Question Number: 27893

League Specific 10/15/2013

RE: CIF Boys' Varsity High School

Elizabeth Drake of Yucca Valley, CA USA asks...

My question is in reference to a CIF-Southern Section high school boys varsity soccer team red card violation.

Situation: A player receives a red card, and then participates in the next two games.

The player does not participate or attend the third game, which was the final game of the season.

The coach, however, actively participates and "coaches" all three games.

One of the opposing teams finds out about it and notifies the athletic directors of both schools and CIF SS. Neither school nor CIF will do anything about it.


In fact, the Athletic Director from the violating school told me, 'It doesn't matter or have any bearing on this next season.' I think it does.


Question: What is the penalty that should be enforced for violating the red card suspension rule?

Thank you!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Elizabeth
Disciplinary matters are the responsibility of the competition organisers. Referees simply implement the Rules / Laws of the Game.
Generally when there is a violation of suspension rules (which sets out the penalties for sendings off, accumulation of cards) the matter is protested by the aggrieved team and the protest is made to through the normal disciplinary channel which will be known to the Athletic Director. The matter is then ruled on and generally there is a set sanction in the competition rules which can range from a fine, to a fine plus further suspension to a fine plus further. suspension plus a forfeit/s
I know that some red card offences do not carry a suspension into the next games or perhaps the red card decision was appealed in which case the player could be eligible to play until the suspension appeal is heard and then perhaps a one game suspension was then imposed which could be the 3rd game? There can be many reasons
As regards the Coach I would be of the view that he was not suspended for the action of a player and he could participate.

My experience is that when it matters to teams, action is generally taken by a protest. If no protest is taken its generally because no real benefit will accrue.