Question Number: 14919

Character, Attitude and Control 2/27/2007

RE: Rec Under 11

O. of Houston, TX USA asks...

We had a 10 year old in a recreation league sent-off with DOGSO. He is fast. He caught up to an opposing player who had the ball one-on-one with the goalie. Their legs got tangled and both kids fell. The ref pulled his red card and sent off this 10 year old kid. This was the kids third soccer game ever and he didn't know what he did wrong.

Now, the league requires a suspension for a send-off. So, now this 10 year old who is new to the game has been given a suspension for one game. I can't see how this is beneficial to the player learning soccer or the league. Do other recreational 10 year old leagues suspend players for DOGSO?

Second, how would you coach your players to react? How would you play this new player since if he gets another red card he will be out 2 games next time. I can't play him on defense again and risk a red card for deliberately playing the ball with his hands.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Hmm, a tough one. You describe a classic DOGSO situation, assuming the referee determined what you called tangled legs was a foul by your player. The question becomes, just when do we want the younger kids to abide by all the Laws?

Personally at U11, I might be able to see this as "DPGSO" - denies a possible goal-scoring opportunity - and issue a caution instead. I'd have to see it to be sure. At U8 nothing is "obvious". Does that hold true for U11's? I'm not sure. A lot of it depends on the standards of play in your particular league. I've seen very good recreational teams, and unfortunately some that are not so good.

We evaluate DOGSO based on what are called the 4 D's - Distance to goal, Distance to ball, number of Defenders, and Direction of play. The younger the kids are, and the lesser their abilities, the closer things have to be before the conditions are all met.

I would also note that at U11 rec games, you're not going to get referees with a lot of experience. The ref is learning along with your players. A less-experienced ref won't know what options are available. Calls are more black-and-white, with little or no shades of gray.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Referee felt that he DOGSO. He felt that your player tripped him and denied a goal opportunity. The red card was the correct decision then. I bet the referee has a different story than you on this. Age makes little difference here as the card needs to be enforced.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Well, the coach is responsible for teaching his players. When did you teach him this sort of thing that will get him sent-off?

How would I expect my players to react? I would demand they stand, listen to the referee, leave the field of play, sit down and take no further part in the match. No talking to players, substitutes, coaches, referees or occupants of the technical area.

The player will play after his ban ends, he will play as his temperament tells him and if he gets sent-off again he may realise there might be something in his temperament that needs changing. Better at U-10 than after a jail sentence for doing something against the law...

This Game was, originally, to give school boys an outlet for youthful exuberance, teach them team play and teach them a respect for the Laws of the Game. This is still the case. You have the responsibility to teach your players the Laws, how to play as a team, what you demand of your team and to give them an opportunity to demonstrate their skills.

The referee is there to enforce the Laws of the Game, even if they were not taught them.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Well coach, I doubt things happened as you describe. If the legs just got tangled, no foul. I feel certain your player fouled the opponent and denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity in the process. The first red card I ever issued was a U10 rec player that denied a goal by handling the ball. This is how players learn. How do you coach the player? You tell him not to foul the opponents. Did you coach him to run as fast as he could and take out an opponent? I doubt it. He needs to learn to play under control. It's your job to teach him. The referee simply enforces the law.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Coach, players at youth levels will often have special dispensation applied by adults who feel the FIFA laws of the game were not meant for children and the laws should be adjusted to better serve the needs of the youth.
The way children learn and the manner in how they are best taught is a subject where volumes upon volumes of research and written material has been published. Smaller fields, less players, smaller balls, unlimited subs are written as adaptable for youth in the laws of the game but some added INDFKs only, no cards to be shown, no contact allowed as neccessary for their well being.
In my opinion 11 aside soccer should abide by 11 aside laws.
In showing a card to a player it can be done in a reasonable manner to enlighten rather then just bring him to tears. In the case of a player who in the opinion of the referee either was quilty of DOGSO or an excessive challenge to an opponent. The coach could be brought into the situation by asking the offending player to come with you towards the touchline and coach then explain quietly and calmly why what is to be done, must be done! Cheers
I regret to inform those who think showing a player a card is a learning tool it is a punishment and if you watch elite soccer that punishment is certainly not the result of having learned not to do it!
This occurs and that results!
That occurs and this results!
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 15710