Bourne Youth Soccer is committed to adhering to the
MA YOUTH SOCCER CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY for Coaches, Players and Fans.
Contained in this policy is a
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY when it comes to addressing our referees, each of whom has passed through a significant level of training provided by Mass Ref.
BYSA ZERO Tolerance Policy
Purpose
To help prevent physical assault and verbal abuse during sanctioned events the Bourne Youth Soccer Association (BYSA) supporters and referees effective immediately.
Abusive and obscene language, violent play/conduct, fighting and other behavior (including, but not limited to sarcasm, taunting, etc.) deemed detrimental to the game will not be tolerated. The ultimate responsibility for the actions of coaches, players and spectators resides with all MYSO members. It is the responsibility of the coaches to provide referee support and spectator control, and it is the responsibility of MYSO to provide instructions to their coaches on how to implement sportsmanlike behavior.
This policy applies before, during and after the sanctioned event at the soccer field and its immediate surrounding areas.
Remember; the referee does not have to show a yellow card before showing a red card.
Parents & Spectators
No parent or spectator shall persistently address the referee or assistant referees at any time.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Parents and spectators shall not dispute calls during or after the game.
- Parents and spectators shall not make remarks to the referee(s) or advise the referee(s) to watch certain players or attend to rough play.
- Parents and spectators shall never yell at the referee(s), including criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation or feedback of any kind before, during or after the game.
Additionally, parents and spectators shall not make derogatory comments to players, spectators or coaches of either team.
Penalties (Parents & Spectators)
In the opinion of the referee, depending on the severity of the offense, the referee may take any of the following actions:
- The referee may issue a verbal warning to the coach of offending party’s team.
- The referee may stop the game and instruct the coaches to direct the parent /spectator to leave the field.
- The referee may abandon the game if the parent/spectator does not leave the field which will result in the offending team forfeiting the game and being assessed the appropriate fees and/or fines.
The ultimate responsibility for the actions of the spectators resides with the Coach or its opponents Coach.
Players
The conduct of the players is governed by the Laws of the Game as stated by MYSA and SCSL. The Laws themselves describe penalties associated with violating the Laws of the Game.
Coaches, Assistant Coaches & Trainers
It is the responsibility of all coaches to maintain the highest standards of conduct for themselves, their players and supporters in all matches. Failure to do so undermines the referee’s authority and the integrity of the game resulting in a hostile environment for players, the referee(s), coaches, assistant coaches, trainers and parents/spectators.
As role models for all of the participants and spectators, coaches participating in a BYSA sanctioned event are expected to be supportive of, and to acknowledge the effort, good play and sportsmanship on the part of ALL players from either team in a game. By example, coaches, assistant coaches and trainers are expected to show that although they are competing in a game, they have respect for their opponent, referees and spectators at all times.
Bourne Youth Soccer Association will not tolerate negative behavior exhibited either by demonstrative actions and gestures, or by ill-intentioned remarks, including those addressed toward the referees or members of an opposing team. Coaches exhibiting hostile, negative, sarcastic or otherwise ill-intended behavior toward referees, opposing players or coaches will be subject to disciplinary action by the Bourne Youth Soccer Association.
Coaches shall not interact directly or indirectly with the coaches or players of the opposing team during the game in any manner that may be construed as negative, hostile or sarcastic either by way of demonstrative actions and gestures or by ill intentioned remarks.
Coaches shall not offer dissent to any call made by the referee(s) at any time.
Coaches are not to address the Referee(s) during the game except to:
a. Respond to a referee who has initiated a conversation.
b. Point out emergency or safety issues.
c. Make substitutions.
Absolutely no sarcasm, harassment or intimidation is allowed.
NOTE: It is recommended that coaches or other team members do not engage in any
conversation with the referee(s) once the game has concluded.
Penalties (Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Trainers)
In the opinion of the referee, depending on the severity of the offense, the referee may take any of the following actions:
a. The referee may issue a verbal warning to the offending coach, assistant coach or trainer.
b. The referee may eject the offending coach, assistant coach or trainer. Once ejected, the individual will be required to leave the field immediately.
c. The referee should abandon the game, if the coach, assistant coach or trainer does not leave the field or any immediate adjoining area after having been instructed to do so.
Games Disbanded Prior to the Conclusion by the Referee
When a game is disbanded by the referee prior to it’s conclusion due to unsporting behavior on the part of one or both teams, the Referee will submit a report to SCSL with justification.
Suspension, Banning of Players, Parents/Spectators, Coaches, Assistant Coaches or Trainers
If a player, parent/spectator, coach, assistant coach or trainer is suspended/banned by BYSA he/she is not be allowed to participate or have any interaction with their team until they are reinstated. If a player, parent/spectator, coach, assistant coach or trainer is suspended they are suspended from all BYSA sanctioned events.
BYSA as a youth organization reserves the right to suspend/ban any participant that endangers the health, welfare and safety of its membership.
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