Having a safe, fair and fun focus to soccer does not mean play is not serious or that emotions can't run high. In the younger divisions, U10 and below, referees are instructed to resolve developing situations before they become incidents and require an "official" response.  Referees are specifically told to not show these younger players caution and send-off cards since behaviors should not be allowed to reach a level where it would be necessary.

With older players, play can be aggressive and tempers can get hot.  While referees are encouraged to communicate with the players during a match and help them maintain their composure, if misconduct occurs it must be addressed per the Laws of the Game.

Misconduct Reporting

If a caution or a send-off occurs in a match, the referee MUST submit an online MATCH REPORT to Area within 24 hours (and it's even better if it can be done that evening since there could be play the following day that could be affected).  The Match Report captures who did what, and when, and any background information.

Coach or Spectator Expulsion

If it is necessary for the referee to remove a coach or spectator from a match, or address some other type of behavioral incident, a Match Report describing the situation MUST be submited by the referee within 24 hours.

Injuries or Other Accidents

If a player is injured such that medical attention is required, but there was no misconduct, the referee MAY submit a Match Report describing the situation if he feels that he has useful information to add.  This would be in addition to the Incident Report that the coach MUST file with the Regional Safety Director.