Best Soccer Penalty Cards
Penalty cards are one of the most iconic tools used in the game of soccer. These cards are only used by referees as a form of regulating the game. Penalty cards come in a few different variations, and learning about them is essential to understand penalties in soccer.
What are penalty cards used for in soccer?
Penalty cards are an important tool that referees use during a soccer match. Referees are the only people that can use these cards. While each type of card has a different purpose, they are all used to penalize a player or indicate that a player has committed a foul. These cards are usually small and rectangular, similar to a playing card. Referees will keep these cards in the front pocket of their shirts. They will also usually write down information on the back of the cards, such as the player receiving the penalty. Most leagues will use red and yellow cards, while some may use other colors as well.
While almost all penalty cards will be the same size, they will each have a different color. The color of the card is what indicates which type of penalty it is. When declaring one of these penalties, the referee will take the card out of their pocket and hold it in the air while pointing or looking at the player. Using a penalty card is up to the discretion of the referee.
Things To Consider
When looking to purchase penalty cards, you'll want to consider the following:
- Are you using penalty cards for indoor or outdoor soccer?
- How much do you want to spend on penalty cards?
- Are you a referee or coach?
- What level of soccer are you playing?
- Does it meet league standards?
- Is it Affordable?
- Will it last a long time?
- Is it easy to see on the field and from the stands?
- Is it marker/pen friendly?
Penalty Card Materials
The most popular materials that penalty cards are made out of are polyurethane and plastic.
Polyurethane: Polyurethane is a type of plastic that is commonly used in penalty cards. This material is more durable than generic plastic but also often more expensive.
Plastic: Plastic is the generic term for a wide variety of synthetic materials. Plastic is much cheaper and more common than polyurethane but also easier to bend or crease.
Penalty Card Brands
The most popular brands that produce penalty cards are Champion Sports, MiaoDuo, and Tandem.
Champion Sports: Champion Sports makes various equipment for a wide variety of different sports. They make a set of penalty cards that come with red and yellow cards, and are very cheap.
MiaoDuo: MiaoDuo is a brand that exclusively makes referee penalty cards. They make a set with red and yellow cards that also comes with a wallet to hold the cards in.
Tandem: Tandem is a company that specializes in producing volleyball and other select sporting goods. They make red and yellow cards which can be used for multiple sports, including soccer. Their cards also come with a carrying wallet.
FAQ
How much do soccer penalty cards cost?
Penalty cards will usually cost anywhere from $1 to around $7. Some cards can be bought in larger quantities, which makes the overall price more expensive. Other cards will also come with a carrying wallet, which tends to drive up the price.
What size are soccer penalty cards?
Different brands will often make different size penalty cards. However, most penalty cards will usually be around 4” long and 3” wide. They have a similar size to playing cards.
Why do some leagues use blue and green penalty cards?
Blue cards are mainly used by indoor soccer leagues and are given to a player who commits a minor infraction. Green cards are used by some professional soccer leagues in different ways. Serie B, a league in Italy, uses them to spread messages of good sportsmanship, while other leagues use them similar to blue cards.