SALEM YOUTH SOCCER

A Citywide Program for the Youth of Salem

Because of physical and verbal abuse directed at referees, MYSA and other soccer organizations have adopted zero tolerance policies.

Salem Youth Soccer has adopted the following Zero Tolerance Policy:

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 match 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 other participants and spectators.

Exceptions to the rule and considerations for Coaches and Asst. Coaches:

• Exceptions during play:
  • Responding to a referee initiating a communication.
  • Making substitutions.
  • Pointing out emergencies or safety issues.
• Exceptions during halftime or at the end of the game:
  • Politely requesting that the referee explain a rule.
  • Polite and friendly feedback can be given to the referee.
• Absolutely no sarcasm, no harassment, and no intimidation.
• Penalties: for coaches and asst. coaches and others responsible for the team
  • For any major infraction and depending on the seriousness, the referee may issue a Warning (Caution) or Dismissal (Ejection).
  • In the event of a Warning, the Coach or Assistant Coach will be told that that they are Warned and the incident will be reported to SYS.
  • In the case of Dismissal (Ejection), the Coach or Assistant Coach will be told by the referee that they are Dismissed.  They must surrender their pass card and leave the field.  The incident will be reported to SYS.

Exceptions to the rule and considerations for Spectators: 

• Exceptions during the game:
  • Responding to a referee initiating a communication.
  • Pointing out an emergency.
• Penalties: for spectators
  • 1st Infraction: The Referee, at the next stoppage of play, shall ask the coach to quiet the offending spectator.
  • 2nd Infraction: A verbal warning. The Referee, at the next stoppage of play, shall ask the coach to warn the spectator that the next infraction will result in the of the spectator or the referee will abandon the game.
  • 3rd Infraction: The Referee, at the next stoppage of play, shall instruct the coach to direct the spectator to leave the field. The referee may abandon the game if the spectator does not leave the field.