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Zero Tolerance Policy 2010

SURREY METRO SOCCER ASSOCIATION

10957 Jay Crescent
Surrey, BC V3R 5B3
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Dedicated to Development

August 26, 2008


Zero Tolerance of Improper Conduct of Coaches, Managers, Parents, and Any Adults during Soccer Matches.

The SMSA Discipline Committee wants to thank everyone for the dramatic improvements by all leaders in soccer for the reduction in inappropriate conduct by adults at soccer matches in Surrey last season. Nevertheless, the SMSA Discipline Committee is dedicated to insure there are no regressions in this trend.

Therefore, this season we are strengthening our Zero Tolerance Policy by announcing that any improper conduct by any adults during a soccer match will result in severe sanctions.  Specifically, if any adult receives any card, a game expulsion, or is sent from the field of play for improper conduct, either verbal or physical, towards a game official(s), player(s), or other spectator(s).  The SMSA Discipline Committee may impose the full sanctions posted on the SMSA website.

The Discipline Committee is working hard to educate all involved and understands that sometimes there may be issues at the pitch that can inflame a competitor’s emotions. Hence, the Committee also wishes to reaffirm that there is a protest process available and the process must begin within forty-eight (48) hours after the final whistle of the match in question. Consequently, there are provisions for conflict resolution other than during the match. Therefore, anyone who feels a game was compromised can (and is encouraged to) file a formal protest with the SMSA Protests and Appeals Committee within the forty-eight (48) hours. Information on how to file a protest is available on the SMSA website or from individual club executives.

Again, we wish to thank all those who adhere to the proper ethical standards and provide strong leadership through proper conduct. Further, we wish to thank everyone for the decrease in misconduct occurrences and we believe we can all work together to provide a positive soccer experience for all our children.  Whether playing soccer or officiating soccer matches.


Sincerely,
Greg Mitchell, Chair,
SMSA Discipline Committee.

Changes to the Zero Tolerance Policy penalties - effective immediately - are as follows:

  1. Any coach, Assistant coach, Team Manager, Parent or Spectator who receives a red card, yellow card, is sent from the field of play or causes the referee to abandon officiating a soccer match, will result in the head Coach being held responsible and possibly receiving a personal fine in the amount of (up to and including) $500.00. In addition, the responsible coach may also receive a suspension for up to and including one year, and possibly including the posting of a performance bond of up to $1000.00.  Suspensions will not commence until the date any fine(s) are received by the SMSA Treasurer or otherwise stated by the SMSA Discipline Committee.  Likewise, suspensions, regardless of length, are not concluded until any performance bonds required are posted for the offence and received by the SMSA Treasurer or as otherwise stated by the SMSA Discipline Committee. Be aware, all suspensions are registered with BC Soccer so coaches will not be able to change clubs to avoid paying fines, serving suspensions, or posting performance bonds.
  2. Any coach incurring a second offence within two (2) years of the date of first offence will face personal fines, up to and including, $1000.00 and a suspension up to and including five (5) years. The coach may also be required to post a performance bond in the amount of (up to and including) $2500.00.
  3. Any coach who violates the SMSA Zero-Tolerance Policy a third time will receive a lifetime suspension from coaching, assisting coaching, or managing any soccer team.

 

Regarding Member clubs:

Any member club who allows a coach, who was found in violation of the SMSA Zero-Tolerance Policy and disciplined accordingly to continue to coach within the respective Member Club, will be held accountable for any other offences that the coach may incur. Therefore, any Member Club that permits a coach to coach while a Performance Bond is posted and the coach re-offends the Member Club must post a performance bond in the amount of (up to and including) $2500.00 for first offence.

For clarity, any coach who violates the SMSA Zero-Tolerance Policy (and must post any amount of a performance bond) and is permitted to continue to coach by a Member Club does so at the club’s responsibility. Therefore, in the event a coach re-offends a second time, the club must post a performance bond regardless if the coach continues to coach or not. A third offence by the same coach results in the SMSA keeping part of or all the Performance Bond posted by the Member Club and posting additional performance bonds as deemed sufficient by the SMSA Discipline Committee.
 
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