Question Number: 15710

Character, Attitude and Control 6/5/2007

RE: Rec Under 11

Norm Brown of Houston, Texas USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14919

Thanks for your time answering my question. It was interesting to see the different amounts of compassion for the call. But, it looks like I am having problems stating the question so that it is understood as I got similar answers from our league office. I will try to explain the question more. Our U11 rec league states that it uses the FIFA rules with very few exceptions. So the actual DOGSO call and red card ejection is an acceptable part of the rules and the game. Note that the ref indicated to me after the game that the call was only for DOGSO and *not* for aggressive or dangerous play or disrespect. So, I am not trying to argue this call with you guys. What I don't like is the league's requirement/policy for a one game suspension due to a red card.

The *suspension* for a red card is not a part of the FIFA rules. It is a part of our league's red book. Our organization covers competitive div 2 teams and recently started a div 3 recreational league. So, my question was about the league policy and punishment for DOGSO. I thought it was ridiculous to suspend him for a game. We are in a recreational U11 league. The dictionary defines "recreational" as "for amusement or fun". This boy is a latch-key kid that is shy and has a very even temperment. He had only been to 3 practices and 2 games before the incident. We only play 8 games altogether. The red card ejection was enough for him and most boys to learn and remember the rule. I firmly believe that the suspension policy is unnecessary and counterproductive for a recreation league. My question was do other U11 rec leagues have the same suspension policy?

The second part of my question was a strategy looking-forward question. Obviously our team talked about the DOGSO rule and other red card offenses. Our league would give this 10 year old a 2 game suspension if he gets another red card. A very common reaction and mistake is for a new (10 year old) player to put their hands up when a ball is too high to control but close to their head. Would you keep this player from playing defense in the near future so that he doesn't get a red card hand ball in the penalty area (and suspended 2 more games)? He is very good a playing defense and enjoys it.

Thanks for your time.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The place to address this is with your local league which determines the suspension policy.

FIFA has said that in all instances when a player is sent off, he should be suspended for at least one game. So if your league is following FIFA with few exceptions, the suspension should be served.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You are incorrect. It has ALWAYS been FIFA policy that if a player is sent off for ANY reason he must get at least a one game suspension. This is one of those things everyone outside of America knows, so it's not written in the LOTG. We Americans have to have everything in writing. The LOTG would be hundreds if not thousand of pages long if an American were to write it. You also have to understand that in the world of soccer DOGSO is every bit as serious as punching a player. You may think it ridiculous but that's just a fact.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Association Football, Soccer in America, has been around just about forever. It has been codified since the mid 1800's. In 1874 the power to send off a player for persistent infringement was instituted. That player was not replaced because his absence created a huge disadvantage to the side loosing him as further penalty for his misbehaviour. It forced the other players to work harder and they didn't think all that much of his actions. In fact his being sent-off is the singular most dishonourable thing he may do in a competition. It disgraces him and his team.

In America when a player is sent-off many times parents clap and cheer his dishonour as he leaves the field. Still, he is not replaced [except in some circumstances in US high school] AND must miss, at least, the next match in that competition. I dare say if baseball, gridiron football and basketball had similar actions taken against misbehaving players there would be a lot less of the behaviour we tend to see.

Denying a goal or a goal scoring opportunity by a foul punishable by a free kick is serious foul play and a sending-off offence. It is the Law, it really is that simple! Sending-off offences have been part of this Game for 160 years and I see nothing on the horizon that's going to change this. If your players don't know this information, someone must tell them. In this Game players are expected to be responsible for their actions and if not the penalty is severe, sort of like life is...

Because life is the tough thing it is your league has felt it necessary to ensure a player KNOWS he must play within the Law. If there's a second sending-off he is banned two matches, so be it. In play as it is in life doing something a second time after being told not to has its consequences. Those are the league's rules, obey them or compete and coach elsewhere. You can also read the seven sending-off offences to your players and trust them to obey the Law, just like everyone else. Needless to say I have absolutely no sympathy for anyone who accepts a written policy right up till the time it affects him then he wants it changed so it doesn't hurt as much.

Regards,

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

See Question: 15728