Question Number: 23542

League Specific 6/23/2010

RE: Other

John Dewhurst of Newmarket, Ontario Canada asks...

This will be a quick one guys! LOL
Am I correct when ejecting a coach or manager I do not show him the red card.
Please advise Law # and location

Thanks
jd

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Dewhurst
Law 12 Page 34 current Laws of the Game and I quote

''Disciplinary sanctions
The yellow card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been cautioned.
The red card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been sent off.
Only a player, substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card. ''

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

The term is 'dismiss' when dealing with a coach or other bench personnel who are conducting themselves in an irresponsible manner. Reading through the Laws periodically is very refreshing, and helps us stay up with the terminology and the requirements.

As Ref McHugh has noted, Law 12 makes it quite clear that cards are only shown to players, substitutes and substituted players.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

That is correct, no card shown - *unless* the competition rules provide for it. This is not a permitted modification to the Laws of the Game, but many competitions do it anyway. If you choose to accept games in such leagues/tournaments, you are obligated to observe their rules.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Assuming you are playing by FIFA rules, you NEVER show a card to a coach, EVER. From Law 12:

The yellow card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted
player has been cautioned.
The red card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted
player has been sent off.
Only a player, substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow
card.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yes in USSF matches. You can warn and eject...but just no showing cards.