AREA V

GUIDELINES

 

2008-2009

 

 

Serving the Children of

East County San Diego

 

Alpine, Borrego Springs, El Cajon, Jamul, Julian, Lakeside, La Mesa, Mountain Empire, Santee
General

 

All AYSO Area V activities shall be conducted in accordance with the AYSO National and Section 11 Rules and Regulations, and the Area V Guidelines as contained herein, and the current FIFA Laws of the Game and decisions of the International Board.

 

The Area V Guidelines are intended to compliment and/or cover situations not addressed by other prevailing rules and regulations/guidelines.

 

Any situation or subject not covered by the aforementioned guidelines shall be decided upon by the Area or Section Director.

 

The Area V account requires two signatures on all checks.  Signers on the account shall be the Area Director, the Area Treasurer, and at least one other Area Staff member designated by the Area Director.

 

The Area V account shall be maintained by the Area Treasurer who will present a written Financial Statement at each Area V Board meeting.

Jurisdiction

The Area V Board of Directors shall consist of voting members and staff members.

 

The Area Director and Regional Commissioners constitute the voting members of the Board.  As an Executive Member, the Area Director is responsible and can act autonomously from the Board, and therefore his/her vote must count.

 

Area Staff Members include the Assistant Area Director, Referee Administrator, Referee Assessor, Referee Instructor, Coaching Administrator, Treasurer, VIP Coordinator and Secretary.  The Spring Coordinator, Matrix Coordinator, and other staff positions may also be designated by the Area Director.

 

Area meetings shall be held monthly unless schedule changes are required due to holiday schedules or special circumstances.  There should be maximum participation in the Area V monthly meetings either by the Regional Commissioners or a regional representative.  The Area Director shall select the day, time, and place to facilitate maximum participation by the Board.

 

Four of the Regional Commissioners and the Area Director, or his/her designee shall constitute a quorum; however, every effort will be made to include each Region in voting on Area matters.

 

Only one vote per region shall count and a simple majority shall carry any vote by the Area V Board of Directors.

 

A designated representative by the commissioner may cast a substitute vote in his/her absence.

The Regional Commissioners shall have jurisdiction over all games played in his/her region and shall be responsible for the operation of his/her respective region.

 

In the event a dispute between two or more regions that cannot be resolved through mutual agreement between the respective Regional Commissioners, the Area Director shall resolve the dispute through arbitration or an executive decision.

Regional Responsibilities

Coordination efforts by each Region shall include:

  • Providing the Area Director with the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of board members, coaches, and referees.
  • Providing complete directions to the playing fields, including addresses.
  • Providing team colors for all teams.
  • Regions competing in Intra Area season play shall provide a division representative to maintain game records and coordinate communication to all Regions involved, with the exception of game cancellation.  This shall be the responsibility of the Regional Commissioners.
  • Notify scheduling Regions of all difficult games day situations, such as picture days, jog-a-thons, etc.
  • Notifying the Regional Commissioner and the coach of the visiting region when games are canceled.  The host region will also notify the home team’s Regional Referee Administrator.
  • Every effort shall be made when scheduling Intra Area games, for each team to play every team within their own Region a minimum of two games with the season.
  • Providing trophies and awards for divisional winners.  Area will provide 1st and 2nd place awards to U16 and U19 Area teams.
  • All requests for Intra Area Play must be completed by August 15, 2008.
  • All Intra Area games are subject to these Area Guidelines as well as Section and National rules.

Player and Coach Eligibility

 

Each region shall be responsible for the selection of coaches, formation of teams, and verifying the eligibility of its players in accordance with AYSO Rules and Regulations.

 

Regions are to inform all coaches and members at the time of registration that they may be asked to travel depending upon the number of teams within their Region and neighboring regions.

 

Regions are to provide all coaches with copies of the Area Guidelines, Section Rules, and National Rules before teams begin play.

