West Brookfield Youth Soccer

Zero Tolerance Policy

Due to physical and verbal abuse against referees WBYS along with other soccer organizations has adopted a Zero Tolerance Policy.  This policy is strictly enforced by West Brookfield Youth Soccer.

It is the responsibility of ALL coaches to maintain the highest standards of conduct for themselves, their players, and supporters for all matches.  Abusive and obscene language, violent play, violent conduct, fighting and other behavior detrimental to the game will not be tolerated.  A coach'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 individuals responsible for a team and all spectators shall support the referee.  Failure to do so will undermine the referee's authority and has the potential of creating a hostile environment for the players, the referee and all the other participants and spectators.

Consequently, West Brookfield Youth Soccer has adopted the following rule:

No one, except the players, is to address the referee during the game!  Absolutely no disputing calls during or after the game.  No remarks on calls or non-calls or to the referee to watch a certain player.  No yelling at the referee, no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind before or after the game.  This applies to all WBYS games both home and away.

Exceptions for Coaching Staff or Player during the Match:

  1. Responding to a referee initiating communication.
  2. Making substitutions.
  3. Pointing out emergencies or safety issues.

Exceptions for Coaching Staff or Player during Half Time:

  1. May ask for an explanation of a call or rule.
  2. Polite and friendly feedback can be given to a referee in a respectful tone of voice.

Penalties (Coaching Staff and Players):

  1. Initial Minor Infraction - Verbal Warning.
  2. Major Infraction - Warning (caution) or Dismissal (ejection) depending on the seriousness.
  3. Subsequent Infractions - Warning (caution) or Dismissal (ejection) depending on the seriousness.

Exceptions for Fans and Spectators:

  1. Responding to a referee initiating communication.
  2. Pointing out emergencies or safety issues.

Penalties (Fans and Spectators):

  1. First Infraction - The referee at the next stoppage of play will ask the coach to quiet the offender.
  2. Second Infraction - Verbal Warning.  The referee at the next stoppage of play will ask the coach to warn the offender that the next infraction will result in either removal of the offender or the referee will abandon the match.
  3. Third Infraction - The referee at the next stoppage of play will 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.

Note:

It is and always will be the coach's responsibility for the safety of his/her players.  The coach always has the authority to stop play and remove his/her team from the game (either temporarily or permanently) if he/she feels the conditions are unsafe.  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 via the game card or via a more formal complaint through the league.

To download a copy of this policy click Here.