Question Number: 27853

League Specific 10/4/2013

RE: High School Freshman High School

Robert Iannaco of Swanton, Vermont USA asks...

Hello,
I am a HS Freshman boys soccer coach.
How many games. per NFHS, does a player miss for getting a second yellow card, which equals a Red.
I know he has to sit the remainder of the current game, but how many other games does he have to sit?
Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Coach: The NFHS rules do not describe sanctions beyond disqualification for the game. Each school league/federation should have a published policy and there may be a different policy for sub-varsity matches.

It appears that Vermont has a one match suspension for second yellow cards, but I suggest you confirm this with your school's athletic director.

http://www.vpaonline.org/cms/lib6/VT08001199/Centricity/Domain/12/Soccer%20Guide%202013.pdf

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Robert
In NFHS I note from the Web that many states including Vermont have a one game suspension as noted by Referee Wickham.
This is in line with FIFA who has decreed that when a player has been sent off a player must miss the next game in that competition. Generally the sanction for a two caution sending off is one game, although previous record and accumulation of cautions can increase the suspension.
My advice to teams is to always check with the competition administrator as the sanction for playing a suspended player is usually a forfeit.