Hi.

I play for a Sunday amateur side we recently played a semi final with the game ending 3 all. The ref quickly moved the game on to penalty kick without playing extra time. My question is this can the ref make this decision on his own or does it need to be made by the amateur football association before the game starts.

It depends on the Rules of the League or Association running the competition. But if it was a semi-final I imagine there must have been officials from the League or Association there. Maybe the Rules for that competition say straight to penalties.

It could also be agreed between the management of both teams and the ref before kick off if there was a good reason for it e.g. poor light, pitch availability. But that would need to be done up front with all parties consent.

I take it you lost in the shoot out!!!

Well to my knowledge the both team were well aware that the end of the game would go to a penalty shoot it came as no surprise when we were called to take them. We won the game after about eight penalties but the opposing team two hours later complained to the association and now the game has to be replayed. They are saying it should have went to extra time and penalties but surely if the two teams were happy with pens them the score should stand. Bad losers in my opinion.