To: All Members and Affiliates
From: Chris Branscome, CEO
Date: August 5, 2024
RE: New Competition Year and Sideline Behavior Policy
CC: Board of Directors
The 24-25 soccer season is here. August effectively begins what we refer to as the “competitive year.” Whereas the seasonal year begins September 1, in accordance with state and national bylaws and policies, the pre-season begins now. It was always recognized that the new seasonal year registrations, rosters and passes are recognized for August tournaments, and in some cases an early start to the season. We also want to recognize any changes in policies or to the laws of the game or interpretations thereof. This provides all participants with an opportunity to make the necessary adjustments prior to the start of the season in September.
A priority in the last two years has been to address negative issues that have affected our game. Incidents of poor sideline behavior and referee abuse from both teams and spectators have been on the rise in recent years. We must be better stewards of the game and create more a positive environment for our children to play. To that end, The Board of Directors has recently approved the Policy on Sideline Behavior and Conduct at a Match.
This policy was created to provide direction and support for all competitions, referees, coaches and clubs. The framework of this policy reminds us of the referee’s authority as per the Laws of The Game and to define the process to address misconduct and inappropriate behavior from spectators The policy holds coaches, teams, and clubs accountable for their actions. This policy applies to all levels of soccer.
Referees and team coaches must work together to manage and resolve all situations at youth soccer matches. Misconduct or foul and abusive language towards anyone participating or viewing a match cannot be tolerated. Last year, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer distributed its codes of conduct, in line with US Soccer codes. Many clubs and leagues have adopted their own, with similar language and intent. This policy, along with the many codes of conduct, must be distributed and followed to provide the positive playing environment our young players deserve.
The individual competitions (leagues or tournaments) have disciplinary jurisdiction based on a referee’s match report. Leagues retain the right to address all disciplinary matters within as they determine. Please check with your league or tournament for additional rules as they relate to this policy, as they have the right to be more specific or more restrictive. Incidents of referee abuse and referee assault are adjudicated by the state association in accordance with US Soccer policy 531-9.
Additional memo’s will be forthcoming regarding changes to the Laws of The Game. Zoom presentations will be scheduled for additional insight and review later this month. Stay tuned for those events as its important for all competitions, coaches and referees to be on the same page as we enter the new seasonal year. All presentations will be made available afterwards on EPYSA.org.