The disciplinary guidelines below, apply to any violation of the Attleboro Youth Soccer (AYS) adopted “ZERO” Tolerance Policy (ZTP) during home or away games. The ZTP adopted by AYS is consistent with the policy as defined by Boston Area Youth Soccer (BAYS). The ZTP is outlined below:
- No one, except the designated "Captains", are to speak to the referee during or after the game. Exceptions: Coaches may ask questions before the game, call for substitutions,point out emergencies during the game, or respond to the referee if addressed.
- Absolutely 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, and no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game.
- Violators may be ejected and are subject to disciplinary action by the BAYS Sportsmanship Review Committee.
- If coaches or spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, please contact the town soccer club referee’s coordinator for the game in question, or contact the BAYS Referees Representative at http://www.bays.org.
The table below was obtained from the BAYS ZERO Tolerance Guide, as to how Referee’s report ZTP infractions.
| | |
| Zero Tolerance followed. No issues.
Everyone well behaved and positive | |
| | Some comments. Did not disrupt the enjoyment of the game for the players or distract the referees. |
| | At the referee's discretion, the referee may continue or end the disussion. |
| | Major distraction for the Referee - ejections for ZTP occurred or should have. May or may not have considered terminating the game. |
The following are additional rules to expand on the ZTP Rule #2 above.
5. At no time should any of our coaches yell to their players to increase their physical play (i.e. pushing, pulling, elbows up or otherwise) due to referee allowing it. Conversely, teach the players to play the game correctly, as it is a physical game, and instruct the players while on the bench.
6. Admonishing or showing dissent toward an official for a call or non-call indirectly through ones players is NOT acceptable, and shows a lack of respect toward the officials, a lack of sportsmanship, and etiquette for the game.
If a report is received by AYS for any infraction of the ZTP, the Disciplinary Committee will be provided via e-mail a copy of the report for review. If deemed necessary, the Disciplinary Committee will schedule a hearing to review the offense, allow the coach the opportunity to rebuttal the report, and impose the appropriate disciplinary action, as outlined below, if required.
The Disciplinary Committee should schedule review hearings for any reports received that involve an offense involving a 4 or 5, especially if a YELLOW or RED card is issued. The Disciplinary Committee should also schedule a reviewing meeting, when a 3rd “Offense” is received that involves a 1, 2 or 3.
Definitions: (AYS Disciplinary Actions)
One Game Suspension: The offending coach WILL NOT be allowed to serve as a coach on the field at the teams next game, but can view from the sideline as a parent .
One Week Suspension: The offending coach WILL NOT be allowed to have any contact with his/her assigned team for one week. This includes practices and the scheduled game for that week.
Suspended for Season: The offending coach WILL NOT, be allowed to continue coaching for the balance of the season.
AYS reserves the right to refrain from assigning any Coach to a team in future seasons, if the individual consistently shows disregard for the “ZERO” Tolerance Policy.
Lastly, the Disciplinary Guidelines outlined above, in NO way are intended to prevent a Coach from placing the safety of their players above all else. Therefore, if at any time during a game a Coach feels that the Referee or Officials DO NOT have control of the game, the Coach can and should pull his players from the field of play to the team bench, to prevent any harm or injuries from occurring, but SHOULD NOT leave the field. Leaving the field entirely may constitute a forfeit..