Green Card: Fair Play Scores Too

Futsal where a student referee can show green cards for fair-play actions, and each card counts as a goal. It rewards respect, helping others and self-refereeing.

How to play

1. Brainstorm: what fair-play gestures exist in soccer? Write down five (5 min).
2. 7v7 games on two courts; one player from each team referees, switching every 5 minutes (10 min).
3. Pause: each referee explains why they gave their green cards (3 min).
4. Second game; teams may also call their own fouls and, if they do, receive a green card (9 min).
5. Tally: goals plus green cards; a quick shout-out of the best fair-play moment seen (3 min).

Rules

• Each green card counts as a goal.
• Valid actions: helping up an opponent, owning up to your foul, giving the ball back after an injury, encouraging a teammate who misses.
• Nobody asks for a green card for themselves: if you claim it, you don't get it.
• No contact and no tackles from behind.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the referee raises the card and names the action with an agreed gesture.
• Limited mobility: serves as head referee with a partner relaying what happens far away.
• Students working on self-control: their first-game job is spotting green-card moments before they play.

Learning goals

• Recognize and value fair-play behavior.
• Accept referee decisions.
• Self-regulate the game without depending on the teacher.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soccer balls: 2
• pinnies: 14
• futsal goals: 4
• green cardstock cards: 10

Teacher tip

Make the cards from green cardstock. Early on cards rain down; cap them at five per referee per game so they keep their value.

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