What is the purpose of a yellow card in soccer?

The purpose of a yellow card in soccer is to officially caution a player for minor infractions. When a player receives a yellow card, it serves as a formal warning that their behavior or actions are not in line with the rules of the game. This might be due to actions such as unsporting behavior, dissent against the referee's decisions, or delaying the restart of play. Accumulating multiple yellow cards can lead to more severe penalties, including suspension from subsequent matches, emphasizing the cautionary nature of this disciplinary action.

While a free kick is awarded for certain fouls in the game, that is not the purpose of the yellow card itself. The card does not indicate the end of a player's participation; rather, it allows them to continue playing but with a warning attached. Furthermore, the yellow card mechanism does not extend to coaching staff, as it is intended solely for player conduct on the field.