Romania’s governing body for soccer has introduced a new disciplinary tool to combat abusive behavior by parents at youth games.
The Romanian Football Federation said referees will be able to issue “black” cards if they "observe inappropriate behavior from spectators or parents," according to The Athletic. A black card means the game is abandoned at the time of issuance and cannot be removed.
The FRF is the first national federation to institute this policy, according to the report.
Refs cannot go straight to a black card; it is the last step of a three-step system.
The first step is a temporary stoppage in play so coaches can speak to parents and supporters; a public address announcement will also be made. The second step is a 10-minute pause where teams are asked to leave the field while coaches are again asked to intervene. The black card can then be issued if the behavior continues.
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