 

Ages of players shall be determined as follows:

 

  • U5 must be 4 years of age or younger as of August 1st of a given year.
  • U6 must be 5 years of age or younger as of August 1st of a given year.
  • U8 must be 7 years of age or younger as of August 1st of a given year.
  • U10 must be 9 years of age or younger as of August 1st of a given year.
  • U12 must be 11 years of age or younger as of August 1st of a given year.
  • U14 must be 13 years of age or younger as of August 1st of a given year.
  • U16 must be 15 years of age or younger as of August 1st of a given year.
  • U19 must be 18 years of age or younger as of August 1st of a given year.

 

All players must have played in at least one-half   of the total number of scheduled games for the AYSO Regular Fall Season Program to be eligible to participate in post-season play, barring injury or illness.

 

Team rosters, and copies of the AYSO registration forms, must be in the possession of the coach or other team representative at all Area AYSO sponsored events (games, practices, scrimmages, team parties, etc.).

 

Failure to prove the eligibility of one or more players on a team, or falsification of same for Area events, will result in the disqualification of said player(s) and a forfeiture of all games played until the time of the disqualification.  Further disciplinary action shall be at the discretion of the Executive Members of the Area Board.

Rosters for Area Events

 

Each Regional Commissioner with teams participating in Area events shall be responsible for the submittal of certified Team Rosters from each team to the Area Director at least one week prior to play. This is the official eAYSO, one page, tournament roster signed by the Regional Commissioner.

 

No team will be allowed to participate in any Area V event without a properly completed Team Roster in the possession of the coach.

 

All players will be required to show an approved ID card for Area V playoffs and All Star Tournaments.

 

Roster changes in Area V events shall only be with the express approval of the Area Director prior to the teams first game played.

 

Field set-up and takedown shall be the responsibility of the hosting Region, but may in some cases be shared by other regions. Generally, the teams participating in the last game of the day takes down the goals.

 

No dogs or pets of any kind are allowed at the fields.  The use of any tobacco products, drugs, or alcoholic beverages is not permitted.

Teams

Regions should adhere to the following roster sizes to permit a minimum playing time of

¾’s of a game for divisions U5 through U14. 

For U16 and U19 divisions, the roster size is limited to permit minimum playing time of 1/2 of the game.

 

 

DIVISION

MINIMUM PLAYERS

ON ROSTER

MAXIMUM PLAYERS

ON ROSTER

MINIMUM

PLAYERS

ON

FIELD

MAXMUM

PLAYERS

ON

FIELD

U19

12

18

7

11

U16

12

18

7

11

U14

12

14

7

11

U12

12

14

7

11

U10

8

10

5

8

U8 *

8

10

5

7

U6 *

7

9

4

6

U5 *

5

7

3

5

 

U16 and U19 roster sizes may be expanded up to 22 players with consent of the Area Director.

* It will be the decision of each Region on the size of teams U8 and under. These are only recommendations.

Registration and Medical Release Forms

 

No player may participate in any Area V event unless a properly completed and signed (original signature) AYSO Registration Form for the player is in the possession of the team coach or his/her designee.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the Game Official (Field Coordinator) in charge of the event site, to verify that a proper AYSO Registration Form and Player I.D. card (if required) for each participating player is present.

Field of Play

 

Each Regional Commissioner hosting Inter-Regional play shall be responsible for properly preparing the playing fields used in their respective region to ensure the utmost player safety.

 

Each Region participating in Inter-Regional play, shall supply the goals, the nets and the corner flags for their respective field(s).

 

Each team is responsible for cleaning up the general area of the field after their game(s).

 

The HOME TEAM is the team listed first on the schedules.

 

When a color conflict in uniform exists, the HOME TEAM shall change jerseys or wear bibs.

Uniforms

 

All uniforms shall be in accordance with AYSO National Rules and Regulations.

 

Shin Guards must be worn by all players at all times during a game, and must be of an acceptable quality and appropriate size to offer adequate protection (i.e. the shin guards must cover at least half the leg from the knee down), and must be worn inside and completely covered by the sock.

Sliding pants/bicycle shorts may be worn provided they meet requirements.

