Question:
I know if a player is given a caution, you restart with the nature of the infraction; however, what if the ball is out of play when the caution is given?
USSF answer (March 13, 2008):
1. When play is stopped for an offense which is both a foul and misconduct, the restart is based on the foul, not the misconduct.
2. When play is stopped for an offense which is only misconduct (no foul involved), the restart is not based on the nature of the misconduct. It is based on who committed the misconduct and where was it committed.
– If the misconduct was committed by a player on the field, the restart is an indirect free kick where the misconduct was committed (subject to the special rules in Law 8).
– If the misconduct was committed by anyone off the field, the restart is a dropped ball where the ball was when play was stopped (subject to the special rules in Law 8).
3. If the misconduct consists of a player illegally re-entering the field or a substitute illegally entering the field, the restart is an indirect free kick where the ball was when play was stopped (subject ot the special rules in Law 8).
4. If the misconduct occurs during a stoppage of play, the restart is based on whatever stopped play in the first place. If advantage is applied to the misconduct, play is allowed to continue, play then stops, and a card for the misconduct is given, the restart is based on whatever stopped play in the first place.
