Question:
Red attacker with ball avoids a slide tackle by jumping over tackler (no contact), but lands akwardly on his ankle twisting it (later determined to be broken). This occurred close to the bench-side touch line. Red attacker, in obvious pain, is yelling profanities. In this moment, the newer referee was not sure what to do–whether to card for the offensive language or not. Fellow referees in our area disagree–some say card, others no card. What’s your view and recommendation?
USSF answer (March 31, 2008):
If, in the opinion of the referee, . . . with that opinion formed by some standards. We already allow for momentary outbursts of frustration and should probably allow the same for momentary outbursts of pain, but not if they continue beyond the moment, not if (other things equal) they are shouted at the top of the lungs, and not if (other things being equal) the language itself is patently offensive (based on the audience and/or by being directed at someone — e. g., the opponent over whose leg the player jumped or the referee whose fault all this clearly was).