 

Goalkeepers may wear long pants, long sleeve shirt and knee pads.

 

No jewelry of any kind is allowed.

 

Shoes may not have toe cleats.

 

No headwear, other than approved safety headgear, will be allowed (i.e. bandannas, hats, or sweatbands).  PRO 90 or FULL 90 type headwear is acceptable.

 

Knee braces may be worn in accordance with the AYSO National Rules and Regulations and/or AYSO National Board decisions, and if allowed by the Game Official in charge of the game.

·         No hard type of plastic, metal, or anything else considered dangerous to any player may be worn during the game.

·         Soft wrap only will be allowed. No metal clips can be used to affix any type of brace or wrap to the player.

 

No player shall be allowed to play in a game with any type of hard cast on either arm(s) or leg(s).  A soft foam wrap will not be allowed around any hard cast.

 

Game Officials: Referees and Assistant Referees

 

Regional Referee Administrators shall assign game officials for Inter-Regional games assigned to his/her region.

 

It is the responsibility of the Regional Referee Administrator to ensure that qualified referees with the appropriate ability and age are provided for all games.

 

All Area games shall be officiated using the Diagonal System of Control (i.e. one Center Referee and two Assistant Referees).  The use of "Club Linesmen" is encouraged when an insufficient number of game officials are available.

 

The Game Officials for a particular game shall at all times uphold the FIFA Laws of the Game, the AYSO National, Section 11, and Area V Guidelines.  Wherever possible, game officials assigned to Area games shall not come from region(s) represented by either team.

 

It is the responsibility of the Center Referee in charge of the game to file a written Misconduct Report on all cautions and send-offs to the Area V Referee Administrator within forty-eight hours after the conclusion of the game in which the offense(s) occurred.  This misconduct information should also be reported on the appropriate game card. 

 

To assure proper administration of the disciplinary rules, it is the responsibility of the game official to make a preliminary verbal report by phone of all send-offs (red cards), game suspensions or terminations to the Area V Referee Administrator immediately following the game in which the send-off(s) took place.

 

It is also the responsibility of the Center Referee to report in written form to the Area V Referee Administrator, any behavior by coaches and/or spectators on or off the field that seriously interfered with his/her conduct of the game.

 

The Center Referee and/or host Region will cancel games due to inclement weather.

 

The Regional Referee Administrator will notify the Area Referee Administrator of any game cancellation.

Games

 

All games shall be played as scheduled.  Only the Center Referee in charge of the game, the hosting Regional Commissioner, or the Area Director for Area V shall have the authority to cancel scheduled Area games in accordance with AYSO National, Section 11, and Area V Rules and Regulations.

 

The HOME TEAM shall supply game balls in good condition.

 

Home teams and visiting teams shall, wherever possible, remain on separate sides of the field of play.

 

Coaches are restricted to an area of ten yards on either side of the Center Line and shall stand back at least one yard from the Touchline, wherever possible.  A maximum of two coaches shall be allowed to coach the team during the game.  Only positive, instructional, and encouraging coaching will be permitted.

 

Players and spectators shall remain at least three yards from the Touchline.

 

Devices, such as but not limited to, air horns, cow bells, drums, megaphones, etc. shall not be allowed.

 

During play, only players are allowed on the field.  In the event of injury other stoppage of play, persons other than players may be allowed by the Center Referee.

 

No person shall be behind or near goals or beyond the 18 yard penalty area line.

Game Ball Size and Duration of Play:

 

DIVISION

BALL

SIZE

MINUTES

PER HALF

MINIMUM PLAYING

TIME PER PLAYER

U19

5

45

½ of every match

U16

5

40

½ of every match

U14

5

35

¾ of every match

U12

4

30

¾ of every match

U10

4

25

¾ of every match

U8

3

20

¾ of every match

U6

3

15

¾ of every match

U5

3

10

¾ of every match

 

Games shall be played as scheduled, and teams are to be prepared to start the match on time, according to the schedule.  Failure of a team to be ready to play at the scheduled kick-off time shall constitute forfeiture on the part of that team, and that team shall lose by a score of 0-1.  The Center Referee shall allow a grace period, in accordance with the Area event from the scheduled kick-off time, before canceling any game.

