It is the desire of the Board of Directors of the Napa Youth Soccer League ("NYSL") for players, parents, coaches, referees and other spectators to be able to enjoy the sport of soccer in a safe and positive environment. To this end, the following policy has been adopted by NYSL to establish guidelines as to what actions constitute unacceptable behavior and the minimum consequences of such actions.

This policy pertains to actions taken by referees, coaches, parents and spectators before, during and after an NYSL game, practice or team event. All NYSL teams (Recreation and Club/Class I and Class III) playing at home or away are covered by this policy. This policy does NOT address misconduct by players on the field of play during a game, as those actions and consequences are already addressed by FIFA and CYSA in the Team Manual. In all cases, the consequences of misconduct recommended here are to be considered minimums, which the NYSL Disciplinary Committee may or may not increase. If the NYSL Disciplinary Committee implements a termination or suspension of a coach, parent or referee, or invokes a period of probation, those so penalized shall not be considered "members in good standing" and thus will lose the privileges of "membership", which include participating in the Annual General Meeting and serving NYSL in any official capacity during their period of termination, suspension or probation.

When the word "dissent" is used in these or any documents of NYSL, the definition is taken from the United States Soccer Federation ("USSF") terminology in section 12.29.2 and defined as "Dissent is committed by words, actions (including gestures), or a combination of the two. The referee should evaluate dissent in terms of content (what exactly is said or done) loudness (the extent to which the dissent can be seen or heard widely), and whether it is clearly directed at an official (including assistant referees and fourth officials). The objective in dealing with dissent is to support the spirit of the game, to maintain the authority of the officials, and to reduce the likelihood of such behavior becoming widespread."

In the event of a permanent suspension from NYSL of a coach, spectator or referee who is under the age of eighteen, suspension shall last until his/her eighteenth birthday, then the individual may reapply for a position. In the event of a permanent suspension from the NYSL of a coach, spectator or referee who is over the age of eighteen, the suspension will remain permanent.

This policy was adopted by the NYSL Board of Directors at the April 26,2000 meeting.

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