Waltham Youth Soccer (WYS) Zero Tolerance Policy
Zero Tolerance Rule prohibits talking to the referees.
Anyone (player, coach, spectator) who violates the zero tolerance rule is subject to be disciplined up to and including, the possibility of dismissal from the game or removal from the WYS program.
Zero Tolerance Rule, in summary:
All individuals responsible for a team and all 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 the other participants and spectators.
No one is to speak to the referee during or after the game. Exceptions: Coaches may ask questions before the game, call for substitutions and point out emergencies during the game, or respond to the referee if addressed.
Absolutely no disputing calls, during or after the game, no remarks to the referee to watch certain players or attend to rough play. NO YELLING at the referee, EVER, and no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game.
Violators may be ejected and are subject to disciplinary action.
If coaches or spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, contact the WYS referee assignor at [email protected] or the local town soccer presidents
Important note about NOT speaking to opposing players & coaches:
WYS expects the same conduct toward officials be extended to opposing players. This means:
Spectators are NOT to address opposing players or coaches, or to engage in dialog with a player(s) during a game. Any comments should be directed to the WYS coach after the game.
Coaches are NOT to address opposing players, but should direct any concerns, questions, or dialog about an opposing player to that player's coach. If the nature of the concern is an immediate safety issue, the coach should address the game Official, BUT only in the context of safety.
EXCEPTION: WYS coaches SHOULD remain aware of any inappropriate language or action directed at young officials by opposing players/coaches.
Important note about Spectator conduct:
Additionally, WYS expects the same conduct of spectators towards all players, coaches, board members, and volunteers from either WYS or opposing city and town programs. Prohibited behavior includes, but not limited to:
Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
Taunting players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence, or actual violence.
Throwing of any object in the spectators’ viewing area, players’ area, or playing fields, or parking areas, directed in any manner in order to intimidate or harm another person, or create a safety hazard.