A team shall be subject to forfeit of a game upon review of the Area Director if found in violation of any of the following:

 

·                     Failure to show up for a scheduled game.

·                     Inability to field the minimum number of players.

·                     Failure to be on the field of play and ready to play at game time or following the specified grace period.

·                     Leaving the field without the referee's permission, with the intent not to continue the game.

·                     Failure or refusal to continue the game.

·                     Misconduct that causes the termination of the game.

·                     Use of an ineligible player.

 

If a game is not completed through the regulation game time due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the final resolution of that game shall be as listed below:

·                     If less than one-half of the designated game time had been played at the time of game suspension, the game will be rescheduled and played at a later date and time. If the game is not rescheduled for any reason, the game shall stand as a NOT PLAYED game, irrespective of the score at the time of game suspension.

·                     If one-half or more of the designated game time had been played at time of game suspension, the game score will stand as recorded by the Center Referee in charge of the game.

 

All-Star and League Play-Offs

In order to be eligible for All-Star play, a player must play a minimum of (1/2) the regularly scheduled games.

 

During the All Star and league (TOC) playoffs, all players will be required to play ½ of every game

 

All Star Teams for U14 and U12 may have a maximum of 15 players, and U10 a maximum of 10 players.

 

All-Star teams cannot be formed prior to November 15th.

 

Coach Eligibility – Beginning with this 2008 season (August 1, 2008) All Star coaches for U14 and U12 will be required to have a minimum of an Intermediate level certification in order to be assigned as an All Star Coach. 

 

Once rosters have been sent to the Area Director, no changes can be made.

 

League rosters are final as of October 1st for U16-U19 teams, and October 31st for U14 and below.  No new players may be added to the roster after this date, even in the event of an injury to a player.

 

Regions having 10 teams or more within a division may have the option to split the division into separate groups of approximately equal size (no group shall be less than 5 teams), and admit one team from each group into the Area League and All-Star Tournament.  Team balancing must be maintained within each division, and caution shall be taken in identifying teams inferring classification (i.e. “Group A”, “Group B”).

 

Scoring (All-Star and League Playoffs)

U14 thru U10

 

For standings in pool play, point(s) shall be awarded as enumerated below:

·                     6 points for a win

·                     3 points for a tie

·                     0 points for a loss

·                     1 point for each goal, up to a maximum of 3

·                     1 point for a shut-out

·                     A maximum of 10 points is possible in any one game

·                     A forfeit shall be scored as 1-0, 8 points

·                     A 2 point deduction for each red card (send-off) received by a player and/or coach (before, during, or after the match)

 

Tie breakers for play-off standings will be as follows:

·                     Head to Head competition

·                     Fewest goals allowed

·                     Greatest number of shutouts

·                     Goal differential (maximum 3 per game)

·                     Kicks from the Mark

 

A tie is an acceptable result in pool play and shall be recorded as such.  No overtime is required. 

 

Game scores shall be recorded on the game cards that each team provides to the Center Referee prior to the game.  The Center Referee shall be responsible for reporting game result to the Field Coordinator or Area V Representative.

Substitution of Players

 

Substitution of players in all U10, U12, & U14 games shall be in accordance with the AYSO National Rules and Regulations.

 

Free substitution shall be allowed for all U16 & U19 games. Each coach is responsible for insuring that each player on the team roster plays a minimum of one-half of every game he/she is present for. Failure to adhere to and comply with this requirement may result in the disqualification of the team from further Area play, as well as the forfeiture of all games played.

 

Substitutions may be made at the following game stoppages:

·                     Prior to throw-in on possession of the ball, if the team with possession chooses to Substitute, the opposing team may substitute at that time

·                     Prior to a goal kick by either team

·                     Kick-off after a goal, half time, between overtime periods, by either team

·                     During an injury, the injured player(s) may be substituted

 

Substitute player(s) may not enter the field of play until permission to do so has been given by the Center Referee.  All substitutions must take place at the Center Line on the team's side of the field, unless given special permission by the referee due to an injury.

