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Zero Tolerance Policy

Winthrop Youth Soccer (WYS) follows all the rules set forth by Mass Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) and Essex County Youth Soccer Association (ECYSA). Refer to the associated websites for current league rules and procedures: MYSA www.mayouthsoccer.org or ECYSA www.ecysa.org.

Because of physical and verbal abuse against referees, Winthrop Youth Soccer and other Soccer Organizations have adopted ZERO TOLERANCE POUCIES. This policy Is for Winthrop Youth Soccer.

It is the responsibility of ALL coaches to maintain the highest standards of conduct for themselves, their players and supporters in all matches. Abusive and obscene language, violent play, violent conduct, fighting and other behavior detrimental to the game will not be tolerated. A coach's responsibility for referee support and spectator control includes the times prior to, during, and after the game at the field and surrounding areas.
All persons responsible for a team and all the 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, Winthrop Youth Soccer has adopted the following rule: No one is to address the referee during the game!

A. Persons Responsible for a team (Coach and Assistant Coaches)

Exceptions: During the Game:

Responding to a referee initiating a communication
Making substitutions
Pointing out emergencies or safety issues

At Half Time or at the end of the game

A coach or assistant coach can ask a reforee to expelain a rule(s) in a polite and constructive way
A polite and friendly feedback can be given to the referee
Absolutely no sarcasm, no harassment and no intimidation

Penalties:

Any Major lnfraction Warning (Caution) or Dismissal (Ejection) depending on the seriousness or the infraction
lnitial Minor Infraction - A verbal warning.

Any Subsequent Infraction will warrant the following actions:

Warning (Caution). Must be told by the referee that this is their WARNlNG.
Dismissal (Ejection). Must be told by the referee that they are DISMISSED and reported to WYS.

B. Spectators

Exceptions: During the Game:

Referee initiating a communication
Pointing out emergencies or safety issues

Penalties:

1st Infraction: The Referee, at the next stoppage of play, should ask the coach to quiet the offending spectator.
2nd Infraction: A verbal warning. The Referee, at the next stoppage of play, should ask the coach to warn the spectator that the next infraction will be a removal of the spectator or the referee will abandon the game.
3rd Infraction: The Referee, at the next stoppage or play, shall instruct the coach to direct the spectator to leave the field. The referee should stop the game and see the field coordinator.