Football South Coast would like to confirm that we will be introducing a trial to issue yellow and red cards to Team Officials in the technical area effective immediately across all competitions and across all streams of football (including men’s, women’s, junior and Community League).  
 
Previously, referees adopted an ask, tell and remove policy whereby either the fourth official, assistant referee or referee would “ask” the Team Official to change their behaviour, followed by a “tell” which was effectively a public warning to the Team Official by the referee if their behaviour continued. If after all these warnings, the team official still behaved inappropriately, then they were “removed” from the technical area as the final step in this process.  
 
The issuing of yellow and red cards by referees will be a communication tool to players and spectators that a Team Official in the technical area has been cautioned or sent off. Just like players, a Team Official may be instantly dismissed (without warning) where the circumstances are deemed serious enough by the referee.  
 
The accumulation of yellow cards to team officials will not result in any suspension during 2018. However, if the team official is sent off during the match, further disciplinary action will take place. Referees have been asked to complete an Incident Report.  
 
This edict applies effective immediately and will be reviewed at the completion of the year.