How long are matches, and who referees them?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under the NSL Handbook: Matches are two halves of 45 minutes plus added time, with a 15-minute half-time break. The referee alone decides added time (Rule 13). Each match has a referee, two assistant referees and a fourth official (Rule 20.1). The referees and assistant referees are appointed by SAFA from the League panel, and SAFA also appoints a match commissioner (Rules 20.2 and 21). All matches follow the IFAB Laws of the Game (Rule 11), which for 2026/27 include the new ten-second substitution and five-second throw-in and goal-kick countdowns. Teams name 11 starters and 9 substitutes on the team sheet (Rule 16.2).