Which of the following is considered a cautionable offense resulting in a yellow card?

The option that identifies unsporting behavior as a cautionable offense is correct because this type of behavior includes actions that violate the spirit of the game or are contrary to fair play. Unsporting behavior can manifest in various ways, such as dissent towards the referee, excessive celebration, or any action that is seen as disrespectful towards opponents or officials. Referees are trained to use yellow cards to manage these behaviors, as they help maintain the integrity of the game by discouraging actions that could lead to conflict or undermine respect on the field.

Holding the ball underfoot, pushing an opponent, and tripping without intent do not specifically classify as unsporting behavior in the same way. While pushing an opponent and tripping are typically more serious fouls that may result in a direct free kick or penalty, they often fall into the category of misconduct rather than unsporting behavior unless accompanied by malicious intent or excessive force. Therefore, the emphasis on unsporting behavior as a cautionable offense highlights the importance of maintaining sportsmanship in the game.