Question Number: 33769

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/13/2019

RE: All Other

Derek of Cary, IL USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 33768

If the referee determines that all three offenses occur (Leaving FOP w/o permission, re-entering FOP w/o permission, DOGSO), would you record this as 2 yellows, or 1 yellow and a straight red card? I ask because some competitions keep track of yellow card counts for discipline. For example, in the IHSA if a team gets so many yellow cards they are ineligible for the state playoffs.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Derek,
make it easy on yourself, show a straight red, record all the misconduct and let the league handle the discipline!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Derek,
While technically it is entirely possible to give two yellow cards in quick succession, in the scenario of leaving and then re-entering the field I think it would probably be a little unusual - I suspect few referees would do it. Not least because if there were also DOGSO involved, you'd end up in a situation where theoretically, two red card offences have occurred - a second yellow and then DOGSO.

What I would say is that if a referee did decide to go down that route, they would have to describe all the events in detail in their report.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Derek
If I'm going with a red here it is either two cautions or a straight red card for a DOGSO.
If the second caution is issued then the straight red for a DOGSO is mute.
And also if the straight red is issued the second caution is also mute.
Indeed I would suspect that if it was a DOGSO red card many referees would ignore the caution as the player has been given the ultimate sanction plus he misses the next game.
Ultimately the referee can issue as many cards as he wishes yet he also has to consider his credibility particularly in situations where perhaps one card in usually issued.