The Romanian Football Federation has taken a strong step to curb parental and spectator misconduct in youth football by introducing a new “black card” that can bring a match to a permanent end.
The measure, approved by the federation’s emergency committee on September 11, applies to children’s and youth competitions involving players aged between 7 and 16.
Unlike traditional disciplinary cards issued to players, the black card is directed at situations where adults in the stands engage in behaviour considered abusive or harmful to children.
Under the new regulation, referees can intervene when parents or spectators insult, threaten, hit or push players, coaches, match officials or other spectators.
The referee will first issue a warning and ask the coaches to address the spectators. If the behaviour continues, the match can be suspended for 10 minutes, with both teams sent to their dressing rooms.
Should the misconduct continue after play resumes and a third warning is ignored, the referee can display the black card and permanently terminate the match.
The federation said the initiative is designed to ensure that children are not subjected to the ambitions, frustrations or excessive pressure of adults while participating in football.
Through its BRAVO platform, the federation said it wants to tackle what it described as one of the most troubling problems in youth football: harassment and pressure from parents and spectators.
The introduction of the black card sends a clear message that protecting young players takes priority over completing a football match.
The Romanian federation hopes the measure will encourage parents and spectators to remember that youth football is primarily about enjoyment, development and giving children a safe environment to play the game.
