Directives (11)

11. Disciplinary Procedures
2008/09 Directives

Use of Red & Yellow Cards

The Laws of Association Football require referees to show cards for appropriate offences to players, substitutes and substituted players only. The mandatory use of the cards was introduced merely as a simple aid to better communication.

Referees should not use the cards in an aggressive or provocative manner likely to inflame an already emotive situation nor should the card be used in an over-demonstrative manner which may humiliate a player and perhaps cause him to over-react.

The general procedure for cautioning players is to state to the player he is being cautioned; enquire his name; warn him about his future conduct; finally show the yellow card. The Football Association agreed that, exceptionally, National List Referees may display a card immediately where such action would serve to reduce or prevent acts of retaliation. Referees are reminded that this instant use of a card should continue to be used sparingly and only on those occasions when it could diffuse a possible flashpoint. This procedure remains the exception and the normal cautioning procedure (which provides an inbuilt calming down period), finalised by a showing of a yellow card, remains the standard practice.

Where a player is to be disciplined he should be isolated before disciplinary action is taken if this action results in the dismissal for a second cautionable offence the yellow card should be displayed, followed immediately by the showing of the red card. This ensures there is no doubt that the player is being dismissed as a result of receiving a second caution in the same match.

If a player is cautioned or dismissed by the referee in the tunnel area, during the half time interval, the referee will be responsible for informing a representative of both Clubs to ensure an appropriate announcement is made over the public address system.

Dismissal of Players

Match Officials are reminded to instruct players to leave the field of play and return to the dressing room when they have been sent from the field of play. It is important that a player who has been dismissed is monitored by the match officials and play not restarted until the referee is satisfied that the player is clear of the field of play.

Misconduct by non-playing staff within the Technical Area

Where a member of the non-playing staff has to be removed from the Technical Area for misconduct he is required to leave the Technical Area and the vicinity of the field of play. The removed person will be required to return to the dressing room or may, alternatively, view the remainder of the game from a seating area which is not in the vicinity of the field of play.

If a member of the non-playing staff has received a period of suspension from the Technical Area he is not permitted to enter the technical area or remain in the tunnel area whilst the match is in progress during the period of suspension.