What action should a referee take when a player recklessly jumps at an opponent?

When a player recklessly jumps at an opponent, the correct course of action for a referee is to show a yellow card. This decision is based on the nature of the offense—reckless play indicates that the player acted with a disregard for the safety of others, which requires an official reprimand. In this situation, a yellow card serves as a warning and a signal that such behavior is unacceptable and may lead to further disciplinary action if it continues.

A yellow card is appropriate because it acknowledges the seriousness of the offense without escalating to a direct red card, which is reserved for violent conduct or when a player denies a clear goal-scoring opportunity in a more serious manner. By issuing a yellow card, the referee helps manage the game and communicates to the players that this type of behavior must not be tolerated.

Stopping the game is a necessary action when an offense occurs, but it is part of the referee's overall response rather than a disciplinary measure on its own. A warning does not carry the same weight or serve to formally caution the player, which is essential to maintaining control of the match. A red card is too severe for reckless behavior unless it includes serious foul play or other grave infractions.