The NISOA 2008 Preseason Guide contains an article on Page 1 entitled “Second Card is Always Red,” which sets forth an incorrect officiating mechanic with regard to NCAA Men’s and Women’s Soccer Rule 5.5.3. The Preseason Guide article incorrectly states that the referee should not display a yellow card when issuing a second caution to a player. This is not correct and wrongfully interprets a 2008-2009 clarification of R.5.5.3, which addresses the issue of a second caution for Accumulated Cautions and Game Suspensions purposes pursuant to Rule 12.18.1. A player cannot be “charged” with a second caution in the same game for card accumulation purposes within R.12.18.1, but this clarification does not change the NISOA officiating mechanic when a player commits a second cautionable offense. The proper officiating mechanic when a player commits a second cautionable offense is as follows: The referee shall display a yellow card, followed immediately by a red card. See R.5.5.3.

The policy also includes recommended attire for travel to the match site. A neat, professional appearance makes an excellent initial impression.

At the time of the ejection:

• Notify the player, head coaches and scorekeeper that the ejection was for fighting. It is very important that the players, head coach and scorekeeper are notified that the ejection was specifically for fighting before you sign the official NCAA score sheet and leave the site.

Immediately after the game:

• Contact the Regional Representative by email with the information about the fighting incident.
• Notify the conference assignor of the fighting ejection by phone with an email follow up, if necessary. Use this online ejection report for ECAC assigned games.

All other ejection forms and notifications must be made as well. Applicable forms and notifications are available on our web site.

A.R. 108. A player holds an opponent by grabbing his or her clothing. RULING: Caution the offending player and award a direct free kick or penalty kick if the offense occurs in the penalty area.

We need to be consistent applying the Approved Ruling.

For the Integrity of Soccer: PAY ATTENTION TO THIS ONE !

I suggest you check the home institution’s athletic web page as well. Most schools have their schedule and athletic department contacts listed. If you have a scheduled match that is not shown on the host school’s web site, you should contact the athletic department to confirm the game site and time. If it’s a CUNYAC game, you should contact the athletic department in all cases since venues and times change frequently. This simple procedure takes only a couple of minutes. Verifying the game details and coordinating communication among the officiating crew is part of your professional responsibility. If you are too busy to do this or think it is not your responsibility, do not accept the assignment.

You can read more about referee match preparation in our Clinicians’ Corner.

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For the Integrity of Soccer