There is such thing as excessive celebration. We have had many chats on what to card for when it comes to celebrations. If a player lifts a shirt up after a goal, it is a yellow card. If the player completely removes their shirt, they are to be sent off. If the celebration is directed to the other team or the opposing fans in such a way that it is considered unsportsmanlike, then either the person leading the celebration, or the captain is to be carded. The other thing that you need to be wary of is depending on which state you are in, you cannot go into the goal to get the ball if you are the team that scored it, that is also a yellow. And don't forget that if you take too long to get set for the kickoff after scoring a goal while celebrating, as determined by the official, you get a yellow too! Once again, this can either be the captain or the specific person doing the celebrating.

Just think how much fun it is for the referee to have to give those cards. Since many of these are "in the opinion of the referee", there are many interpretations to these rules. I have been refereeing for a number of years now, and have only given a handful of cards for excessive celebration or removing a jersey.


If you are going to argue a point, at least get factual information to back up your side.....