Question Number: 26902

Mechanics 10/12/2012

RE: Rec. U18 Other

Ramon of Palmdale, CA USA asks...

Does the referee must show a yellow card to player for coution or does the intent of the referee caoutioning the players should be consider a yellow card even if the player was not aware of the referee intent.

Thank you,

Ramon Santiago

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

The laws of the game state that 'a player is cautioned and shown the yellow card' (same for 'sent from the field of play and shown the red card').

That tells me that the caution, and displaying the actual card, are 2 separate but connected events.

If, for instance, the referee has lost his card during the match, this doesn't mean he can't caution players - he'll simply inform the player that he's been cautioned.

But if that isn't the case, then I cannot possibly imagine why you would not show the card. If the player is refusing to look at you, then insist he does. If it's post-match and he's refusing to, then that's the only time I'll accept showing it to his back, as long as you accompany it verbally.

Aside from that, the only time I'd advocate not showing a card is if you're sending off a player at the time of abandonment or post-match, and you feel that actually showing the card would inflame the situation and put yourself at risk. In that case, I'd simply expect you to report it and explain your reasoning.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ramon
The player must be aware that he is cautioned and that is done with the display of a yellow card. The intent of the referee is not sufficient and the player must be fully aware that he is cautioned with the use of the card.
Historically the referee asked the player his name and informed him that he was cautioned or dismissed. Where there were language issues many players complained that they did not know that they were cautioned which eventually led to the introduction of yellow and red cards. As a result of the use of cards the process now in many countries is to only display the card to the player and take his number which is then reported from the match roster which is required by the Laws of the Game.
In the UK at lower levels where there is no match roster referees are advised to
i) State to the player that he is being cautioned;
ii) Enquire the player's name;
iii) Warn the player about future conduct;
iv) Show a yellow card in the manner described.
The FA also advises that the failure to show the card as part of the process does not mean that a caution has not been administered and the player concerned will be dealt with in accordance with the laid-down disciplinary procedures.
However the key is that the player through steps 1 to 3 know that he is cautioned although the failure to show a card means that others including coaches, team mates, opponents, spectators are not aware of same which is also important for match control purposes.
There may be times when the card is not shown due to the circumstances such as an assault on a referee or an abandonment due to mass confrontation or the player storms off into the changing room before the card is shown or the incident happens off the field of play. The player though must know that disciplinary action has been taken by the referee and that he will be reported for his actions.
So in summary to your question the yellow card must be shown and that intent is not sufficient.