Question Number: 21388

League Specific 5/20/2009

RE: rec Under 14

Erik of Waukesha, WI USA asks...

the USSF small sided modifications state that in U-8 and younger games cards can't be shown for misconduct however if a player or substitute does commit misconduct what would be the appropriate action to take

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Depending on the misconduct you would have a talk with the player and try to make him understand what he does was illegal and why. Usually it's a good idea to involve the coach also. If severe misconduct like purposely kicking or punching someone, I'd have a quick meeting with the coach and the player's parents also

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The rules say no *card* is *shown* for misconduct. It doesn't say to ignore the misconduct.

The addendum suggests one way to handle misconduct: 'Fouls and Misconduct: no caution or send off shall be issued to players. If a child is being too rambunctious then the game official will ask the coach to make a substitution of that player to give the child a chance to calm down before returning to play.'

Although that says there should be no cautions or send-offs, every once in a while you run across a young player who just isn't fit to be on the field that day. Perhaps that player needs the rest of the game to calm down. Make a deal with the coach to handle it.