Question Number: 14925

League Specific 3/1/2007

RE: Indoor & outdoor travel & rec Under 12

Jeff Haba of Mt Laurel , New Jersey USA asks...

If a team were to receive multipel yellow cards during a game, say 4,5,6 or more. Would there be a fine or sanction against the team? Would a ref stop the game? Would your answer hold true for differant levels of play, travel, high school, college, MLS, UEFA

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

That depends on league. It is not unusual for 5-6 cards to be given out during a high intense international match. The referee would not stop the game purely because of this. Now, you are talking U12 so it would be a rough game at that level if that many cards were issued. Usually the league decides the punishment for cards, but usually there is none unless its a red card.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Some leagues have card accumulation counts for teams, as well as individuals. After X cards, the coach is called before a disciplinary board to explain why the team is out of control.

I agree with my colleague, multiple cards in a U12 game would be extremely rough for that age group. In 9 years, with dozens of U12 games in each year, I haven't given out that many cards total.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

In the recent world cup I think we got to 18 cards shown in the Holland /Portugal kickfest? There are those unfortunate matches where mayhem and carnage are the rules of the day! Despite good intentions a rollicking game of lets kick the bejeezus out of each other sometimes just runs us over.

How many is too many??
At the U-12 cards should not be shirked if truly valued but if you are popping cards to manage a kids game and wind up with more than two we are talking serious problems. Cards set standards in the older groups but if I yell at a 12 year old I could likely make him or her cry so cards are rarely required to get the point across.
There will be every so often a need to show a card.
A blatant DOGSO that can not be ignored, a vicious kick or punch with the ball no where near to be played where we must show a card likely a red ! I will warn youth but a caution for not paying attention to those warnings is not far behind if they deliberately choose to ignore the "friendly reminders"!

As we progress in age and skill the tolerance to fouls , becomes a question of foul recognition by the officials as they learn their craft.
In my opinion a match is often a reflection of the attitudes of the referee as well as players and the feelings, coaches parents and fans project onto them both!

Each league has or SHOULD have a disciplinary committee that sets reasonable expectations, rewards and deterrents to those that participate. Aside from the cumulative nature of cautions anywhere from 2 per game to 6 towards an individual per season or upwards of 5 plus per team cautions can be added to make way for a match suspension or as Ref Voshol pointed out coach has to explain what is going on? Referees are not exempt from being asked that same question if they are constantly using cards in a frequency fashion.

Each league will set boundaries or standards 2 to 4 individual yellows and a player could receives a game suspension, 5 player yellows a team might be fined. The red card is for real heavy handed discipline, while cumulative yellows certainly are not badges of honor they are more of a lesson in manners than corrective behavior.

In a single match depending on how early in a match they occur or the type of fouls cautioned a referee may want to talk to the respective captains as early as three or at the start of the second enforce a 10 minutes you have so much as foul breath is a stoppage to regain a sense of control. Strong whistles, firm action and good foul recognition.

IN truth the number of cautions mean not a great deal unless you are at war or handing them out like candy at Halloween! It is a drastic step to terminate a match because you feel it is out of control, and no safety element in place, for all including yourself is in danger. While a lot of cards can bring on the hostilities even as you try to quench it you use your guts in matches where working as a single referee the unpleasant turns unbearable and you end it as you know you must!

Cards are a tool of man and game management you need to get a benefit for the match if not for yourself when you show one! Discipline without reason is a waste of effort but punishment for those who act against the spirit of the game and flaunt the laws is not to be shirked! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

Teams can't get cautions. (it's not like basketball....) Players get cautions. Sometimes a player who didn't understand the first caution, gets a second one. When that happens, they don't get to play any more. If enough players on a team follow that same route, then the minimum number of eligible players drops below allowable parameters and viola! no more game. So, in a way, I guess a team could ultimately be punished for its behavior. The coach has a huge amount of influence over the behavior of their own players. In a perfect world, the coach would be the one to step up and set a possitive example: even if the referee is really out of their element on the game!