Zero Tolerance Policy

All coaches, all assistant coaches, all players, and all spectators shall support the referee before, during, and after the game. Failure to do so undermines the referee's authority and could create a hostile environment for players, the referee, coaches, assistant coaches, and all spectators, including participants in other matches. Consequently, GSYSL has adopted the following rule:

NO ONE IS TO ABUSE THE REFEREE DURING THE GAME!!!!!

Coaches/Assistant Coaches - Allowable Exceptions:

During the game:

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

At the end of the game:

• Asking a referee to explain a rule(s) in a polite and positive way
• Giving polite and friendly feedback to a referee

ABSOLUTELY NO SARCASM, NO HARASSMENT, AND NO INTIMIDATION!!!!!

Penalties:

• 1st Minor Infraction - Referee should ignore
• 2nd Minor Infraction - Referee should issue a verbal warning
• 3rd Minor Infraction - Referee should issue an ejection (Red Card is not displayed)

Spectators - Allowable Exceptions:

During the game:

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

Penalties:

• 1st Infraction - Referee should stop the game and ask the coach to quiet the offending spectator (s).
• 2nd Infraction - Referee should stop the game, give a verbal warning to the coach, and ask the coach to warn the spectator that the next infraction will be an ejection or the referee will abandon the game.
• 3rd Infraction - The referee shall instruct the coach to direct the spectator to leave the field. The referee should abandon the game if the spectator does not leave the field.

Communications among players and referees are governed by the FIFA Laws of the Game.

REFEREE SUPPORT

Everyone, especially coaches and assistant coaches, shall provide support to the referees at all times.

1. Coaches are responsible for assistant coaches', players', fans', and their own behavior.
2. Any coach who does not comply with a referee's request to deal with a fan shall be issued a misconduct as deemed appropriate by the referee.
3. Anyone responsible for the verbal or physical assault of a referee prior to, during, or following a game will be subject to review by the Board of Directors.
4. Any team/town that refuses to provide the name and address of the responsible person(s) for the verbal or physical assault on a referee will be subject to review by the Board of Directors.

Finally:

It is and always will be the coach’s responsibility for the safety of his/her players. The coach always has the authority to stop play and remove his team from the game (either temporarily or permanently) if he/she feels conditions are unsafe. A parent (obviously) also has the authority to remove his/her child from an unsafe situation. If the situation warrants it, please do it, while also abiding by the zero tolerance policy. A coach also has recourse regarding a referees’ performance via the Referee Evaluation Form or via a more formal complaint through the league

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ALL U12 and above Games

The Referee Crew will call the coaches of both teams and team captains prior to the coin toss and go over the statement below. After this review the coaches will leave and the coin toss will take place.

"Coaches and captains, GSYSL has a zero tolerance policy concerning referee abuse.

Coaches you are responsible for your players, your players' parents and your own words and actions. I appreciate in advance your support during this game.

Please set a positive example for your players and parents.

Good luck to both teams. Let's have a good match in the spirit of the game"