Question Number: 22367

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/26/2009

RE: Select Under 19

Erik of Arlington, TX USA asks...

I am one yellow card away from having to serve a 1 game suspension due to league yellow card accumulation for the fall season. My team ends the season with games against two strong opponents. I really need to be able to play, and be at my best for both of those games.

Lately, I have had to be rather cautious, worried about picking up another yellow card, and not as aggressive as I normally am.

I need the freedom to be able to grab a handful of jersey to prevent a potentially dangerous counter attack. A tactical foul is a part of the game, and necessary. Much rather give up a free kick and get a card, instead of give up a goal!

Also I need to be able to slide in with a hard tackle to send the other team a strong message. We have to show we aren't afraid to retaliate.

Prior to these strong opponents, we have a rather weak team on the schedule. I much rather sit that game out.

With that being said, what is a good way to intentionally pick up a yellow card, without risking a red card? I don't want to foul, because, depending upon the situation, that can draw a red card. Also, yelling at the refs sometimes can result in a red card depending on how thin skinned the referee is (especially the women refs).

I just want to happily get a yellow card, sit out a game, so I don't risk a suspension for the important matches.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Tactically what you ask is unethical, as to being practical many professionals know the value of sitting precariously and will do exactly as you have implied to clear the slate. You already stated three or four ways to pick up a yellow card you certainly will get no help from us as to connive a way to get only that. You play unfair you take your chances. I suspect my colleagues will feel the same or judge you even in a harsher light.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I don't know where you get the idea that you should have the freedom to blatantly hold your opponent by the jersey, or threaten with a hard tackle. I guess I can see why your card total is approaching the suspension limit.

I also question why you are concerned about getting a red card for a foul, but not concerned about harming your opponent by the excessive or violent act that led to the card.

Like my colleague, I will not coach you in ways to 'get a card out of the way'.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Play to the laws of the game and not like you're the only person on the park and you won't have a problem.

If you're good enough the other team won't get past you in the first place, and I've seen plenty of legal, hard tackles.

Stop making excuses for your lack of discipline and use the threat of suspension to find some maturity.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

As with my colleagues, I am not confortable teaching someone the best way to commit cautionable misconduct in the next match. I don't mind, however, talking about avoiding a red card.

First, if you get a caution, ask to be benched. The odds of a second caution are pretty high given your views about tactical fouls, hard tackles, and using fouls to send messages. They are contrary to the letter and the spirit of the laws.

Second, many of the same things that give rise to a foul, will give rise to a caution if done recklessly or for a tactical reason, or a sendoff if done with excessive force or violence or which deny an obvious goal scoring opportunity. The referee is the sole judge of whether the act is only a foul, is cautionable misconduct, or is a send off.

Third: there are seven send off offenses: (1) spitting, (2) violent conduct, (3) serious foul play, (4) using offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures, (5) denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity by an offense punishable by a free kick, (6) denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity by handling; or (7) receiving a second caution in the match.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

All I have to say is you are a disgrace to your team and to the Game. Your attitude is reprehensible and, unfortunately, all too common. I would suggest you quit playing soccer and go join a gang where your talents will be appreciated.

Answer provided by Referee Nathan Lacy

You are operating under some serious misunderstandings. You have no freedom to grab a jersey according to the LOTG. The tactics you describe are exactly what FIFA is and has been working to eliminate in order to increase the enjoyment of the game for spectators. Rather than watch thugs like you they (FIFA) want people to be able to watch skilled and outstanding players. As for the tackle that 'sends a message' or is 'tactical' in nature, again, these types of tactics are exactly what FIFA has been working to eliminate. As for your not playing as aggressively as you normally do - that's the whole idea with the issuance of the cards. Unfortunately, you don't seem smart enough to get the hint and are still trying to find ways to circumvent the LOTG. My sincere hope is that the refs in your area are on to your tricks and will find a way to can your butt as soon as possible anyway. Do us all a favor and go play American football or some other reasonably brain-dead game which appears to be the appropriate category for you. Toodles.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

My goodness! How many cards does one have to accumulate before the number of cards teaches you something?

Since you seem to be willing to 'take one for the team', the punishment for that mindset is sitting out when you've been over zealous in your pursuit of shirt grabbing and hard tackles and yelling at referees. It sounds to me like the referees in your area have been much too lenient with your behavior.

While tactical fouls are a part of the game, they are a form of cheating - meaning you aren't as fast or as skilled as the other team, so you have to cheat to keep them from scoring or keeping the ball. FIFA and USSF have asked us to punish such offenses with a minimum of a caution - notice I said a minimum.

As for 'sliding in with a hard tackle' to send a message - in my game that message would be it is time for you to hit the showers. You sound like a player with some skill - use it for the beauty of the game, and not to be the nasty enforcer, or as it may be, bench-sitter.

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