The Romanian Football Federation has introduced a black card in youth football as a new disciplinary measure to tackle abusive behaviour by parents and spectators.
The new rule is aimed at protecting young players from the pressure, insults and mistreatment they may face from adults watching their matches.
According to the Catalan newspaper Sport, the regulation was approved by the federation’s emergency committee on September 11 and has been added to competitions for children and youths.
The black card will apply to players between the ages of seven and 16.
The federation said the measure was introduced through its BRAVO platform, which is focused on addressing harassment and excessive pressure from parents and spectators during youth matches.
The federation said football should remain a game that brings joy and supports the healthy development of children. It added that children should not be exposed to the ambitions, pressure or frustrations of adults in the stands.
Unlike a normal disciplinary card shown to players, the black card is used to signal the permanent stoppage of a match because of serious misconduct by spectators or parents.
The referee will decide when the behaviour has crossed the line. The fourth official or another match official can assist where necessary.
The process starts with a warning. When inappropriate behaviour is noticed, the referee asks the coaches to speak to the spectators and also issues a warning through the stadium loudspeaker.
If the behaviour continues, the referee can stop the match for 10 minutes and send both teams to their dressing rooms.
After the game resumes, another incident can lead to a third warning. If the misconduct continues after that, the referee will show the black card and end the match permanently.
Once the black card is shown, the match cannot be restarted.
The federation said the measure is meant to deal with different forms of abusive behaviour, including insults and aggressive verbal attacks.
It also covers physical actions such as hitting or pushing children, members of a team’s technical staff, opposing players and their officials.
Other offences include repeated insults or confrontations, physical attacks on referees and match officials, as well as verbal or physical fights between parents and other spectators.
The Romanian Football Federation said the new measure is necessary to ensure that youth football remains a safe and positive environment for children.
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