Question Number: 25667

Law 5 - The Referee 10/26/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25658

Just one comment on procedure. I thought you couldn't card a team official (i.e. a coach), but you could tell them to leave the field or abandon the match. After the match is over, I thought all you could do is report the coach's behavior.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You are correct, cards are only to be shown to players, substitutes and substituted players.

However, some leagues have rules (which go against USSF and FIFA procedure) that direct showing cards to coaches. If you work in such a league, you must follow their procedures, however misguided.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Under the LOTG, cards are shown only to players, substitutes or substituted players. So technically, no, a card cannot be shown to a coach.

Many youth leagues, and some adult recreational leagues require that cards be shown to coaches. Sometimes the coach is also a player! When the league has this rule, the referee should follow the league's requirements when working their games.

This is most likely because many leagues don't require (or want) the formal referee game reports which would report the coach's misbehavior, and they find the issuance of cards as an easier way to deal with miscreant coaches. The cards accumulate, and if a coach gets too many, he is done for the season.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
That is correct. Cards are only used for players and substitutes on the field of play or sorrounds.
Some Youth Leagues insist on the use of cards for technical staff which is contrary to the Laws of the Game.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I would just add that in NFHS games the referee may show cards to coaches.