Question Number: 17361

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/17/2007

RE: High School

betty of dayton, ohio usa asks...

if a player uses profanity the big F word does this warrant a red or yellow card

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Betty we are not language police what is said is judged in context to how and why and age appropriate. Player getst a stud in the ankle from a nasty tackle yells blankety blank that hurts
my reaction shhh are your ok to continue
or what kind of blankety blank call was that?
my reaction caution for dissent, show yellow card warn to watch it
or he looks at the referee and says you are a blankey blank?
my reaction good day to you to sir abusive and foul show red card send off!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

As Ref Dawson points out, oftentimes it's not the word itself but how it's used. A hurt player who curses to himself is not likeley to be punished for it but could be depending on the referee and if there are League prohibitions against the use of ANY foul language. I know some Church Leagues have such prohibitions. Also, an innocuous word like "idiot" or "stupid" if directed at a referee will usually result in the player saying it getting to go home early.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Was what the player said Public, Provocative and Personal? If so deal with it as insulting, offensive or abusive. Otherwise it may be addressed as something unsporting or it could even be something where discipline is not unnecessary at all.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If the referee perceives it as offensive/insulting/abusive...then it is a send off offense. If it is perceived as unsporting, then it is a cautionable offense.