time due to injuries, substitutions, or any other stoppages in play that disrupt the rhythm of the game.
Stoppage time is nothing new in soccer and simply equalizes both teams’ playing time to the complete amount that is allotted.
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Factors That May Change Game Time
With a standardized duration of 80 minutes, there are aspects that make the high school soccer game take longer-or end sooner.
Injuries and Substitutions
Soccer is a contact sport, and injuries do occur. During that time, whenever there is an injury, soccer is temporarily stopped to ensure medical attention for the player.
Substitutions may be required depending on the severities of the injury, and these will add slightly more game time. Though substitutions in themselves are not time-consuming, the referee ensures they are correctly done to ensure fairness.
Overtime Periods
Sometimes, the game cannot end in a tie-especially in playoff or championship scenarios-so there is overtime in high school soccer.
Usually, if a game ends in a tie during regular season play, that is it, but in the elimination or playoff matches, overtime periods can be added consisting of two 10-minute halves.
In the event of a tie, some leagues even employ a penalty shootout to determine the winner which adds an extra layer of fanfare and a smidge more time for both competitors and spectators alike.
Weather Conditions
Weather can make all the difference, especially in outdoor games of soccer. Rain, thunderstorms, or extreme heat might suspend games or stop them altogether.
During thunderstorms, games may be brought to a temporary halt where players and spectators are asked to seek shelter.
When games are played in rainy conditions, they usually take a slow tempo where players have struggles concerning footing on slippery fields.
Special Scenarios in Championship Matches
In the case of priority games like championship games, schools and organizers may change rules on game lengths.
This would include stretching a high school championship game into two 45-minute halves to meet professional game requirements or adding more overtime periods to make sure that, whenever possible, a winner is determined fairly and squarely.
With longer game lengths, the best teams are afforded a greater chance at proving themselves and competing at the best levels; at the same time, longer games provide more drama for all fans in the stands or viewing at home.
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Junior Varsity Games and Scrimmages: How Long Are They?
Since many high school programs have an A team, otherwise known as junior varsity and varsity, one might wonder if the length is any different.
While most junior varsity and scrimmage games usually go on for about the same amount of time, league rules can change this or even the nature of the match itself.
Junior Varsity (JV) Games
Most junior varsity games are 80 minutes long as well, consisting of two 40-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime.
The rules and length of the game sometimes differ slightly depending on the league, and occasionally, a JV game may be shortened if there is a doubleheader or if weather and field conditions limit playing time.
Scrimmages
Scrimmages are less structured than regular games, as their purpose is primarily to practice and fine-tune skills.
Coaches can even shorten the game length in scrimmages to adapt to specific focuses, such as defense, perfecting a particular offense strategy, or trying out new formations.
A scrimmage can be as short as 30 minutes or even as long as a regular 90-minute game, depending on the needs of the team and how much time is available.
What Makes High School Soccer Game Lengths Different?
For those accustomed to other levels, like youth league, college soccer, and professional leagues, high school soccer will be a little different in length and format.
So how does high school soccer stack up against the rest?
High School vs. Pro Soccer
Professional soccer matches are 90 minutes, consisting of two halves of 45 minutes each, with no “scheduled” substitutions.
High school is 80 minutes long, and that was where this length was set to more closely match the endurance level of teens and to prevent injuries and burnout.
High School vs. Youth Soccer
Most youth soccer leagues organize the matches according to age, so younger children might play shorter matches such as two 25-minute halves or four 12-minute quarters.
The next step is high school soccer, with two full 40-minute halves that require much more stamina and sustained focus by players.
Why All These Rules Matter
Preparing the rules for a soccer game, high school sports associations, such as the National Federation of State High School Associations, consider the interest of players and their development of skills.
The fixed duration of 80 minutes is supposed to give players adequate time to express themselves in a competitive match while limiting injury concerns from fatigue.
It is also helpful during halftime coaching, re-strategy development, constructive feedback, and refocusing the team. Stoppage time ensures fairness for the teams if unexpected delays do not cheat a team of playing time.
These rules together bring about a well-rounded and enjoyable experience that fosters growth for the players and the high school soccer program itself.
SEE ALSO | 7 Best Tips To Get Recruited Into College Soccer
Making the Most of Your High School Soccer Experience
A high school soccer game is an excellent event in which you can be involved with your community, cheer for local athletes, and see how passionate these young players are.
Here’s what to expect as you cheer for your team:
- Arrive Early: Give yourself time to find a good spot and settle in before the game kicks off.
- Plan for the Full 90 Minutes: While the game itself is about 80 minutes, with stoppage time, halftime, and any potential delays, you will want to set aside roughly an hour and a half.
- Love the Atmosphere: High school games are often much friendlier and centered in the atmosphere, as family members, classmates, and coaches cheer together.
- Stick around until the end: With championship and playoff matches, you never know when a game might go into overtime for even more exciting soccer action.
Final Thoughts
So, how long is a high school soccer game? Usually, about 80 minutes of action, is divided into two 40-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime break.
Factors to consider that could extend this time include overtime, weather, or injuries. Even though it’s a shorter game compared to college or professional soccer, high school matches can indeed fit plenty of intensity, skill, and strategic play into the
