Question Number: 27475

League Specific 5/24/2013

RE: High School Team High School

LSomers of Daphne, Alabama USA asks...

My son received an automatic red card for stepping down on a player which the ref called 'stomping' down on a player. There is video of the play and it (of course) is not clear if it was intentional or not. So now, a $500 fine for this ref's opinion. Do I have any chance at getting this reduced or eliminated? This is an excessive fine and I am not in the financial position to pay out $500 dollars. With 2 other children in college every $ counts. Any suggestions? Thanks:)

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The red card should stand. Most leagues will allow the affected player an opportunity to be heard on fines and discipline. Leagues vary regarding rights to appeal.

Is this really a high school match? If so, talk to the school's athletic director, who may be able to help.

In my area, fines are usually limited to the adult leagues. The penalty for not paying the fine is disqualification from the league.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
Decisions on fines and suspension is a matter for the competition organisers.
In this case the referee saw an incident which he deemed to be a 'stomp' which based on the circumstances he determined to be 'intentional'. That is a sending off offence.
This is what AHSAA has to say on ejections.
'' According to National Federation playing rules, the penalty for a red card violation is an ejection. Also, the AHSAA Conduct Rule below is applied when a conduct related red card violations occurs.
'' PLAYER CONDUCT RULE : Coaches and players that are ejected from contests in all sports will receive the following penalties:
First Ejection: Minimum $300 fine. (Athletes can have the fine reduced one time to $100 if the athlete fined completes the STAR Behavioral Mode within 10 days of the ejection.)
Second Ejection: Minimum one-game suspension and $500 fine.
Third Ejection: Minimum suspension for the remainder of the season and $750 fine.
Note: If an ejection occurs during the final contest of the season, a monetary fine will be placed on the school according to its severity and what number of ejection it is.''

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I must say I'm stunned the great State of Alabama actually fines High School athletes. I guess Nick Saban's salary has to come from somewhere. (I didn't really say that did I?)