A-League introduces cards for coaches

A-League officials have moved to stamp out abusive behaviour towards referees by introducing yellow and red cards for coaches.

The trial starts this weekend and makes the A-League and W-League the first competitions in the world to take such a measure.

Coaches and other team officials now risk being sent to the stands for repeated infringements including kicking or throwing water bottles, leaving their technical area and using offensive language or gestures.

"Referees already have a process which is by way of conversation to coaches to warn them before removing them from the technical area after poor behaviour," A-League and W-League boss Greg O'Rourke said.

"Essentially, this trial will visualise those steps and as such better communicate to fans that the referees are giving the coaches and others formal warnings.

"It will help fans and viewers better understand the issues that match officials face on a weekly basis and help promote respect towards them.

"Importantly it will send a strong message throughout the game at grassroots level that poor behaviour towards match officials and opposition team officials is unacceptable and carries consequences."

Competition regulations have also been updated to ensure coaches face the same sanctions as players for accumulated yellow cards.

FFA'S GUIDELINES FOR ISSUING CARDS TO COACHES

Warning (no card):

* Persistent questioning of refereeing decisions

* Minor/low level disagreement with a decision

* Failing to cooperate with a match official

* Entering the field of play in a respectful/non-confrontational manner

* Leaving the technical area in a non-confrontational manner

Caution (yellow card):

* Persistent repeated unacceptable behaviour or repeated warnings

* Dissent by word or action including throwing or kicking objects to show dissent

* Gestures like sarcastic clapping or motioning for a card to be shown

* Clearly/persistently not respecting confines of the technical area

* Deliberately entering the technical area of the opposing team

* Delaying the restart of play by their team

Dismissal (red card):

* Violent conduct, including throwing or kicking objects in a dangerous manner

* Physical or aggressive behaviour, including spitting

* Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures

* Entering the field of play to interfere with play or an opposing player

* Leaving the technical area to act in a provocative or aggressive manner

* Delaying the restart of play by the opposing team

* Receiving a second yellow card