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The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body that sets the laws of football, has suggested the introduction of sin-bins in the professional game. Sin-bin is an existing concept in ice hockey, rugby, basketball, and roller derby now being introduced in football also to improve the aspect of respect and fair play.
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Sin-bins is another name for temporary dismissals in football. If players show excessive dissent in front of referees, they can be sent off the field temporarily, which is typically 10 minutes. Footballers showing dissent by word (or) by action can be sent to the sin bin. The decision of sending players to sin bins would be a subjective one and referees will take a call on the offences individually.
According to the English Football Association, sin-bins aim to “improve the match day experience” and support the “respect programme”. Sin bins were introduced to the grassroots game in England for the 2019-20 season and allowed referees to show a yellow card to a player and subsequently point both arms toward the sidelines
In the past two seasons, a total of 31 leagues have used sin-bins and during this period 38% reduction was seen in dissent across the selected leagues. It also showed a reduction in dismissals for receiving a second caution in a game and abusive language.
The proposals for sin-bin law will be considered at IFAB’s AGM in March and any changes approved will be incorporated into the Laws of the Game from 1st July 2024. s
