Zero Tolerance Policy

Sudbury Youth Soccer Association supports the BAYS Zero Tolerance Policy, which governs the behavior of coaches and spectators toward referees. The policy is designed to foster good sportsmanship, provide a friendly and safe environment, and support the development of referees, many of whom are relatively young and inexperienced. The policy is reprinted below. It is also available on the BAYS web site.

The policy states that 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.

  • No one except the players, are 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 or spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, please contact the town soccer club's referee coordinator for the game in question.

Zero Tolerance Violations

Sudbury Youth Soccer considers any violation of Zero Tolerance by parents or coaches a serious issue.  Disciplinary action resulting from Zero Tolerance violations are subject to the Boards discretion and can include warnings, suspensions, and/or a permanent loss of coaching positions. 

A parent or coach does not need to be issued a yellow or red card during the game to be in violation of the zero tolerance policy. Any comment in the  referee’s report indicating a zero tolerance violation could result in any disciplinary action listed above.