Lynn Youth Soccer – Zero Tolerance Policy

Lynn Youth Soccer (LYS) follows all the rules set forth by Mass Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) and Essex County Youth Soccer Association (ECYSA). Refer to the associated website for current league rules and procedures: MYSA www.mayouthsoccer.org or ECYSA www.ecysa.org. In addition, the LYS Board of Directors sets guidelines for all coaches, players, parents, and spectators associated with LYS to follow, in order to promote a fun and safe program for all participants.

LYS GUIDELINES

It is the responsibility of ALL coaches, players, parents/guardians, and spectators to maintain the highest standard of conduct for themselves in/at all matches and practices. Abusive and obscene language, violent play, violent conduct, fighting, and other behavior detrimental to the game will not be tolerated.

It is the responsibility of ALL coaches, players, parents/guardians, and spectators TO SUPPORT THE REFEREE. No one is to approach the Referee at any time before, during or after the game. No one is to address the referee during the game with the exception of the Coach/Assistant responding to a referee initiating a communication, making a substitution, or reporting an emergency or safety issue. At half time or at the end of a game, a Coach/Assistant may ask a referee to explain a rule(s) in a polite or constructive way. Spectator, coach, and player control includes the times prior to, during, and after games at the fields and the surrounding areas.

Any LYS coach, player, parent/guardian, or spectator who wishes to report a referee issue must go through the LYS Travel Director or Intramural Director. The Director will evaluate the issue based on the guidelines set by MYSA, ECYSA, and/or LYS. Also, it is the responsibility of the Director to inform the LYS Board of Directors of the issue.
Those associated with LYS Travel program should refer to the ECYSA website for operating rules, appeals process, and penalties.

Players

A penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player:

Openly disputes or argues about any decision by an Official.

Uses obscene or vulgar language, including swearing, in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time, even if it is not directed at any particular person.

Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with any Official’s decision, in a manner that openly embarrasses the Official and/or challenges his judgment.

Any time that any player persists in any of these actions, he/she shall be assessed a Misconduct Penalty. The LYS Board of Directors will evaluate the issue to determine what penalty is appropriate and convey their findings and decisions in writing to the player and their parent/guardian. Players have the right to appeal any decision to the LYS Board of Directors. Appeals have to be submitted to the Board in writing within 48 hours of being notified of the penalty.

Coaches

A penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach:

Openly disputes or argues about any decision by an Official.

Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.

Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an Official’s decision, in a manner that openly embarrasses the Official and/or challenges his judgment.

Does not support and enforce the Zero Tolerance policy, with regards to their players, parent/guardians, or any spectator associated with their team within their control without putting themselves in harms way. Any player/parent/guardian/spectator associated with their team that displays unacceptable behavior will be reported to corresponding Travel or Intramural Director immediately. Failure to do so would result in a penalty.

Any time that a Coach persists in any of these actions, he/she shall be assessed a Game Misconduct Penalty. The LYS Board of Directors will evaluate the issue to determine what penalty is appropriate and convey their findings and decisions in writing to the coach/coaches. Coaches have the right to appeal any decision to the LYS Board of Directors. Appeals have to be submitted to the Board in writing within 48 hours of being notified of the penalty.

Parents/Guardian/Spectator

A penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a parent/guardian/spectator:

Openly disputes or argues about any decision by an Official.

Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.

Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an Official’s decision, in a manner that openly embarrasses the Official and/or challenges his judgment.

Any time that any parent/guardian/spectator persists in any of these actions, he/she shall be assessed a Misconduct Penalty. The LYS Board of Directors will evaluate the issue to determine what penalty is appropriate and convey their findings and decisions in writing to the parent/guardian/spectator. Parents/guardians/spectators have the right to appeal any decision to the LYS Board of Directors. Appeals have to be submitted to the Board in writing within 48 hours of being notified of the penalty.

Violations of the Zero Tolerance Policy will be brought before the Lynn Youth Soccer Board of Directors. Penalties for violations will be determined and assessed by said Board.

For those associated with the LYS Travel program: any complaints of misconduct filed with ECYSA shall be subject to their disciplinary code. LYS Board of Directors reserves the right to review the complaint and issue further penalties, if deemed necessary.

If you have a complaint, question, or concern regarding the Lynn Youth Soccer Zero Tolerance Policy, please go to www.lynnyouthsoccer.org and direct your e-mail to the LYS Travel Director, Intramural Director, or President.