Periods of Play

The game lasts two equal periods of 20 minutes.

The time-keeping is undertaken by a timekeeper whose duties are defined in Law VII.

The duration of either half may be prolonged to enable a penalty kick to be taken.

Time-out

The teams are entitled to request a time-out of one minute in each half whereby the following principles apply:

·   the team coaches are authorised to request the timekeeper for time-out of one minute

·   a time-out of one minute may be requested at any time but only permitted when the team is in possession of the ball

·   the timekeeper indicates permission for a time-out when the ball is out of play using a whistle or other acoustic signal distinct from the ones used by the referees.

·    when time-out is granted the players must remain on the playing court. If they wish to receive instructions from a team official, this may only be done at the touch line at the level of the team  bench. The official issuing the instructions may not enter the playing court.

·   a team which does not request a time-out in the first half of the game, is still only entitled to one time-out in the second half.

Half-time Interval

The half-time interval must not exceed 15 minutes.

Decisions

 Decision 1

·    If a timekeeper is not available, the coach makes his request for a time-out to the referee.

Decision 2

·   If the rules of the competition stipulate that extra time is to be played at the end of normal time, there is no time-out during extra time.