When are unsporting conduct cards issued during a match administered?

Unsporting conduct cards, which are issued to penalize players or coaches for inappropriate behavior, are administered at the next dead ball. This immediate application allows the officiating team to address any violations of sportsmanship promptly, ensuring that the match maintains its integrity and the spirit of fair play.

Given this context, unsporting conduct cards are not issued at the end of the match, as that would not serve an effective purpose in maintaining the match's decorum during play. Similarly, waiting until the beginning of the next set would delay the necessary consequences of the unsporting behavior, allowing further infractions to go unpunished in the interim. The notion that cards are never administered contradicts the fundamental rules of officiating, which exist to uphold fairness and respect in the game. Therefore, the correct procedure for addressing unsporting behavior is specifically at the next dead ball.