What gets a player sent off (red card)?
Rule- USA
- US Youth Soccer
- Under 14
- Club soccer
- IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27
- 2026-27 season
- Coaches
Under Law 12 (2026-27), a player, substitute or substituted player is sent off for:
- denying a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) with a deliberate handball (except a goalkeeper in their own penalty area)
- DOGSO with a non-deliberate handball outside their own penalty area
- DOGSO against an opponent moving toward the offender's goal by an offense punishable by a free kick (with exceptions for some challenges inside the penalty area)
- serious foul play
- biting or spitting at someone
- violent conduct
- offensive, insulting or abusive language or actions
- a second caution in the same match
A player sent off after kick-off can't be replaced, so the team plays short. Suspensions after a red card are set by the league or state association, not the Laws.
New for 2026-27: if the referee plays advantage for a DOGSO offense and a goal is scored, the offender is not cautioned, because the offense didn't prevent a goal.
Added 21 Oct 2026