As part of a major initiative to improve the quality of the game for our players, the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association is adopting a Zero Tolerance Policy towards any behavior or language that is detrimental to the spirit of the game. We at Eleftheria Pancyprian Soccer Club are aligned with this policy and support the procedures and responsibilities. This is a major first step in improving the quality of the referees for our games since we need to be able to attract and retain the best referees.

This policy applies to all coaches, team officials, adult personnel, parents, spectators, players, and other supporters and referees effective immediately. Abusive and obscene language, violent play/conduct, fighting and other behavior (including, but not limited to sarcasm, taunting, bullying etc.) deemed detrimental to the game between the above-mentioned groups will not be tolerated.

It applies to all aspects of the game (pre- and post-game) which include but not limited to email, text messages and other electronic forms of communication between parties (public or private) and incidents on field or off the field (parking lots, practice fields, scrimmages etc.) for all ENYYSA associated activities.

PROCEDURES - RESPONSIBLITIES OF:

Club President

It is the Club’s responsibility to educate, police and discipline any parent or parents whose conduct interferes with any match. (ENY league or tournament matches) It is also the Club’s Responsibility to maintain safety and security (person or property) to all league officials, referees, players, and spectators. Clubs must notify all teams outside ENY members of current policies before registering within our events. This will apply before, during and after all matches.

Coach

All coaches and field officials, if present, are to correct the situation immediately once informed by referees or personally observed. All coaches must identify parent(s) or person involved and report it to club president immediately so said person(s) can be addressed.

Referee

In all incidents involving parents, it is the referee’s responsibility to inform both coaches to speak with and correct the situation before match can resume. Referee and supplemental reports must be filled out properly and sent within 24 hours to SYRA, league concerned, and ENY for review and immediate actions.

The ultimate responsibility for the actions of coaches, players and spectators resides with the member clubs.

Leagues

It will be the leagues responsibility to hear all 1st or 2nd offense cases for parent referee abuse and discipline accordingly. (Discipline set by committee) Leagues at any time can request that ENYYSA Supervisory Committee assist or handle case if deemed necessary. Leagues will report all details of hearing decision to ENYYSA office ASAP. This will allow ENYYSA to compile a list of all infractions and penalties to be shared with all other leagues.

ENYYSA

It is the responsibility of ENYYSA Arbitration or Supervisory Committees to hear all cases that involve all referee or league officials’ assaults, police, or civil cases and 3 or more incidents by one team. The office will compile all information and generate an updated list of offenses to be distributed to all leagues for their awareness as things change. Must notify all association of current policy if their teams are playing in our leagues.

Penalties

If a team parent or parents verbal abuse or actions cause a match to be interrupted, terminated or Coach to be sent off, the following discipline will be imposed:

1st offense
- Minimum 3 game suspension for coach(s)
- Minimum $250 fine to club
- Possible game forfeit
- Possible point deduction to be determined by league or tournament chairs

2nd offense
- Minimum 3 game suspension for coach(s)
- Minimum $500 fine to club
- Possible game forfeit
- Possible point deduction to be determined by league or tournament chairs

3 or more offenses
- Mandatory Supervisory or Arbitration Hearing
- Minimum 5 game suspension for coach(s)
- Minimum $1000 fine to club
- Last or no other recourse to correct a chronic offender(s). A recommendation of possible suspension of child of parent involved in league.