Question Number: 22886

Law 5 - The Referee 3/2/2010

RE: competive Under 19

anthony murphy of cork, ireland asks...

how many yellow and red cards should i bring onto field of play? i saw ref on tv with y/c in top pocket, r/c in hip pocket, and 1 of each in side pocket for use when a player is to receive a second caution and therefore a red card. is there a rule or guideline on this?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

It's completely up to you - but I'd strongly recommend at least one of each!

I carry 2 sets - in case one falls out of my pocket during the match or, worst case scenario, a player pulls a card out of my hand.

I carry a yellow in my right side shorts pocket and in my right shirt pocket and a red in the left of each (my theory is that I'm right handed, so I use my right hand more, and I use a yellow card more).

I know some referees who carry a third pair, which is a yellow card and a red card in the pocket together so they can pull both out for a second caution.

What equipment you put where is a personal decision - but just make sure you double check the location of your cards before you take the field, because you really don't want to be searching for the card or even pull out the wrong colour.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

There is no rule, but I always carry two sets of cards. A red one is in my right hip pocket, a yellow one is in my left leg pocket. There also is a set of yellow and red in my breast pocket where I keep my book.

It's interesting how you get a player's attention when you talk with them if they can see that you are holding both red and yellow card. They are relieved when the yellow card is shown.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
It is a matter of personal preference and there is no guidance on this. I only carry a wallet which has one yellow and one red. In all my years refereeing I have never lost that wallet or cards.
I do know refs however that carry two sets and they also ask the ARs to carry spare sets as well!!
The important part is that the referee has the necessary cards to show as appropriate.