Question Number: 12205

Law 14 - Penalty kick 2/14/2006

RE: High School

Ethan of Jacksonville, Arkansas USA asks...

I list myself as a player in this instance, however I have officiated for 4 years and am looking to upgrade soon. In my high school team's first game of the season, 20 minutes into the game, one of our defenders commits a mild foul in the area. A PK is called, good job by the referee so far. However, the player who was fouled gets up and jumps at our player who fouled him. As this happens, our player calmly says "What the hell?" just wondering why the other team's player is so upset. The referee proceeds to show our player a red card for abusive language. I am expecting the "he is within the rules" answer, but would you agree that a red card was 1. overkill for that situation, and 2. not needed for the flow of the game (a 2-1 game with relatively few fouls thus far)? Perhaps a yellow card, or even simply a talking to would have sufficed?
Thanks,
Ethan

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Ethan,
I like the way you as a player seemed to take the decision. It appears to me you chose to agree to disagree with the handling of that part of the incident you were not off on a rant or tanget of rightousness.

As a referee you have commented in the manner as you might decide to handle the situation. For what it is worth I agree with you if the situation was exactly as described.

The tolerance level, acceptable limits and more to the point ITOOTR in that match at that moment on facts concerning play are uncontestable.
Each referee sets a standard his match his decision his reputation.

I also tend to believe that in most situations there is your side, the other side and truth somewhere in between. The referee may well have heard or THOUGHT he heard something a little less pleasent or saw something more in the incident .
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I agree. If the player was just venting a bit as you describe, I think a red card too harsh. That said, as you well know, some referees have no tolerance at all for any curse word.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 12226