High school boys’ soccer put on probation for the high number of ejections

SALT LAKE CITY — The growing number of ejections in high school boys’ soccer prompted the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) to issue a yellow card, of sorts, for the sport.

In soccer, a player or coach is ejected when they receive a red card. In such situations, a substitute for the disqualified player is not allowed. The team must play short-handed for the remainder of the match.

A yellow card is a warning to the player or coach.  To read more on the UHSAA’s red card/ejection policy, click here. 

In a statement obtained by KSL, the UHSAA confirmed it has placed the sport on probation for the next three years. However, the UHSAA would not comment on the decision. 

The decision means there will be a shorter season for boys’ soccer for the next three seasons, which will move from 16 matches to 14 matches. 

The sport was also put on probation by the UHSAA in 2007 and in the late 90s. 

Further, in April 2022, the Utah Youth Soccer Association announced a zero-tolerance policy for bad behavior toward referees.

 

Mark Jones contributed to this article.

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