GRASS ROOTS: THE SIN BIN!
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW...
If you’ve been watch a local league match or a junior game, you might have witnessed a player being sent into the sin bin. But what does that actually mean? We’ve put together a few of the rules and regulations surrounding the sin bin…
Why were sin bins at grass roots level introduced?
In March 2017, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) gave all National Associations the ability to implement Temporary Dismissals – more commonly known as sin bins – at the grassroots level of the game. It was decided that focus would be placed on matters of dissent to improve the match day experience and in support of the Respect programme.
What can you be sin binned for?
Dissent – by word or by action – which is a behavioural matter rather than a football matter. By reducing dissent, we hope to improve the retention of referees while improving the image of the game.
Does a sin binned player still get a yellow card?
All cautions for dissent must be dealt with by the sin bin process. The referee will signal this by issuing a yellow card in the normal way and pointing to the touchline where the player must go. It can only be administered to active players who are participating.
What happens if a sub, coach or manager gets booked for dissent?
Substitutes or substituted players will be cautioned for dissent, as per the ‘usual’ process that currently applies across football. The laws have recently been amended for red and yellow cards to also be applied to technical area occupants – but this is separate to the sin bin process.
What happens if the player commits an offence while sin binned?
The player would receive either another yellow card or, if serious, a red card. The player will not be able to resume play and would not be permitted to be substituted.
What happens if the goalkeeper commits an act of dissent?
Yes, goalkeepers are covered under the same law as other players and can go into the sin bin. Much like when a goalkeeper is sent off, any other player must go in goal but the team must remain with 10 players. Upon returning, if during play, the goalkeeper can become an outfield player, and then return to being the goalkeeper during the next stoppage in play.
Does the player still have to pay the yellow card fine for being sin binned?
Players will not be required to pay the administration fee for going into the sin bin as the punishment has already been served during the match for a single sin bin offence. Administration fees will still apply to all other cautions and send offs.
The IFAB want to encourage better behaviour to improve the match day experience for everybody involved. This isn’t a financial matter and England Football continues to work with CFAs to ensure they have the resources necessary to support their clubs. Repeat offenders will also be fined £25 as well as a one match ban.
Can you substitute a sin binned player while they are already in the sin bin?
Yes, at the end of the sin bin time, a substitute can take their place rather than the player in question returning to the pitch, providing they have not used all of their allocated substitutions.
Thanks to the FA
Written by Graham Hey