DISCIPLINE, APPEALS & RED CARD PROCEDURES.
RED CARD PROCEDURE
It is the responsibility of every team official, player, and parent to know the SLYSA bylaws, regulations and policies regarding yellow cards and red cards. All players, coaches, team officials and spectators will be subject to the penalties listed in the SLYSA rules and ruled upon by the Disciplinary and Appeals Chairman. Please understand that the Chairman may impose additional suspensions at their discretion.
REFEREE REPORTS
All reports need to be submitted within 72 hours of the completion of the match.
All players that receive a red card automatically have a one game suspension.
All players that receive a Violent Conduct (VC) red card automatically receive a two game suspension.
All coaches that receive a red card automatically receive a two game suspension. Coaches should NOT show up to the field for any reason while serving their designated suspensions. If the coach shows to the field that could result in a forfeit if the coach refuses to leave.
All the above suspensions can not be protested or appealed.
Coaches are responsible for giving up the player/coaches card to ensure the correct player/coach is listed on the report.
USSF REFEREE REPORT FORM (RED CARD / EJECTION REPORTS)
Referees can place the red card report in the mailbox for game cards, e-mail the report, or bring it to the SLYSA office and must notify the assignor/site manager.
If requested, the SLYSA office will send the report by mail to the player and coach within 72 hours of receiving the referee report.
SUSPENSION REPORT
This is a player’s/coach’s notification of the reason(s) for the red card which might include the red card report, game card, and suspension letter.
The red card report will be the evidence for the Disciplinary and Appeals Chairperson who will accept it as true.
If the player/coach does not notify the SLYSA office, then he/she may not argue that he/she did not receive a copy of the report as an excuse for not submitting any statements.
DISCIPLINARY PROCESS
The referee report will be forwarded to the Disciplinary and Appeals Chairman.
The Disciplinary and Appeals Chairman will handle all suspensions for red card offenses. The club to which the coach or player is registered will be notified in a timely manner of the sanctions imposed on them.
Every red card will be evaluated on an individual basis. The Discipline & Appeal Chairman, in conjunction with the assigned referee, will be responsible for the enforcement of the suspensions. Consequences for not adhering to the decision may result in additional penalties.
No video or pictures will be used when determining the suspension listed in the Disciplinary reports.
DETERMINING ACTION TAKEN BY THE CHAIRMAN
• The chairman will consider the evidence brought before him/her and not allow outside factors to impact a decision.
• The discipline decision will be based on the seriousness of the offense and a reasonable punishment for it, while considering the best interest of all involved. (Club, SLYSA)
MEMBER ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITIES
If a coach, assistant coach, or manager is unable to control his or her spectators, the soccer club (with which the individual is associated) is directed to take appropriate actions toward the identifiable, unruly spectator, or if unidentifiable, towards the team itself. The misconduct report shall be sent to the SLYSA office for review and further action if warranted. Any report alleging misconduct by a referee must also be submitted to SLYSA for review and handling.
Any report of abuse by any person towards a game official must be submitted in a timely manner in writing to SLYSA, Attention: Discipline & Appeals Chair, 10733 Sunset Office Drive, Suite #261, St. Louis, MO 63127. The report will then be forwarded to the MYSA/IYSA office and its discipline committee.
What needs to be done to appeal the Disciplinary and Appeals Chairman’s decision?
Offenders will have the opportunity to appear before the disciplinary committee. Parents and coaches may also attend. Appeals must be directed to the Disciplinary and Appeals Chairperson within one (1) week of a decision. Depending on the findings of the disciplinary committee, penalties may be increased according to the gravity of the infringement, and the reasons for such increases in penalties shall be documented by the disciplinary committee.
Following a request for a hearing, the next step in the process is for the D&A Chairperson to verify whether there is sufficient reason to merit a hearing. Assuming the request has been validated; the chairperson would then set up a hearing and notify the parties involved. Notification of the hearing to be done by email, and follow-up notification should always be in writing. The appealing party needs to acknowledge in writing the acceptance of the appeal date. This provides proof that notification was provided, and when it was received. Notification should be provided to all involved parties at the same time. Unless competition dictates otherwise, a minimum of ten (10) business days should be allowed for the accused to adequately prepare his/her defense. In the event that it becomes necessary to hold a hearing on very short notice, a follow-up notification should be sent by email to slysa@slysa.org noting the time and place of the hearing. If an appeal is requested and given, then a no-show fee of $100.00 will be issued to the team account.
APPEAL HEARING PROCEDURES
The hearing must be before an impartial board. It is required to have at least three (3) people in the committee. No member should be involved in the circumstances being heard, nor in any way closely associated with any of the involved parties. If necessary, alternate members should be available.
The D&A Chairperson shall call the meeting to order.
Introductions should be made detailing what everyone’s role is.
The chairperson will note that proper decorum must be maintained throughout the proceedings.
Notice of violations and action taken will be stated.
A copy of the original complaint against the accused.
The party calling for the hearing will be allowed time for testimony from him/herself.
Witnesses may be called.
Committee members will be allowed time for questions and cross-examination.
Both parties will be allowed equal time for closing statements and arguments.
The chairperson and committee will convene regarding the decision.
The chairperson will inform all participants of the appeal decision via email the following day.
The chairperson will adjourn the hearing.
SLYSA RULES, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
Disciplinary rulings and minimum punishments (All sections listed below are minimums) SLYSA may adopt more stringent penalties, which will prevail, but in no event may penalties be less than those listed.
PLAYER - Must show up to the following matches and check in with the referee in street clothes to serve suspension.
Player Fighting. A player guilty of fighting before, during, or after a game shall receive a minimum two (2)-game suspension.
Player Profanity. A player guilty of using profanity, either by word or sign, against a referee, another player, coach, spectator, or any SLYSA official shall receive a minimum one (1)-game suspension.
Player Threats. A player guilty of making threatening gestures against a referee, another player, coach, spectator, or any SLYSA official shall receive a minimum one (1)-game suspension. Verbal threats are remarks that carry the implied or direct threat of physical harm.
Player Striking an Official. A player guilty of pushing or striking a referee shall be sent to MYSA/IYSA for disciplinary action.
Player Striking Coach or SLYSA Official. A player guilty of pushing or striking a coach or SLYSA official shall receive a minimum one (1)-year suspension.
COACH - Should NOT show up to the field for any reason while serving their designated suspensions. If the coach shows to the field that could result in a forfeit if the coach refuses to leave.
Coaches' red cards including but not limited to threats, threatening gestures, physical contact, or use of threatening language to other players, coaches, referees or any organization officials shall be disciplined according to the following schedule. All suspensions shall be served with the same team.
First Red Card: Minimum two-game (2) suspension (no appeal).
Second Red Card with the same team: Minimum of five-game (5) suspension.
Third Red Card with the same team: The offender will be suspended for a minimum of one year.
SPECTATOR
Misconduct of Spectators. Any individual who makes threatening gestures, physical contact or uses threatening language to players, coaches, referees, other spectators or SLYSA officials shall be disciplined according to the following schedule:
First Time: Minimum two-game (2) suspension.
Second Time: Minimum of four-game (4) suspension.
Third Time: The offender will be suspended for a minimum of one year.
