Question Number: 20072

Character, Attitude and Control 9/26/2008

RE: All levels Other

Franco of Soccerville, Midwest USA asks...

High School has a rule if you get so many yellows you have to sit out a game. So a coach looking forward on his schedule noticed that there were some tough games coming up. So he sent his star player, that was approaching this yellow limit, into the game to stand in the center circle for kickoff. Ref asked him to move and he did not do it, he didn't smart off he just didn't do it. He felt uncomtable, but after several warning the ref pulled his yellow card. So the player set out his suspension before the games with tougher competition and now he can start over with his yellow card count.
HOW WOULD YOU HAVE HANDLED THIS AND WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THAT TACTIC?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

My opinion is that the coach should have instructed his player not to get another yellow before the big game.

Having cautioned the player once, I'll definitely be watching him closely in the game. That might not bring the result they intended!

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

the referee was being begged by this player to caution him which he did. more stupid coaches tricks

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

A referee can only react to the misconduct for what it is..

If the coach thinks by putting the referee into bad mood for such a stupid thing is worth the results and the player feels obliged to do it it is something they ethically have to come to terms with.

If the referee suspected or even asked the player why the in blue blazes are you deliberately being so obtuse? If he replied my coach told me too there might be a talk about reasonable behaviour on the coaches part. The referee could report the this in his match report. I can say this that player once recieving the caution should take no further part in THAT match as well because a second caution or direct red then the yellows are not wiped out are they, plus there is no telling how many matches he might miss depending on the circumstances.

I cannot fault the logic of wanting to keep key players in crucial matches but if there is a yellow card total that is cumulative the caution to take would in the final few minutes with a blatant handling no were near your goal mind you or a delay of the restart then be substituted and stay off
The best thing is not to play in such a way where you are being cautioned all of the time.
Cheers