How do cards and sanctions work?
Rule- USA
- NFHS
- High school
- Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)
- Varsity
- NFHS rules
- 2026-27 season
- Officials
| Card | Meaning | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow (one hand) | Warning | No point. Each team member can get one individual yellow card |
| Red (one hand) | Penalty | Loss of rally/point |
| Red and yellow in separate hands | Disqualification | Loss of rally/point, and the person is out for the match |
- There is no expulsion sanction in NFHS. Conduct that needs more than a penalty is a disqualification.
- Duration: unsporting conduct sanctions carry through the whole match. Administrative unnecessary-delay sanctions apply for the set.
- Who carries cards: both referees. The second referee signals the need for a sanction to the first referee using the cards, and verifies the scorer records it.
- Procedure: the first referee holds the card head-high on the offending team's side and says the player's number or which coach. The second referee steps toward that team, holds the card at mid-chest and repeats the number.
- Disqualified: a disqualified teammate leaves the team bench for the rest of the match if supervision is available. A disqualified adult leaves the premises.
- If any team member on the bench gets a red card for unsporting conduct, all coaches must stay seated for the rest of the match.
- Forfeit is the final step (a state association may modify this).
Added 21 Oct 2026