Question Number: 23353

Mechanics 5/21/2010

Avery Haskell of Overland Park, KS USA asks...

Can someone please explain the concept of isolating when carding a player? When it is necessary, why, how, etc.
Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

First you take them to a fully fenced-in area...

Just kidding. Isolating a player is meant to help calm them down, allow the referee to explain without 'help' from teammates or opponents what the misconduct was and why the card is necessary, perhaps, get the player's name, number, etc. before issuing the card.

The isolation isn't extreme, it just means a bit of distance - a few feet or yards - from the rest of the players and/or the scene of the crime. It serves the added purpose of allowing the player to vent, a bit privately, if there are issues causing frustration which led to the misconduct. Just being heard will sometimes allow a player to calm down and go back to playing fairly. Remember, a caution should buy the referee and the game some better behavior.

Isolation is probably not used enough these days, although we are always being exhorted to keep the game moving, ever faster. Generally, it is recommended when a player is visibly upset, when the incident was unprovoked, or when the referee has a 'feel' for when it might benefit both the player and the game. Gives everyone a moment to take a deep breath and refocus on the game.

Hope that helps?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

When cautioning a player before showing a yellow card, separating the player from others:
(a) helps the assistant referees and 4th officials know exactly which player has been cautioned; and (b) gives the referee an opportunity to have a private word with the player being cautioned. Often a short moment of calm can influence the players more than just the card alone.

Whether the referee needs to talk to the player depends on the reason for the caution. Some are obvious (tactical foul); and, as Ref Maloney notes, the referee needs a feel for the temperature of the match and the player (victim and aggressor) at the cautionable event..