Rising number of penalties draws concern
By David Boldt
SCISL Weblog
The increased number of yellow and red cards being shown this year to players, most notably varsity boys, is provoking concern.
League rules impose tough punishments for penalties. A red card results in expulsion from the game in which it occurs, and at least a one-game suspension. Two yellow cards issued in the same game, or in successive games, are regarded as the equivalent of a red card. Penalties for infractions such as fighting can result in suspension for the entire season, as has happened in one case this season already.
As an incentive to reduce penalties, the league awards its “Fair Play” trophy to the school with the least number of penalties for all four of its teams – varsity boys, varsity girls, junior varsity boys and junior varsity girls. However, the great majority of the penalties this year, and in past years, ocurred in varsity boys games.
Here is where the “Fair Play” rankings stand as of the end of September. The figures are provided by Alejandra Salto, athletic director of Christian Learning and league statistician.
* Cambridge is currently the least penalized, with a total of 7 yellow cards and 1 red card.
* Co-operative has 15 yellow cards and no red cards.
* Christian Learning has 11 yellow cards and two red cards.
* International has 17 yellow cards and two red cards.
