How long is half time in football?

When it comes to “How long is half time in football?“, you may think that an answer is just a specific number. That is not entirely true. In fact, the answer is different for different tournaments. Let’s take a closer look at this issue!

How long is half time in football?

For a football match, halftime is usually 12 minutes. However, this is usually only seen in the NFL (National Football League) matches.

As we know, halftime can take a little longer for major events like the Super Bowl. In fact, the Super Bowl halftime can last up to 30 minutes. 

Let’s take a closer look at halftime and find out what they do at that time.

View more: How long is a football field in feet

How long is a half time period at a Standard NFL Game?

All NFL regular-season games consist of four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. Between the two quarters, players of each team can rest for about 12 minutes.

For an NFL game, the football match duration time is 60 minutes long consisting of 4 fourths. However, official time does not count when the ball is out of play.

Therefore, sometimes the total playing time on the field is up to 180 minutes, even 240 minutes. That also means that each quarter can last 20 to 30 minutes.

For an NFL game, between the two quarters, the rest time for the players is 12 minutes

Activities that take place in the halftime show

For those watching the game on TV, it is time to hear the analysis from the commentators.

For the audience present in person at the stadium, this is the time to enjoy the halftime show. A halftime show could be a short performance by cheerleaders. It is also possible that it was a performance by a guest singer.

For players of each team, this is when they can rest in the dressing room. In addition, they will discuss with coaches about the first half as well as strategize for the second half.

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How long is the halftime period in a Super Bowl game?

In fact, the Super Bowl halftime period is usually longer than the NFL halftime. The reason is that they usually hold big music performances in the Super Bowl halftime period.

Hence, Super Bowl halftime is not always fixed. Sometimes it can last up to 20 min, even 30 min.

For the audience, this is the time to enjoy the musical.

How long is halftime in a College Football

Unlike the NFL halftime, the halftime in a College Football usually lasts 15 minutes. Sometimes, it can be up to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, each quarter still lasts 15 minutes, like an NFL game. 

Halftime shows are usually performances by the home team’s marching band. Just like NFL or Super Bowl games, spectators can hear analysis from commentators and experts.

Performances by the home team’s marching band.

About halftime in a soccer game

For most countries in the world, “football” is “soccer”. To distinguish it from football, Americans often call soccer “English football”.

Players will have to play about 45 min for each half. The soccer halftime length is 15 minutes. During this time, the players of each team will rest in the changing room. They will also work with the coach to come up with a strategy for the second half.

For a soccer match, the halftime of each half lasts 15 minutes.

About halftime in some other sports

The NFL halftime lasts 12 min while the Super Bowl halftime can last from 20 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the halftime for soccer lasts 15 minutes. So, what about some other sports?

For basketball, the halftime lasts 15 min (according to the regulations of the NBA).

How long is halftime in a  basketball match.

The National Hockey League (NHL) rules about halftime are very different. Specifically, there are no halftime periods for this sport. A standard NHL game consists of three 20-minute periods. Players of both teams have a 17-minute break immediately after the first and second periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can fans approach players during the halftime period?

This seems very unlikely. The halftime period is the time when the players rest and discuss tactics in the dressing room. It’s usually a private place where fans can’t enter.

2. Do teams have the right to request an extension of this period?

This is impossible. It seems that no one can interfere with halftime.

3. What are the advantages of halftime?

Halftime is also the time for the two teams to switch positions to ensure fairness for all teams.

It is also the time for the players to regain their strength. They can also strategize with the coach.

During halftime, spectators can go to the restroom or buy food and drinks.

For TV companies, this is when they can advertise. In fact, it is a major source of revenue for TV companies.

Conclusion

Hopefully, after reading this article, you have the correct answer to “how long is halftime in football?” as well as “how long is football halftime?”. In general, not only for football, almost every sport has a halftime period. It is an important time for the players of the teams to rest and discuss tactics.