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Our VP conducted an informal survey of the youth referees to determine what problem areas they have. The number one problem is knowing when to issue a card. (Abuse was second!)
Actually, this is a problem for a lot of experienced referees as well, so let's discuss it some.
First, cards are not used to control a match. The referee controls the match by acknowledging fouls. This can be done in any of three ways: If the foul is trifling (no impact on the game or the opponent), the foul does not need to be called: it can be acknowledged by saying something to the offending player... a short warning that the foul was seen but had no effect. If the foul does impact the game or the opponent, it can be called or advantage can be applied; either of these is an open acknowledgement that a foul was committed.
Fouls are acknowledged by Warning, Advantage or Whistle. But, if acknowledging fouls controls the match, what are cards for?
Cards are used to control individuals. If a player demonstrates a lack of personal control, a card may be necessary.
Sometimes a player does something that is against the Spirit of the Game. This is Misconduct and may warrant a card. If the player's action does not go much beyond a simple foul and/or has no impact on the match or the referee's ability to control the match, it can be acknowledged with a few words. If the player's action does go beyond a foul or impacts the match or match control, it should be acknowledged openly by issuing a card - yellow or red depending on the offense.
Misconduct is acknowledged by Warning or Carding.
For example, a player is called for a foul and mutters something like, "Aw, rat-tailed fuzzies, ref, that was a bad call," a quick warning to "be careful... complaints are allowed but dissent is not" may be all that is needed. But if the remark is loud or obviously questions the referee's authority and/or ability a card is in order.
Or, say a defender at midfield reaches out a hand and swats down a through pass. If the player is young and the action seemed completely reflexive, acknowledge the foul and warn the defender. If the defender is older and/or seemed to swat the ball deliberately, foul acknowledgement and a caution may be necessary.
Note that in the first instance of both examples, the player has not actually lost personal control. In the second instances, s/he has. This loss of personal control is the trigger for issuing a card.
Acknowledge fouls to control the match. Acknowledge misconduct to control individuals.
01/12/01
(If you wish to comment on this article, send a message to basra@basra-refs.org.)
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