Zero Tolerance Policy

Roots Soccer League

Zero Tolerance Policy

2024-2025 Seasonal Year

 

 

Because of physical and verbal abuse in the Roots Soccer League, the League, and Wilbraham Soccer Club 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 RSL 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 by any coach or parent.

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
• eave the field.

Any additional penalties associated with the issuance of a red card or multiple red cards including appeals processes will follow existing RSL procedures at the time of issuance.

Any violation of the Zero Tolerance Policy will be referred to the Wilbraham Soccer Club and the RSL for possible suspension or termination from the club.