Zero Tolerance Policy
Zero Tolerance
The BAYS Zero Tolerance Policy is as follows:
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.
Consequently, BAYS has adopted and modified the following rules:
No one, except the players, 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 by the BAYS Sportsmanship Review Committee.
If Coaches would like to provide feedback to or about the referee, AFTER the game, log into the BAYS site and a dropdown under MyBAYS should have a Game Feedback tab with a form that goes directly to the home Ref Assignors and Club President.
If spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, please contact the town soccer club Referee Assignor for the game in question, at https://bays.org/bays/organizations.
ZT violation levels are assigned by the referee according to the following scale: 1 = minor; 2 = major; 3 = most severe.
Link to BAYS Zero Tolerance Policy
Participants must also follow the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association’s (MYSA) Zero Tolerance Policy can be found HERE. Serious threats or acts of physical harm constitute referee abuse or assault and should result in immediate game termination. Please see the MYSA ZT policy regarding specific reporting processes for Referee Abuse and Referee Assault.