Question Number: 15551

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/21/2007

RE: REC / Comp Under 15

Ron Koch of Sioux City, IA USA asks...

I was told in being certified as a REF. that a coach cannot be carded, that they can be ejected from the complex or one of there players (I was presuming a team captain)could be carded in their stead.

Last night at a local Pub, some other referees said that all coaches have a players card too and that they could be carded.

What's your take? And, can a player, whether or not he's one of the coaches, that is not playing in a game be carded for that game?

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Not in USSF matches Ron. They may be expelled or disciplined, but not shown the cards. Cards are for players and subs only.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

According to the Laws of the Game a referee may caution and show the yellow card or send-off and show the red card to players, substitutes and substituted players. Some leagues feel it necessary to add coaches to this for some reason only they understand.

All a referee need do is ask the coach to leave the technical area. After he has left and is no longer involved in the match it may resume.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The laws of the game do not permit coaches to be shown cards. However, some leagues deliberately ignore this prohibition and ask referees to perform this action anyway when dealing out dicipline.

The referee must abide by the league rules if they accept a game in that league. A referee concerned about a league that is unwilling to fully abide by the laws of the game may choose to decline to referee in that league.