In football, the emotion of the game sometimes gets the better of participants. Dissent towards referees, unfortunately, has been a recurrent issue. With the introduction of sin bins, players are now given a chance to reflect on their actions. A short dismissal offers an opportunity for them to cool off and return with a better mindset.
Scope of Application: Ensuring Appropriate Use
Sin bins have been implemented in all grassroots football up to Step 5 of the National League System and Tier 3 and below in women’s football. For the 23/24 season, County FAs are not just promoting the active use of sin bins but are also working closely with referees to ensure they are used appropriately, maintaining the integrity and flow of the game.
The Specifics
- When to Use Sin Bins:
- Only for dissent cautions, e.g., shouting at the referee, questioning the referee’s ability, slamming the ball into the ground, or sarcastically clapping a decision.
- Duration:
- For 90-minute matches: 10 minutes.
- All other match lengths: 8 minutes.
- Match Day Process:
- Upon dissent, the referee issues a yellow card and directs the player to the touchline.
- The referee decides when the player may return.
- If a player, while in the sin bin, commits a yellow or red card offence, they can’t further participate and aren’t eligible for substitution.
- If a player commits an on-field yellow card offence after a sin bin period, they remain in play.
- Without prior yellow cards, a second sin bin results in no further participation, though substitution is possible.
- With prior yellow cards a second sin bin results in no further participation and the player cannot cannot be substituted.
It’s crucial to remember: Using foul and abusive language is a non-negotiable red card offence!
| Caution 1 | Caution 2 | Caution 3 | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissent | – | – | Sin Bin – Player continues |
| Dissent | Non Dissent | – | Sin Bin, Caution – Player continues |
| Dissent | Non Dissent | Non Dissent | Sin Bin, Caution, Caution – Send off for S7 |
| Dissent | Dissent | – | Sin Bin, Sin Bin – No return, substitution allowed after sin bin time ended providing not all substitutions have been used |
| Dissent | Non Dissent | Dissent | Sin Bin, Caution, Sin Bin – No return and no substitution allowed |
| Non Dissent | Dissent | Non Dissent | Caution, Sin Bin, Caution – Send off for S7 |
| Non Dissent | Dissent | Dissent | Caution, Sin Bin, Sin Bin – No return and no substitution allowed |
| If a player commits a yellow or red card offence while serving their sin bin they cannot return and cannot be substituted at the end of the sin bin period | |||
Want More Information?
For those who wish to delve deeper into the intricacies of the sin bin rule, we’ve crafted a detailed guide. You can download our comprehensive Sin Bins Guide here.
In Conclusion
The sin bin is a positive step towards maintaining discipline and respect in grassroots football. It offers players a chance for reflection without immediately ending their participation, thereby preserving the essence and spirit of the game. As with any rule, its success lies in its consistent and appropriate application.