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| Coach, I hear your concern. Now that's enough! Consider this a verbal warning. |
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Poor sportsmanship in the game of soccer is escalating and it is time to put a stop to it. Referees allow and take too much unsporting behavior in their matches. This must stop! Players are entitled to a match where there is Fair Play and free of the unsportsmanlike behavior. This means referees need to step up and put a stop to this once and for all.
The "Three (3) Strike Rule" is a way to do just this. Here's is how it should work:
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Step one (1) is to acknowledge the complaint or comment voiced by the coach, parent, or spectator which shows dissent or unsporting behavior and make it a verbal warning. For example, "Coach, I hear your concern about the call, now that's enough and consider this a warning".
Under the Laws of the Game, dissent by word or action by a player or substituted player, and/or guilty of unsporting behavior are Cautionable Offenses. Most leagues have adopted the same for coaches, team officials, parents and spectators. That means that referees can and must show a card to those who are guilty of this type behavior. NCSL goes as far as to say that if a card is not shown, it didn't happen.
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