Referees in Queensland will have another tool to combat dissent in 2018, with the introduction of temporary dismissals (‘sin bins’) in Queensland competitions.

Any player cautioned for dissent will be punished with a yellow card (as per existing Laws), and will also be required to leave the field for a period of:

• Ten (10) minutes, for matches greater than 60 minutes’ duration; or

• Five (5) minutes, for matches of 60 minutes or less in duration.

The player can return to the field after the ‘sin bin’, but a second yellow card will result in the player being sent off.

This change is part of the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) ‘Play Fair’ initiative, which aims to make football fairer and more enjoyable, while promoting players and officials as positive role models for society.

The concept has previously been trialled in UEFA U16 tournaments, and is currently being implemented across 32 grassroots leagues in England.

The ‘sin bin’ will be in place for all senior and junior community league competitions in Queensland next season.

This rule will not apply in National Premier Leagues Queensland or the Football Queensland Premier League.