Question Number: 18044

League Specific 12/2/2007

RE: Select Under 15

Leanne Dunk of Agassiz, British Columbia Canada asks...

My son has received a yellow card in 3 out of his 10 games this year so far and we just found out that he has been suspended for one game. We are wondering if this is correct.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

That depends on the leauge. Policies of suspensions are under the leagues control.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Check your leagues policy, it's within their authority to set a limit at whatever number of yellow cards they see fit.

Also, you might like to try and get your son to stop picking up yellow cards so this sort of thing won't be a problem in the future.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Leanne,
League policy on disciplinary measures is required within their constitution or bylaws to be stated for all those who participate to read and be made aware of. Cumulative yellow or red cards be it personal or team orientated has consequences be it from suspension of play to fines and point deductions.

Some measures are time orientated and disappear as say in a tournament but in league play the misconduct may be held and added until a number arises that the disciplinary committee feels is the arbitrary standard to set an example or make a point. It appears 3 is a magic number in your neck of the woods. You might try to remind your son that being shown cards is not a prideful or desirable thing.

I highly recommend that in the preseason, codes of conduct are presented to be signed by the players, parents, coaches and referee in informational meetings where exchange of ideas and solutions to problems are thought out as to conflict resolution and acceptable standards of attitude and behavior. It would be a pleasure to arrange for such a meeting if your league felt it workable as well as useful within their time frame.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Leanne your son must recognise the fact that something in him is causing the cautions. This something needs correcting because if he does this on the Football pitch he is doing it when out of view of competent authourity. I would be inclined to worry a little.

The league worries too so they have made getting cautioned produce a sour taste at some point. It is also their prerogative to do this.

Regards,