In this section, we will highlight action taken by Games Conduct, hopefully updated on a seasonal basis – Spring 2010 actions are at the top, and highlights of Fall 2009 season are at the bottom.

CAUTIONARY NOTE TO TEAMS: Reminder that accumulation of 3 cautions in a season results in a suspension.

WEEK 3 UPDATE

There were several red cards in several games for violent conduct. After the ball was played away, player proceeded to grab an opponent from behind by the shoulders, and slammed him down to the ground with a leg sweep. Player gave a push to the chest of opponent not during active play. Player committed a foul and started to fight with opponent. Finally, player was fouled, and referee whistled for the foul. Player who was fouled got up and hit fouling player in the back of the head. Players are reminded that referees determine fouls and punishment (in this case, fouling player was carded also). Players who take matters into their own hands by retaliation often receive greater punishment. All violent conduct send offs result in 2 game suspensions or more.

Coach was arguing the calls during the game and was harassing the AR about calls. Ref stopped the game and verbally told coach to stop and to go back to his bench. Coach continued to argue. He was then told to leave the field for violation of NCSA Rule 8.2.3.1, which carries an automatic 3 game suspension. After the game the coaches were still harassing the refs, who had to wait until coaches left the field in order to leave. Coaches are reminded that no matter what disagreement they may have with officials, it is never acceptable to argue with them nor to violate rules on coaches remaining within the technical area. Coaches are held to a higher standard and must set an example for players and spectators. In this game, both head coach and assistant coach were sent off - AR informed referee that assistant coach called AR an "a**hole". Penalty is suspension for 2 games.

Coach received caution for dissent, arguing incorrectly that FIFA/USSF rules had been changed to allow substitutions on an opponent's throw in - not satisfied with ref's explanation, coach shouted across the field ref did not know the rules. After caution and being warned to stop, coach continued to dissent. Coach was issued second caution for dissent. He was told to leave area of playing field, but initially moved to spectator side and continued to complain loudly. Penalty enhanced for subsequent conduct.

With under 10 minutes remaining in a 1 goal game, a player complained to the ref that the opponent keeper was taking to much time and ref told player that ref would add time. Keeper then told player that if he doesn't want him wasting time that he should go get "the F***ing ball" himself. Ref told him to stop but then he said "F*** you" to the referee. Player was sent off and suspended 2 games.

Coach continually complained about offiside calls in a small sided game; coaches are reminded that they have no right to express verbally or otherwise any opinion of the official's calls. In another game, coach persistently dissented from referee's calls and failed to stop when told to do so. Referee in this game was a young ref, a situation where an adult coach is expected on his/her best behavior in dealing with young officials. Once card was issued to coach, assistant coach started complaining. Coach and spectators of other team were so concerned for young ref's well being that they offered to make sure ref could safely leave. Coach is advised that penalty could have been enhanced by games conduct to a suspension.

WEEK 2 UPDATE

After complaining during the game and being warned to stop, after the game the coach thought he had carte blanche to say whatever he wanted - in addition to directing profanity at the referee, after receipt of the red card coach initially refused to turn o... more