Question Regarding a Caution

[QuebecRef87]

There's an important missing information here: did the foul occur before or after the corner kick was made?

If it occured before it was made, play must be stopped immediately (it never actually started), the offending player must be cautioned for unsporting behavior and play is resumed with the corner kick.

If the foul occured after the corner kick was made, it's hard to say if the center referee was right or wrong since I didn't see the play. I will however tell you the ruling so you can judge by yourself (well, FIFA ruling at least; Nevadaref will notice me if anything is different with USSF or NFHS...).

First of all, the CR was right not to call a foul right away: he must see if advantage is gained by the fouled team (TB). If the corner kick is missed or team White takes control of the ball or team Black does not take control of the ball (i.e.: advantage is not gained by the offended team), the foul must be called, the offending player must be cautioned (yellow card) and play resumes with a penalty kick since the foul occured inside the penalty area. If team Black (the fouled team) takes control of the ball after the kick is made (i.e.: advantage is gained by the offended team), the referee must rise his arms and say loudly "Advantage!" or "Play on!". Then, the offending player must be cautioned at the next stoppage of play for unsportsmanlike conduct.

All that is assuming the ref judged the foul was a "cautionable offence". In the case of a "sending-off offence", play must be stopped immediately to show the offending player the red card.

As I said, this is the FIFA ruling. There may be a slight difference with NFHS and/or USSF.

By the way, are you a coach, an official, a fan or a player?

[Edited by QuebecRef87 on Sep 28th, 2005 at 03:43 PM]