 

Semifinal and Final Games Ending in a Tie

 

If a tie exists at the end of a semi-final or final game, non-sudden victory overtime periods shall be played to determine a winner. The length of overtime play shall be:

·                     Two ten minute periods for U16 & U19

·                     Two nine minute periods for U14

·                     Two seven minute periods for U12

·                     Two five minute periods for U10

 

Teams playing short in regulation time play as a result of a send-off(s), shall continue to do so in overtime.

 

Free substitutions shall be allowed for all divisions during overtime play only.  Free substitution rules apply.

 

The teams shall change ends of the field after the completion of the first overtime period.

 

No half-time break will be permitted, i.e. play in the second overtime period must begin immediately.

 

Should a tie remain after the completion of overtime play, the winner shall be determined by a shoot-out (i.e. taking of kicks on goal from the penalty mark).

Only players on the field at the end of the second overtime period may take part in the shoot-out, and none of these players may be exempted from the taking of a kick, should the number of kicks required to determine a winner, warrant their participation.

Misconduct: Sendoffs and Cautions

 

Cautioned players may be substituted by another player, however, should no substitute player be available or the coach does not wish to substitute, the player may remain on the field. This is for Divisions U19 and U16.

 

Any player sent-off from the field must immediately leave the field of play.  In the event a sent-off individual refuses to leave the field, the Center Referee shall suspend the game.

 

Any coach, and/or spectator sent-off from the field, must immediately leave the game site area so as not to be within sight or sound of the field.  In the event a sent-off individual refuses to leave the field, the Center Referee shall suspend the game.

 

All players sent-off (red card) or cautioned (yellow card) for infringement of the Laws of the Game, and all disciplinary action resulting from misconduct by players, coaches and/or spectators, must be reported to the Area V Referee Administrator in writing within twenty-four hours after the termination of the game by the Center Referee in charge of the game.

 

In addition to a written report, all ejections must be reported by phone or email to the Area V Referee Administrator immediately following the game (or same day), in which the ejection occurred.

 

The penalty for a player or coach sent-off (non violent red card) from the field shall be a suspension from his/her next scheduled game.

 

The penalty for a player or coach sent-off for violent conduct from the field shall be a minimum two game suspension of his/her next consecutive scheduled games, plus a review by Disciplinary Action Review Board (DARB).

 

The penalty for a player or coach receiving three cautions in different games shall be a one game suspension of his/her next scheduled game.

 

The penalty for a player or coach receiving a second send-off is a three game suspension, plus a review by Disciplinary Action Review Board (DARB).

 

Canceled and bye games do not count towards serving a game suspension.

 

Depending on the circumstances surrounding a particular incident, stronger penalties may  be imposed as deemed appropriate by the Disciplinary Action Review Board (DARB).

 

 

In the event a player and/or a coach is in attendance at the team's next scheduled game while on suspension, the Center Referee shall not allow the game to start until the player/coach in question has left the field site area.

If the game has already started, the Center Referee in charge of the game shall stop the game and not allow the game to continue until the player/coach in question has left the field site area.

Playing a suspended player will result in a forfeit.

 

Violators of the penalties set forth in this section shall be subject to a disciplinary review by the Area Disciplinary Board. Furthermore, should violators of the penalties set forth in this section refuse to immediately leave the field site area, when requested to do so by the Center Referee, the game shall be suspended.

 

In instances where aggravating circumstances prevail, the player, coach, and/or spectator involved shall be subject to review by the Area Disciplinary Board for appropriate disciplinary action.

 

The Disciplinary Action Review Board will be selected by the Area Director, comprised of three members from Area V Regional Commissioners, Area Staff and/or members from other Areas who were not directly involved with the alleged incident. They shall review all inter-regional disciplinary issues not resolved at the regional level.

