What action should a referee take when a player receives a yellow card?

When a player receives a yellow card, the referee should signal the card and document the incident. This action is crucial because it serves multiple purposes within the game.

First, the signal with the yellow card communicates to everyone present—players, coaches, and spectators—that a caution has been issued. This transparency is essential for maintaining the integrity and flow of the match. It indicates that the player has committed a foul or an act that warrants a warning, making it clear that their behavior has been noted by the referee.

Second, documenting the incident is vital for keeping accurate records of the match. Referees are required to track cautions for each player, as accumulating two yellow cards during the same match results in a red card and ejection from the game. Additionally, keeping a record of yellow cards can inform future decisions regarding player eligibility in subsequent matches, particularly in league play where disciplinary action can accumulate over time.

The other options are not appropriate responses to issuing a yellow card. Ignoring the incident would undermine the referee's authority and the rules of the game. Sending the player off the field is reserved for a more severe infraction that warrants a red card, and calling for a substitute is not necessary when a player has received a yellow card,