For the attention of all M-J managers, coaches and referees.  

Fylde's Child Protection Officer John Roper has asked that the following information from Lancashire County CPO Carol Baker be given prominence on the website. Carol said: "I would like to recommend that you inform coaches and officials at your club of the correct procedures and laws of the game for both removal of a "continuum aged player" and junior player 13+. ie procedures re yellow cards. The isolation of a player and removal of clothing should be considered poor practice."

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"If the referee decides that a player must cease to participate in a match, they must stop the match, call the individual player aside from the other players and invite the coach of that player on to the field. The referee must explain to the coach and the player why they feel the player’s behaviour is unacceptable and instruct the coach to provide a substitute player. That player is to take no further part in that Fixture or Festival. It is the responsibility of the coach to speak to and educate the player as to why such actions was taken. "
 
The Sin Bin is part of the Laws of the Game and applies to all levels of the game, including Schools Rugby and Club Youth Rugby (but excluding the continuum). It also applies to seven-a-side rugby.

1.2 The Referee will send a player to the Sin Bin if the player:

a) Commits an act contrary to good sportsmanship;

b) Commits Foul Play which warrants a caution;

c) Deliberately offends; or

d) Is a member of a team that has been repeatedly offending.

The player will also be cautioned and shown a Yellow Card.

1.3 Being sent to the Sin Bin is only one stage below being “Sent off” and should not be treated lightly. Teachers and coaches should not condone any action which results in a player being sent to the Sin Bin.

1.4 During his or her time in the Sin Bin, a School or Club Youth player:

a) must not be isolated and should be given warm clothing to wear;

b) must stand out of the field of play, in the vicinity of the half way line, at a place readily identifiable to the Referee; and

c) must be under the control of the teachers and coaches and be made to realise they are serving a punishment for contravening the Laws of the Game.

1.5 If the player’s time in the Sin Bin spans the half time interval, then notwithstanding paragraph 1.4 above, the player may go onto the field and be part of the team talk.

1.6 The actual playing time a player will spend in the Sin Bin shall be as follows:

a) In the fifteen-a-side game, 10 minutes; or

b) In the seven-a-side game, 2 minutes.

1.7 The referee shall be the sole judge of the time a player has spent in the Sin Bin.

1.8 The player may only recommence playing at a stoppage in play and on the invitation of the Referee.