Question Number: 13881

League Specific 9/23/2006

RE: Rec Under 17

Carl Reinwald of Santa Maria, CA USA asks...

After a second yellow card has been issued to a player, the player was sent off. However, the referee allowed the player's team to substitute in another player and thereby the team did not have to play down a player. Is this correct or should the team have to play down a player?

In other words, is a red card issued via two yellow cards identical to a red card that was issued directly? Would this interpretation also apply at the high school level or does a different interpretation apply. Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

A send-off is a send-off is a send-off. The team must play short a player. Clear case of referee error

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

No error if the match was a US High School match. It is permitted to substitute for a player disqualified after receiving a subsequent caution.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Carl, in FIFA matches two cautions to the same player in the same match that player is shown the red card and expelled from the match. The team is down to 10.
However in USA high school they have some strange adaptations to the laws as Ref Fleischer who has done many would know. I think only a straight red cannot be replaced.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Depends on the match authority. If it was high school, correct decision. If it was a USSF match, then the team must play down.