General Guidelines
	Field Use Restrictions
	Policy for Dealing with Misconduct of Coaches and Assistants
	WOYSA Soccer Rules
	Practice Drills
	NYSWYSA Risk Management Program
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Policy for Dealing with Misconduct of Coaches and Assistants

…  WOYSA does not tolerate any argument with or harassment of referees, players, or opponents. If you observe a coach, parent, or spectator engaging in such conduct, we ask that you attempt to intervene in a calm and reasonable manner, or contact a Head Coach or a WOYSA Board Member immediately. The WOYSA Board has formed Conduct Review Committee which will consider legitimate issues of misconduct concerning coaches and others, and will take appropriate action which may include, if deemed necessary, termination of the coaching privilege.”

            … Taken from “Coaches General Guidelines – Conduct

1.  STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

A – COACHING ETHICS

Coaches and their assistants are representatives of the W.O.Y.S.A. and must conduct themselves in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of this organization.

1.      Coaches are to conduct themselves in a responsible manner.

2.      Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their assistant coaches, managers, players and their parents as well as their teams spectators at all league games.

3.      Coaches should remain in the “Coaching Area” during the game. This area shall consist of a rectangular area off the playing field, and extending between the “penalty areas” at each end of the field.

4.      A maximum of 3 coaches shall be allowed within the “Coaching Area” on the players side of the field only.

5.      No Coaches, players or spectators are permitted behind the goal lines during the game.

6.      No One shall distract or talk to the referee during play. Any questions about calls or explanations of rulings shall be made during the stoppage of play between the periods and should be in the presence of  both coaches and both referees.

Habitually running up scores or making no effort to hold scores down will not be tolerated.

B – COACHING MISCONDUCT

1.      Offensive, insulting or abusive language directed at players, opposing Coaches, referees or spectators is not allowed.

2.      Offensive, insulting, or abusive gestures or actions directed at players, opposing Coaches, referees or spectators are not allowed.

3.      Sexual harassment, discrimination or abuse in any form is not allowed.

4.      Unsportsmanlike behavior and conduct deemed inappropriate relative to the Coaches’ position as an instructor, mentor and role model in a recreational youth organization are not allowed.

5.      Repeated violations of Coaching Ethics following formal or informal reprimand.

C - SEVERE MISCONDUCT

1.      Any coach, assistant, player, parent or spectator who physically threatens or assaults any other coach, assistant, player, parent, spectator or a referee before, during or after a game.

2.      Leaving a player(s) or referee(s) unattended after a game or practice.

3.      Repeated incidents of Coaching Misconduct.

2.   PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH VIOLATIONS OF COACHES GUIDELINES

A – COACHING ETHICS

Any reports from referees, opposing coaches, players or parents regarding repeated violations of Ethics Guidelines officially filed with the Board will be handled as follows;

       1.   Division Directors will be responsible for verifying details of the complaint.

       2.  The Division Director will contact the Coach(s) involved and discuss the allegation, getting the Coaches version(s) of the incident.

 3.   If the allegation is determined to be correct, the Division Director will determine if he/she can resolve the situation with the Coach(s) involved. This will consist of a warning that subsequent violations of this nature will be forwarded to the Conduct Review Committee for possible disciplinary action.

       4.   If disciplinary action is taken, it would consist of a letter of reprimand be placed in the Coaches file for future reference.

B – COACHING MISCONDUCT

Any reports from referees, opposing coaches, players or parents regarding violations of Coaching Misconduct Guidelines officially filed with the Board will be handled as follows;

1.      The Conduct Review Committee, at its discretion, may recommend that a Coach be suspended from participation in League activities while the Committee investigates and contemplates any disciplinary action.

      2.   The Conduct Review Committee will verify details of the complaint including  interviewing the person or persons who have made the complaint, as well as any witnesses who may have observed the incident.

      3.    The Conduct Review Committee will send a letter to the Coach involved, asking for his/her version of the incident. The Coach will have 7-days to respond in writing to the Committee.

4.      The Conduct Review Committee will meet within 14-days to determine if disciplinary action should be taken.

5.      If the allegation is determined to be correct, the Coach may recommend that the Coach be subject to immediate suspension from the League for a period of time to be decided on. The Conduct Review Committee will submit its recommendation to the WOYSA Board of Directors for approval. If the suspension is approved by the Board, the Coach will be notified verbally and in writing of the Committee’s decision.

6.      If determined to be correct and is a repeat offense, the Coach will be subject to immediate suspension for the remainder of the League season. The Conduct Review Committee will submit its recommendation to the WOYSA Board of Directors for approval. If the suspension is approved by the Board, the Coach will be notified verbally and in writing of the Committee’s decision. The Coach must request reinstatement from the Board of Directors for participation with WOYSA in subsequent seasons.

C – SEVERE MISCONDUCT

       Any reports from referees, opposing coaches, players or parents regarding repeated violations of  Severe Misconduct Guidelines officially filed with the Board will be handled as follows;

       1.   The Conduct Review Committee, at its discretion, may recommend that a Coach be suspended from participation in League activities while the Committee investigates and contemplates any disciplinary action.

       2.   The Conduct Review Committee will verify details of the complaint including interviewing the person or persons who have made the complaint, as well as any witnesses who might have observed the incident.

       3.   The Conduct Review Committee will send a letter to the Coach involved, asking for  his/her version of the incident. The Coach will have 7-days to respond in writing to the Committee.

4.   The Conduct Review Committee will meet within 14-days to determine if disciplinary action should be taken

       5.    If the allegation is proven correct, the Coach will be subject to an immediate lifetime ban  from participation in this League. The Committee will submit its recommendation to the WOYSA Board of Directors for approval. If the expulsion and ban are approved, the Coach will be notified by registered letter of the Boards decision. The Board may also forward its determination to New York State West Youth Soccer Association  for additional sanctions.