In order to join our state’s effort in decreasing the abuse and assault of soccer officials (referee, assistant referee, linespeople, the 4th Official), Attleboro Youth Soccer (AYS) has updated its Zero Tolerance Policy (ZTP), which is consistent with the policy as defined by Boston Area Youth Soccer (BAYS) and Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA).
This Zero Tolerance Policy is in effect as of Spring 2024 and applies to all coaches, players, parents, spectators, and other supporters and officials participating in any AYS program or event, including, but not limited to: home games, away games, in season tournaments, playoffs, MTOC, etc.
The Zero Tolerance Policy (ZTP) is outlined below:
- No one, except the players, is to speak to the referee before, during, or after the game. Exceptions: Coaches may ask questions before the game, call for substitutions and point out emergencies during the game, or respond to the referee if addressed.
- Absolutely no disputing calls, during or after the game, no direct or indirect 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 before, during, or after the game.
- Violators may be sent-off and are subject to disciplinary action by the League Sportsmanship Review Committee or AYS, depending on which program the violation took place.
The table below was obtained from the BAYS ZERO Tolerance Guide, and demonstrates the zero tolerance rating guidelines as to how Referee’s report infractions.
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| | - No direct or indirect comments or behavior related to the performance of the match officials.
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| | Minor/low-level comments or behavior that directly or indirectly undermined the match officials before, during, or after the game Did not disrupt the game for players or distract the match officials
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| | Persistent comments or behavior that directly or indirectly undermined the match officials before, during, or after the game Disrupted the game or distracted the match officials Failed to cooperate or persistently argued with a match official e.g. ignored an instruction/request Cautions issued or should have been issued
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| | Offensive or insulting language and/or behavior that directly or indirectly undermined the match officials before, during, or after the game Significantly disrupted the game or distracted the match officials Ejections for ZT occurred or should have occurred May have considered terminating the game.
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AYS required minimum sanctions for ZTP violations:
Level 1 ZT: Written Warning. AYS tracks and monitors coaches' or spectators’ ZT 1 violations.
Level 2 ZT: A one week suspension. Violators may not coach and/or attend any AYS activities once they are notified of their infraction and suspension by their club. Violators may not be present on the sideline and must stay 100 feet away from the playing field or stay in the parking lot whichever is further during the game for their suspension.
Level 3 ZT: A two week suspension. Violators may not coach and/or attend any AYS activities once they are notified of their infraction and suspension by their club. Violators may not be present on the sideline and must stay 100 feet away from the playing field or stay in the parking lot whichever is further during the game for their suspension.
BAYS Zero Tolerance Committee reviews and tracks all ZT violations and sanctions. ZT violations committed by the same violator within the current and prior three soccer seasons will be considered repeated offenses. Repeat offenses may be brought forward to the BAYS Sportsmanship Review Committee for review. Additional sanctions may be issued.
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.