MASSACHUSETTS YOUTH SOCCER CODES OF CONDUCT
The Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association Board of Directors approved the implementation of Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Parents, Players and Referees and a Zero Tolerance Policy by unanimous consent in January 2023.
The Mass Youth Soccer Codes of Contact and Zero Tolerance Policy were developed over a number of months of consultation and collaboration with League and Member Organization leaders, Massachusetts State Referee Committee and other State Associations utilizing best practices from other Leagues, States and US Soccer appropriate for our programs.
The adoption of the Codes of Conduct and Zero Tolerance Policy linked below is a requirement for all member organizations effective February 1, 2023.
- Zero Tolerance Policy
- Player's Code of Conduct
- Coaches Code of Conduct
- Parent's/Guardians/Spectator's Code of Conduct
- Soccer Official's Code of Conduct
BAYS Referee Abuse Prevention Policy
All coaches, team managers, players, and spectators shall support and respect the direction and decisions made by the match officials before, during and after the game. Failure to do so undermines the authority of the match officials and has the potential to create a hostile environment for the players, referees, and all the other participants/spectators of a match.
Consequently, BAYS has adopted and modified the following rules:
- Only players are to speak to the match officials during and after the game. Exceptions: Coaches may respond to an official who has initiated a conversation, point out emergencies during the game, call for substitutions, ask the officials to clarify ONLY the type of restart/direction of throw-in/indirect vs. direct free kick, ask for the time remaining in the half.
- 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. Failure to follow the instructions of the match official, yelling, criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game will not be tolerated.
- Violators may be cautioned or sent-off and may be subject to disciplinary action by the RAP Committee.
- If Coaches would like to provide feedback to or about the referee, AFTER the game, log into the BAYS site and a dropdown under MyBAYS should have a Game Feedback tab with a form that goes directly to the home Ref Assignors and Club President.
- If spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, please contact the respective Travel Director, [email protected], [email protected].
To report a violation of the Language Incident or Discriminatory Act per MYSA policy: Click Here
The referee has the authority to take disciplinary action from the moment they arrive at the field of play for the pre-match inspection until leaving the field of play/parking area after the match ends.
Source URL: https://bays.org/content/referee-abuse-prevention-policy
Violations of these policies and/or codes of conduct will result in discipline to be determined by the Medway Youth Soccer Board of Directors, guided by and aligned to, the policies of the governing bodies.
