Zero Tolerance Policy

NVYSL Soccer Zero Tolerance Policy

 

The NVYSL endorses and supports good sportsmanship and fair play.  The NVYSL is very interested in providing a healthy, learning and supportive environment for its players, referees, parents and fans. Due to the increase of abusive and intimidating behavior towards our referees and in too many cases, our youth referees, we have adopted a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY.

It is the responsibility of ALL coaches/players/parents to maintain the highest standards of conduct for themselves, their players and supporters in all matches. Abusive, confrontational and obscene language, violent play/conduct, fighting, inciting, escalating and other behavior detrimental to individuals, the game and the sport will not be tolerated. A coach’s/player’s/parent’s responsibility for referee support and spectator control includes the times prior to, during and after the game at the field and surrounding areas.

All persons responsible for a team and all of the spectators shall support the referee at all times. Failure to do so will undermine the referee’s authority and has the very real potential of creating a hostile environment for the players, the referee and all of the other participants and spectators. Escalation to violence can easily result.

 

Therefore:

No one is to address the referee or make comments on or about a referees call or non-call while present at any NVYSL Soccer Game.

Exceptions for Coaching Staff or player During Match:

Responding to a referee initiating communication

Making Substitutions

Pointing out emergencies or safety issues. All conversations are to be in a polite, respectful tone of voice. No sarcasm. No intimidation.

Exceptions for player at Half Time of the game:

Ask for an explanation of a call or a rule

Polite friendly feedback. All conversations are to be in a polite, respectful tone of voice. No sarcasm. No intimidation.

Penalties
Initial Minor Infraction – Verbal Warning from referee and possibly the league.
Major Infraction – Warning (caution) or Dismissal (ejection) depending on seriousness. The caution can result in a one game suspension at the NVYSL‘s discretion, for the coach. An ejection will result in a minimum of a one game suspension. Further action may be taken at the discretion of the NYVSL board.
Subsequent Infractions
– Will result in a minimum of a two game suspension. Further action may be taken at the discretion of the NVYSL board.

 

Exceptions for fans, spectators, others:

Responding to a referee initiating communication,

Pointing out emergencies or safety issues (Polite, respectful tone of voice. No sarcasm. No intimidation).

 

Penalties
1st Infraction
– The referee at the next stoppage of play, will ask the coach to quiet the offender.

2nd Infraction – Verbal Warning. Referee, at next stoppage of play, will ask the coach to warn offender that the next infraction will result in either removal of the offender or the referee will abandon the match.

3rd Infraction - The referee at the next stoppage of play shall instruct the coach to direct the offender to leave the field. The referee will abandon the game if the offender does not leave the field immediately.

NVYSL may impose additional sanctions upon the offending individual(s) or team.

 

Additionally:

NVYSL referees will call all coaches, team captains, from each team to the center circle prior to the start of each game and review our zero tolerance policy along with game rules.

 

Finally:

It is and always will be the coach’s responsibility for the safety of his/her players.  A parent (obviously) also has the authority to remove his/her child from an unsafe situation. If the situation warrants it, please do it, while also abiding by the zero tolerance policy. A coach also has recourse regarding a referee’s performance by making a more formal complaint through the league.