Are there sin bins in football?
A · Advanced · Yellow cards, red cards and misconduct · 4 of 12Only in youth, veterans, disability and grassroots football, where the competition chooses them. A player shown a yellow card leaves the field for a fixed time, usually 10 to 15 percent of the match, such as 10 minutes in a 90-minute match. Professional and international football does not use them.
How it works
- The competition chooses System A (sin bin for every yellow card) or System B (only for listed offences, such as dissent).
- The referee shows the yellow card and points with both arms to the sin-bin area.
- The time starts when play restarts after the player has left, and is the same for every offence.
- The player returns from the touchline, with the referee's permission, when the ball is next out of play.
- The team cannot replace the player during the sin bin.
- Time left at half-time is served from the start of the second half.
Tricky cases
What happens after a second sin bin?
It depends on the system. Under System A the player serves it and takes no further part, but can then be replaced. Under System B two cautions mean a red card.
Why the rule exists
An instant, short punishment changes behaviour on the spot, which suits grassroots football where cards across matches carry less weight.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Youth, veterans, disability and grassroots football, if the competition chooses | Sin bins as above | L Notes (Temporary dismissals); L5.3 |
| Other football | Not used | L Notes (General modifications) |
From the rule book
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 5.3 and the "Guidelines for temporary dismissals (sin bins)" in Notes and modifications, in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).