Question Number: 31765

High School 9/8/2017

RE: High School

Jeff of Baldwin, MD USA asks...

Is there a standard rule that says a high school player must come out after receiving yellow card?

Or is that left up to Conference rules?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jeff
It is a standard NFHS rule. Any player that recieves a yellow card must be replaced and he may not return until the next legal substitution opportunity.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Jeff,

Here is the rule from the NFHS Rules Book concerning a cautioned player:

When a player from either team is cautioned (yellow card):
1. The cautioned player shall leave the field but may be replaced from the bench.
2. The cautioned player may not re-enter the game until the next legal opportunity for his/her team.
3. Should the team with the cautioned player elect to play shorthanded, the cautioned player may not be replaced until the next legal substitution opportunity.
4. If a cautioned player is being replaced during a penalty kick situation, the substitute may not take the penalty kick.

One reason for the leaving of the field requirement is so the coach can teach the player concerning the caution and, hopefully, prevent it from happening in the future. High school sports are considered an extension of the classroom, where learning and other goals of education are to be achieved. Obviously, a caution situation creates an opportunity for learning by the player.

I hope that your team has a successful season.