Can refs give “automatic” yellow cards for equipment issues under IFAB/USSF rules?

A referee discussion asks whether IFAB Laws (used in USSF games) actually allow “automatic” cautions for equipment problems like jewelry discovered after kickoff, and whether a coach can be carded first for a player’s equipment issue. It’s a practical rules-and-game-management debate that affects pregame check-ins and sideline expectations in youth soccer.