Codes of Conduct and Zero Tolerance Policy

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.

BAYS ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

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, BAYS has adopted and modified the following rules:

  1. No one, except the players, is to speak to the referee 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Violators may be ejected and are subject to disciplinary action by the BAYS Sportsmanship Review Committee.
  4. 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.
  5. 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].

Source URL: https://www.bays.org/content/zero-tolerance/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.