Zero Tolerance Policy
2008 - 2009 Seasonal Year
September 1, 2008 - August 31, 2009
Because of physical and verbal abuse in the
Pioneer Valley Junior Soccer League, the League has adopted a ZERO TOLERANCE
POLICY. This policy applies to all coaches, players, parents and other
supporters and referees effective immediately. Abusive and obscene language,
violent play, violent conduct, fighting and other behavior (including but not
limited to sarcasm, taunting, etc.) deemed detrimental to the game between the
above mentioned groups will not be tolerated.
It is the responsibility of the Coaches to
provide Referee support and spectator control. This policy will apply to all times prior to,
during and after the game at the soccer field and its immediate surrounding
areas.
PARENTS
/ SPECTATORS:
NO PARENT OR OTHER SPECTATOR SHALL ADDRESS THE
REFEREE AT ANY
TIME !!!
This includes but is not limited to:
·
No
spectators making derogatory comments to players of either team
·
No
disputing calls during or after the game
·
No
remarks to the referee to watch certain players or attend to rough play
·
No
yelling at the referee, EVER, including no criticism,
sarcasm, harassment, intimidation or feedback of any kind before, during or
after the game.
The only allowable exceptions to the above
are:
• Responding to a referee who has initiated
a conversation with a parent or spectator.
• Pointing out emergency or safety issues.
Penalties:
In
the opinion of the referee, depending on the severity of the of the offense,
the referee
may take any of the following actions:
·
The
Referee will issue a verbal warning to the offending party.
·
The
Referee will stop the game and instruct the parent / spectator to leave the
field.
·
The
Referee will stop the game and instruct the Coaches to direct the parent / spectator
to leave the field.
·
The
Referee should abandon the game, if the spectator does not leave the field.
PLAYERS:
Communications
between players and referees are governed by the FBFA Laws of the Game. Any
additional penalties associated with the issuance of a red card or multiple red
cards including appeals processes will follow existing PVJSL procedures at the
time of issuance.
COACHES / ASSISTANT COACHES:
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, coaches, assistant coaches and spectators.
Coaches are not to address the Referee during
the game except for:
During the game:
• Responding to a referee who has
initiated a conversation with a parent or spectator.
• Pointing out emergency or safety issues.
• Making substitutions,
• Asking the referee to repeat a call.
• Asking for the time remaining in the
half.
Before the game.
at half-time or after the game:
·
A
Coach or Assistant Coach can ask a referee to explain a law or foul in a polite and
constructive way, but not a judgment calls made in the game.
·
Polite
and friendly concern can be exchanged with the referee. If the polite tone of
the conversation changes, the Referee may abandon the exchange at any time.
·
Absolutely
no sarcasm, harassment or intimidation is allowed.
Penalties:
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 offending Coach or Assistant Coach.
·
The
Referee may issue a red card to the offending Coach or Assistant Coach. The
Coach or Assistant Coach will be required to leave the field.
·
The
Referee should abandon the game, if the Coach or Assistant Coach does not
·
leave the field.
Any
additional penalties associated with the issuance of a red card or multiple red
cards
including appeals processes will follow existing
PVJSL procedures at the time of
issuance.
REFEREES:
It
is the responsibility of the Referees to maintain the highest level of
professionalism at
all times. Further it is the responsibility of the
referees to control the game governed by
FIFA
Laws of the Game, with modifications as dictated by the PVJSL. Referees will:
·
Conduct
themselves in a professional manner
·
Answer
questions posed to them as allowed per the above guidelines in a prompt and
courteous manner except Referees do not have to explain judgment calls made
during the game.
·
Maintain
their integrity and independence by not being influenced by acquaintances or by
the Coaches or Assistant Coaches.
Penalties:
Referees
will be subject to the League penalties and appeals processes in effect at the
time of the offense.
Zero
Tolerance Consent Form
Date: ____________
Club Name:
________________________
Team Name:
________________________
The undersigned agrees to the terms of the PVJSL
Zero
Tolerance Rule, a copy
of which is attached hereto.
Players Name (print): _____________________
Players Name (sign): _____________________
Parents Name (print): _____________________
Parents Name (sign): _____________________
Parents Name (print): _____________________
Parents Name (sign): _____________________