These powers can be used in addition to other penalties awarded. It is important that such powers are used thoughtfully and have a clear purpose. Umpires should understand that if a card is used for an offense early in the game, a precedent has been set for the remainder of the game. It is important to think carefully before using a card. The main purpose of cards is to communicate decisions to the other umpire, players, team and technical officials and spectators.
Some general principles apply to the use of cards.
Under certain, relatively uncommon circumstances, a player could receive two green of even two yellow cards for different offenses during the same game. When a second yellow card is warded, it would be normal for the period of suspension to be significantly longer than the first suspension. Once a yellow card has been awarded to a player, that player should not be given a green card. Any offense involving violence should not be followed by another card of the same color. For example, a yellow card for violence must be followed by a red card for another violent offense.