 

The DARB is not required to hold a hearing or request reports from the parties involved unless a written request to do so is received from the individual(s) subject to review.

·                     An oral hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix A hereto.

·                     Hearing attendees under the age of 18 shall be accompanied throughout the proceedings by one adult who is not a member of the DARB.

 

All inappropriate behavior before or after a game, especially verbal abuse directed at game officials, by any player, coach or spectator shall be reported in writing by the Center Referee to the Area V Referee Administrator within twenty-four hours after the incident. Any such incident, when documented in writing, may be reviewed at the discretion of the DARB.

 

Fees/Expenditures

The Area will fund Intermediate and above Coaching and Referee training, as well as Management training as necessary. A minimal fee may be charged for these classes.

 

The Area will purchase awards for Area tournaments (U10, U12, and U14) at the end of the season in addition to the 1st and 2nd place U16/U19 division teams. 

 

Each Region will be assessed a per player fee of $1.25 to generate the funds for these expenses.  Payment from the Regions to the Area should be made no later than September 25th of each year.

Players assigned to Spring teams will obligate the Region to a per player fee of $5.00.

 

Players involved in a soccer fest type of Spring play will not be subject to an Area fee.

Injuries

 

Any injury to a participant resulting in a claim must be reported to the Area Director and the Area Safety Director.

Spring Select Guidelines

 

Refer to the most current version of the Area V Spring Guidelines.

Matrix Program

Matrix coaches will not recruit players from the regular program on or after July 1st.  In order to prevent any possible conflicts, Matrix coaches must ask “Are you registered to play AYSO?” as the first thing they say to a prospective player or the player’s parents.  If the answer is yes, regardless of where the play is registered, there must be no further indication that the coach would like to have the player on his or her team.

 

Disciplinary Hearing Procedures

 

An oral hearing on a disciplinary issue falling under the jurisdiction of and acted upon by the Disciplinary Action Review Board (DARB) can be requested in writing within ten days of the date of notification of the action.

 

The Area Director, or his/her designee, shall make arrangements for the hearing at a time and location most suitable to all concerned.  Unless special circumstances prevail, the hearing shall be accomplished within ten days of the date of the written request for a hearing.

 

The Area Director or his /her designee shall serve as the Hearing Chairman, and shall determine:

·                     Attendees

·                     Order in which attendees speak

·                     Duration of individual testimonies, typically five minutes maximum

 

The Disciplinary Action Review Board shall deliberate and reach a decision on the issue at hand immediately following the hearing.

 

The Area Director or his /her designee shall notify the concerned parties in writing of the resulting action within five days following the hearing and/or via telephone within twenty-four hours following the hearing.

 

 

 

 

U10 Play League and All Stars

 

 

 

1.       Area V will  play 7 vs. 7  for U10

 

2.       Area V will hold a separate U10 Tournament – 1 for League and another for All-Stars where each Region could send ( for League ) up to 2 teams per division

 

3.       Area V will meet with Area S and R and see if we can bring back the Tri- Area Tournament for any one who might want to participate

 

 

 

U19 and U16

 

1.                 Scoring

For standings in the U19 and U16 divisions the following point system will be used:

 

·         3 Points for a win

·         1 Point for a tie

·          -1 Point for each Ejection ( Red Card) per player and or coach

 

2.                 Tie Breakers

If at the end of the season, there is a tie between 2 teams in a division for 1st place the tie breakers will be used to determine which team will attend Section Playoffs:

 

·         Head to Head Competition

·         Fewest Goals Allowed

·         Greatest Number of Shutouts

·         Goal Differential ( maximum of 3 per game)

·         Kicks from the mark

 

3.                 Coaching Requirements

 

·         Beginning  with the  2008-2009 season ( August 1, 2008) only Advanced Coaches will be allowed to coach these upper division teams

 

Referee Recommendations

 

It is highly recommended that only Advanced or National Referees be assigned to U19 or U16 games.

