Football/Soccer: Yellow And Red Cards

Technically, a player can commit several fouls during the game without being booked. But if the foul is severe and the referee feels that can offender deserves a booking, the referee can either give a yellow or a red card. Yellow card serves as a warning. In soccer, the referee used yellow card to indicate that a player is officially cautioned. After receiving a yellow card, the player can continue to play the game but on the second booking in the match, he will have to get off the field and the team has to play one man fewer. That is why, some coaches replace players who has been booked with a yellow.The following are conducts of the player that is considered a yellow card offense:- Holding an opponent (i.e. holding the jersey or any part of the opponent's body)- Steadily infringing the Laws of the game,- Guilty of ungentlemanly conduct,- Showing by action or by words the opposition from any decision of the officials, - Leaving the field when the ball is still at play; or enters or re-enters the field to rejoin his team when the ball is at play without receiving authorization from the referee.Aside from the yellow card, the referee will award an indirect free kick to the opposing team from the place where the offense is committed. A red card is used by the referee signaling that the player has been sent off. Once given a red card, the player has to leave the field immediately. The player that is thrown out cannot be substituted nor participate throughout the rest of the game and the team has to play with one man fewer.Players who receive a red card either receive 2 yellow card violations (2 caution able offenses) or receive a violation that is considered serious offense. Such are:- Guilty of serious foul play (i.e. seriously tackling the opponent by the foot or seriously injuring the opponent),- Uses abusive, insulting and foul language or gestures, - Guilty of violent conduct (i.e. elbowing the opponent),- Spitting at anyone including the officials, or- Deliberately preventing the goal-scoring opportunity using his hands (except the goalkeeper)Note: Yellow and red cards are also used in other sports like canoe polo, fencing, bandy, Australian football, field hockey, volleyball, water polo, rugby union, rugby league, handball and mixed martial arts.
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