Question Number: 25634

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/20/2011

RE: Competive High School

Terence W. McGarvey of Kirksville, MO USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25622

I missed stated that the ref lost his authority, sorry. I just meant to say when should he cautioning, etc. Just, a follow-up apparently the athletic director did not appeal the decision, and kind of felt according to what I understand that the player was a bad apple. Not sure if the AD knew the circumstances of the 2nd yellow card (or cared). While intense I don't think he is...and the shirt thing was from my understanding not taunting, etc. Thanks for your help.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Thanks for the follow up.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Terence
Refereeing is an exercise in human relations. Rarely do these situations happen in isolation and it does not surprise me that there was some 'baggage' here. Having said that referees should always do the least that is necessary to control situations and a 2nd caution here did nothing for the game if that was the final action.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Bad Apple or not, if all he did was celebrate the victory, the second caution was unwarranted. Of course, the referee may have heard something no one else did. I once worked a game where one of the team's players were absolutely possessed by horrible attitudes. I had cautioned one player for USB. Just after the game ended he took off his shirt, which was fine, but then twirled it towards an opponent and let loose with something along the lines of 'You suck!' As we were all still on the field out came a second yellow followed by a red. After that 4 or 5 of his teammates got in my face and told me not only could I not give anyone a card after the game was over but I was a complete a**hole. As much as I hated the paperwork that followed, 4 or 5 more red cards were issued. Only those players near me on the field heard everything so maybe this bad apple ran his mouth in addition to the shirt being removed.