 

 

 

 

AYSO PRO Zero Tolerance Policy on

Youth Referee

 

Purpose of the Policy

 

     Youth development is the central focus of the AYSO program.  This includes development of youth whether they are soccer players or soccer referees.  The Player Referee Organization (PRO) is an important part of youth referee development.  All the AYSO guidelines and policies on providing a "Safe, Fair, and Fun" environment for players also applies to youth referees.  Only "Positive, Instructive, and Encouraging" comments are allowed to be directed at youth players or youth referees.  Therefore, we need this policy to make it clear that verbal abuse of youth referees is as unacceptable as verbal abuse of youth players.              

 

             This policy is not intended to imply that youth referees are always "right" and the adult spectator or coach is always "wrong."  Youth referees make many mistakes in officiating, particularly in the younger divisions where they are learning how to referee.  In addition, sometimes youth referees are "in over their head", because they were given an inappropriate assignment, their mentor forgot to show up, or they filled in to referee at the last minute.  

 

        However, it is never acceptable to verbally abuse youth referees in any situation.  There are appropriate avenues for coaches or spectators to share concerns about the quality of officiating.  The Referee Staff welcomes any constructive comments on youth referees.    But, any criticism or critique of a youth referee's performance should only be communicated to the youth by a properly trained Referee Mentor.           

 

 

Policy

 

·         All Regional Board Members as well as Area Staff shall, if necessary, intervene if a coach or spectator is verbally abusing a youth referee.

 

·         Handling general dissent is part of a referee's job.  If the youth referee appears to be managing the dissent appropriately, no intervention is necessary.

 

·         It shall be assumed that any qualified adult referee that is present during any confrontations between a youth referee and any adult coach or spectator, may step in as a “4th official” and help resolve the situation or discipline the coach/spectator.

 

·         All AYSO members (coaches, board members, other referees) shall report any incident of abuse of youth referees to the Regional or Area referee administrator.  This report should happen within 24 hours of the incident if possible.

 

·         “Disputes arising out of game conduct should first be addressed and resolved, if possible, by the regional referee administrator and/or then by a disinterested review board, appointed by the regional commissioner and/or then by the entire region, if necessary”, as stated in Article Six of the Regional Guidelines.  Upon investigating the incident if a determination is made that a person involved in the region needs to be disciplined, the regional commissioner or the regional board shall give notice in writing to such person of such intention.  Disciplinary action should be taken before the next game if possible.  The coach administrator, division commissioner and PRO administrator shall be notified of the disciplinary action.

 

·         Egregious offenses (e.g. multiple abusive situations, physical contact with a youth referee, or exceptional misbehavior directed toward a youth referee) shall result in immediate suspension of the offending spectator/coach by the Regional Commissioner.   Offenses of this nature shall be dealt with in accordance with Article Six of the Regional Guidelines   An egregious offense violates the fundamental mission of AYSO and requires strong action.  Discipline may include, but is not limited to, non-participation for the season, non-participation for multiple seasons, "rehabilitation" (e.g. referee 10 games), or expulsion from the AYSO program.

 

The following are disciplinary action guidelines for youth referee abuse offenses:

 

·         Verbal abuse of a youth referee                               2 game non-participation

 

·         Serious verbal abuse of a youth referee                4 game non-participation

(e.g. using foul language)

 

·         Stepping onto the field or other threat to              6 game non-participation

a youth referee (by word or action) 

 

·         A Letter of Apology and/or a Public Apology to the players and parents is recommended.

 

·         Immediate and sincere remorse on the part of the offending spectator or coach may be taken into account when implementing the discipline.

 

     Non Participation: This is defined as being suspended from attending any AYSO game in the division where the incident occurred.  Therefore, if a spectator is suspended, he or she may not attend any game at that division level during the suspension.  A coach may not coach nor attend any AYSO game at that division level during the suspension.  The coach may still attend team practices during the suspension so as to not disrupt the skill development of his or her players.  For egregious offenses, the suspension can include a ban from attending all AYSO events (e.g. games, practices, meetings) in all divisions.

 

     This policy only applies to the discipline of adult spectators and coaches.  This does not apply to players or youth spectators.