Ask the Ref - The Sin Bin

Bengt Oberg of Sweden asks our Ref, 'Is it 10 minutes effective time in the Sin Bin, or is it 10 minutes even when a stop in play occurs?'

Answer:

In answer to your question the temporary suspension / yellow card sanction is for a duration of 10 minutes PLAYING TIME.

Therefore when the referee stops his / her watch for an injury or any other reason, the timing of the 'sin-bin' stops also. Likewise if a player is yellow carded 5 minutes before half time, they will return 5 minutes after the half time period.