Understanding Ejections & Disqualifications

Ejections and disqualifications are serious penalties reserved for severe rule violations, repeated unsportsmanlike behavior, or actions that compromise player safety. As officials, handling these situations properly ensures fair play and control of the game.

If an ejection or disqualification occurs, contact your assignor immediately after the game to provide a rundown of the incident. Additionally, be prepared to submit an incident report as required.

Key Differences: Ejection vs. Disqualification

Ejections

NFHS Rule 5-12-1 PENALTY

• A player, substitute, or non-playing team member receives a three-minute non-releasable penalty and is ejected for the remainder of the game.
• An ejected coach receives a one-minute non-releasable penalty and must leave the premises (bench and field area).
• If the ejected player is a student, they must leave the premises only if authorized school personnel are present to supervise. If no such personnel are available, the student must remain in the bench area.
• The sponsoring authority is responsible for notifying the appropriate school of the ejection.

League Policies on Ejections (ARTICLE XIII Section 8 of the PIAA handbook)

Mandatory Disqualification – One Game Suspension

Any coach, team personnel, or player who is ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct or flagrant misconduct will be suspended for the remainder of the game and must also sit out the next scheduled contest at the same level of competition (varsity, junior varsity, etc.).

For coaches, participation in the next contest includes any contact with the team from the time the team arrives at the contest site until the conclusion of the last game of the day. The coach is not permitted at the contest site during the game.

Supplemental Disqualification – Two Game Suspension

If an ejection involves any of the following behaviors, the individual will be suspended for two additional contests:

• Confronting an official, coach, or player in an aggressive manner
• Physically contacting an official, coach, or player
• Using foul or vulgar language or gestures directed at an official, coach, player, or spectator
• Using racial, ethnic, or other discriminatory language

In addition to the two-game suspension, an ejected player must complete the NFHS Sportsmanship Program before returning to competition. A coach or team personnel must complete both the NFHS Sportsmanship Program and the Teaching and Modeling Behavior Program before returning.

These certifications must be provided to the school principal, who will then submit them to the PIAA District Sport Chairman.

Additional Penalties & Discretionary Disqualification

The PIAA District Committee or other governing body may review any ejection or misconduct case and impose additional penalties if warranted. Disqualifications may also be enforced before, during, or after the game, including award ceremonies and post-game activities.

If a player or coach is ejected from the final game of the season, the suspension will carry over to the next season in the same sport.

Reporting & Incident Documentation

If the ejection is due to a misidentification of a player or misapplication of a rule, a reinstatement request may be submitted. However, judgment calls cannot be appealed, they may be ruled ineligible for future competition.

Officials must file a formal report of the ejection with the PIAA Office within 24 hours of the game.

Disqualifications (DQ)

A player may be disqualified without an ejection if they accumulate excessive penalty time.

NFHS Rule 5-11

• Any player who accumulates five minutes of personal foul penalty time in a single game is disqualified.
• A disqualification is NOT an ejection—there is no fine or additional penalty beyond sitting out the remainder of the contest.
• Officials should remind the scorekeeper to track penalty time carefully and notify the crew if a player reaches this threshold.

Disqualifications (DQ) – WPYLA Rules

In WPYLA games, a player is disqualified (DQ) but not ejected if they accumulate three personal fouls or a total of five minutes of penalty time in a single game.

Proper Procedure for Handling an Ejection

1. Assess the Situation
   • Make sure the violation meets the threshold for an ejection.
   • Stay calm and professional—do not let emotions influence the call.
2. Signal & Announce the Ejection
   • Throw the flag and whistle to stop play.
   • Use the ejection signal (crossed arms above the head).
   • Inform the player and coach clearly and concisely.
3. Confirm with the Table & Crew
   • Ensure penalty time is recorded correctly.
   • Verify that proper personnel are handling the removal of the player/coach.
4. Complete a Game Report
   • If an ejection occurs, an incident report must be filed within 24 hours.
   • Include names, jersey numbers, schools, the rule violation, and a factual summary of the incident.

Game Reports & Incident Reports

When to Submit a Report

Officials must submit reports for the following:

• Ejections (Include player name, number, and reason).
• Formal protests regarding rule enforcement.
• Pre-game or post-game incidents involving players, coaches, or spectators.
• Field or venue issues that impact game safety.
• Lack of adequate security or game management personnel.
• Major injuries requiring emergency medical attention.

Contact Your Assignor Immediately

After an ejection or disqualification, call your assignor as soon as the game ends. They will likely be contacted by coaches, administrators, and parents and must be prepared with accurate details.