Question Number: 24906

League Specific 5/9/2011

RE: Amateur Adult

Steven ross of Aberdeen, Grampian Scotland asks...

We played a team in the league who fielded a suspended player. We won the game but the issue went to the league committee and they were deducted a further 3 points. Is this correct?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Steven
Never a question for referees but one for your League administration. Usually these matter are covered in the League rules or disciplinary rules.
I suspect though that the league has the power to do this as decisions can always be appealed to a higher authority who will examine the rule under which a decision was made.

Read other questions answered by Referee Joe McHugh

View Referee Joe McHugh profile

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Most leagues have provisions that if a suspended player participates in a game, the game is forfeit. Since they lost anyway, perhaps the disciplinary committee felt that a deduction of points was necessary so that there was some punishment.

Another remedy could be that the player's suspension is extended. For example, instead of 2 games, it might be doubled to 4 games. Or the coach that knowingly played an ineligible player could be suspended himself.

Read other questions answered by Referee Gary Voshol

View Referee Gary Voshol profile

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Entirely up to the competition authorities

Read other questions answered by Referee Keith Contarino

View Referee Keith Contarino profile

Ask a Follow Up Question to Q# 24906
Read other Q & A regarding League Specific

Soccer Referee Extras: Did you Ask the Ref? Find your answer here.

Enter Question Number

If you received a response regarding a submitted question enter your question number above to find the answer

Offside Question?
Offside Explained by Chuck Fleischer & Richard Dawson, Former & Current Editor of AskTheRef

<>
This web site and the answers to these questions are not sanctioned by or affiliated with any governing body of soccer. The free opinions expressed on this site should not be considered official interpretations of the Laws of the Game and are merely opinions of AskTheRef and our panel members. If you need an official ruling you should contact your state or local representative through your club or league. On AskTheRef your questions are answered by a panel of licensed referees. See Meet The Ref for details about our panel members. While there is no charge for asking the questions, donation to maintain the site are welcomed! <>