Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association Board of Directors recently approved the implementation of Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Parents, Players and Referees and a Zero Tolerance Policy by unanimous consent.
This Zero Tolerance Policy in an effort to decrease the abuse of soccer Officials (Referee, Assistant Referee, Lines People, 4th Officials).
We must all work together to deter and eliminate all levels of verbal abuse or negative criticism of Officials. We would not tolerate such behavior towards our children, we must not tolerate the same towards our Officials.
This Zero Tolerance Policy applies to all coaches, players, parents, spectators, and other supporters and Officials participating in a Mass Youth Soccer program or event. Coaches are responsible for ensuring all spectators associated with their team follow this Zero Tolerance Policy relating to communications with an Official. A coach or spectator may not express any disagreement or dissatisfaction whatsoever with the officiating to any Official, directly or indirectly. A coach or spectator may not, before, during, or after a match, discuss with, or voice within earshot of, an Official any critique of the Official's performance, other than to thank and positively compliment the Official. Any other critiques may only be voiced or communicated through the appropriate league’s reporting channels.
Codes of conduct have also been established for coaches, players, and parents/spectators
Details and Descriptions of Codes of Conduct are located on the Safe Soccer section of the Mass Youth Soccer website and include the following policies and codes of conduct for players, coaches, parents/spectators. and officials:
Further details can be found on the MA Youth Soccer website: https://www.mayouthsoccer.org/codes-of-conduct/
When a parent or guardian registers their child, they are required to read and follow the rules set forth in the above documents. You are acknowledging this policy by checking “Yes” to this request.