What is the penalty for stepping over the guardrail into the field?

Stepping over the guardrail into the field during a match constitutes a violation of the rules designed to ensure safety and fair play. The appropriate response to this infraction is a verbal warning, which serves to inform the individual of the rule violation, followed by a yellow card if the behavior is repeated or if the infringement warrants it.

The rationale for this approach is to maintain a balance between enforcing the rules and allowing teams and participants to operate within a structured environment without overly punitive measures for first-time or non-disruptive violations. The warning acts as an educational tool, helping participants understand the importance of staying within designated areas and the potential risks involved.

Other penalties outlined in the rules, such as disqualification from the match, warnings from referees, or point deductions, do not apply in this context, as they are either too severe for a first minor violation or relate to different types of infractions.