How to Avoid a Yellow Card in Soccer (Reading Class)

A yellow card in soccer is akin to a yellow light on a traffic signal; it signifies caution. There are 17 Laws of the Game in soccer and a yellow card is given out for breaching the twelfth law: misconduct. It's extremely important to avoid receiving a yellow card. Multiple yellow cards will cause a player to be ejected from the game. The player may also be excluded from subsequent league or tournament play.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Play to Avoid a Yellow Card in Soccer

1. Step 1
   Know the specific reasons for which a yellow card can be handed out as listed in Law 12 of the laws governing soccer play. Avoid a yellow card by following the Laws of the Game.
   
2. Step 2
   Proceed with play in a timely fashion. Wasting time as a game tactic can result in a yellow card.
   
3. Step 3
   Show respect for the decisions of the officials. Verbal or physical displays of disagreement are grounds for a yellow card.
   
4. Step 4
   Stay an appropriate distance away from opposing players when they are engaged in a free kick, an indirect free kick, a corner kick or a throw in.
   
5. Step 5
   Inform the appropriate official of your entry or re-entry into the game and wait for a signal allowing you to enter.
   
6. Step 6
   Leave the game only with the permission of the official.
   
7. Step 7
   Do not remove clothing such as your jersey in response to a goal being scored by you or your team.
   
8. Step 8
   Behave in a sportsmanlike way whether you are winning or losing. Do not celebrate unduly or attempt to gain an advantage in a deceitful manner.
   
9. Step 9
   An official can give a yellow card for an offense which may not be specifically listed in The Laws of the Game.
   
10. Step 10
    Understand the procedure for receiving a yellow card. The official will physically hold up a yellow card while standing next to the offending player.
    
11. Step 11
    Consider what happens after a yellow card is given out. Officials carry books in which they write down the name of the player who received the yellow card and the offense that was committed.
    
12. Step 12
    Be aware that in some circumstances yellow cards carry over from one game to another. In some tournaments, if a player receives two yellow cards during the course of the tournament, not just during the course of a single game, he may be ejected.
    
    
    Tips & Warnings

    • Do not assume that you have one chance at unsportsmanlike conduct. Players can be ejected from a game even though they have not received one or more yellow cards.