Umpire wants yellow card, Referee refuses - OK?

[MCBear]

Felix, at this point it would probably be most helpful to refer to page 46 of the current NFHS Rules Book:

"PROCEDURE FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT VIOLATIONS:
1. The referee, as the head official, sets the tone for the match and shall be responsible for controlling the unsportsmanlike conduct of coaches, players and/or other team personnel. Therefore, only the referee shall administer the cards...

2. When the umpire sees or hears an action or response that necessitates a card, he/she shall move to the offending team's side of the net and take a few steps onto the court toward the referee. The umpire holds the card(s) in the middle of his/her chest and indicates verbally the number of the offending player(s) or coach. It is the responsibility of the referee to immediately administer any card(s) requested by the umpire."

As shown in the above, the umpire requests a card and the referee is responsible for administering it - the umpire does not have the authority to administer a card. The rules book is quite specific in this regard. For further clarification, see page 71 of the 2004-05 NFHS Volleyball Case Book and Manual.

When I am the referee and my umpire requests a card, usually I will have an idea as to why the request is being made. However, the key to all situations is communication. If I do not know what happened to cause my umpire to request a card, I will call him/her over and get a clarification so that, as the head official, I know who and what action I am sanctioning.

[Edited by MCBear on Jan 3rd, 2005 at 05:14 PM]