Policies
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Updated: 10/13/2025
Plymouth Youth Soccer (PYSA) follows all Code of Conduct policies established by the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA). In January 2023, the MYSA Board of Directors unanimously approved Codes of Conduct for coaches, parents, players, referees, and a Zero Tolerance Policy. These standards are fully adopted by PYSA and apply to all participants.
Codes of Conduct
We ask all families, coaches, referees, and players to review and follow these expectations:
Zero Tolerance Policy
In partnership with the Coastal Youth Soccer League, PYSA enforces a Zero Tolerance Policy at all games and events. Parents and spectators are expected to follow this policy at every game in Plymouth and when visiting other towns.
This policy is in place to:
- Protect the game
- Promote positive experiences for players
- Ensure respect for coaches and referees
Zero Tolerance Policy
All persons responsible for a team and all the 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 players, the referee and all other participants and spectators. Consequently, the Plymouth Youth Soccer Association has adopted the following rule:
No one is to address the referee during the Game!!
Exceptions for Persons Responsible for a team (Coaches & Assistant Coaches)
During the Game:
- Responding to a referee initiating a communication
- Making Substitutions
- Pointing out emergencies or safety issues
At half time or at the end of game:
- A coach or assistant coach can ask a referee to explain a rule(s) in a polite and constructive way
- Polite and friendly feedback may be given to a referee
- Absolutely NO sarcasm, harassment and intimidation
Penalties:
- 1st Minor Infraction — Referee should ignore
- 2nd Minor Infraction — A verbal warning shall be given
- 3rd Infraction — Caution
- 4th Infraction — Ejection
- 1st Serious Infraction — Caution or Ejection depending on the seriousness of the infraction (FIFA)
Exceptions for Spectators:
During the Game:
- Referee initiating a communication
- Pointing out emergency or safety issues
Penalties:
- 1st Infraction — Referee should stop the game and ask the coach or coaches to quiet the offending spectator.
- 2nd Infraction — A verbal warning. The referee should stop the Game and ask the coach to warn the spectator that the next infraction will be an ejection or the referee will abandon the Game.
- 3rd Infraction — The referee shall instruct the coach to direct the spectator to leave the field. The referee should abandon the game if the spectator does not leave the field.
If the referee abandons the Game, directs a person to leave the field or issues a red card or caution, the Referee shall send a report to the Referee Coordinator who will forward the report with his recommendation to the PYSA Executive Board. The PYSA E-Board can impose penalties up to and including suspension and/or forfeit of Game.
Expectations for Conduct
PYSA expects all players, parents, and coaches to follow these conduct guidelines:
- Respect the rules of soccer and the rules of Plymouth Youth Soccer.
Avoid unsportsmanlike behavior toward any coach, player, parent, official, or attendee. - Never engage in actions that could endanger the health, safety, or well-being of others.
- Refrain from using drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products during any youth soccer activities.
- Do not use profanity, obscenity, or offensive language.
Ensure that spectators and team associates avoid using inappropriate language near players or officials. - Avoid verbal or physical abuse toward others.
- Demonstrate and encourage fair play and good sportsmanship at all practices, games, and tournaments.
- Attend all practices and games when possible, and notify the coach of any absences.
- Arrive prepared and on time with appropriate gear for practices and games.
- Players and parents must read and comply with the PYSA Zero Tolerance Policy.
These expectations are designed to uphold high standards across all PYSA programs. Anyone who violates this Code of Conduct while attending, coaching, training, officiating, or participating in PYSA-sanctioned events may be subject to disciplinary action.
Sideline Behavior
Each year, approximately one-third of the nation's 141,000 referees stop officiating — largely due to verbal abuse from the sidelines. This trend affects towns across the country, including ours.
Referee reports show an increase in poor sideline behavior across all age groups, even as young as U7.
Unacceptable Sideline Comments Include:
"Come on, ref. Call it both ways!"
"That ball is out!"
"Offside, ref!"
"Hey ref, handball, handball!"
"That’s a corner kick, isn’t it ref?"
We ask all parents and coaches to focus on cheering for the players rather than questioning the officials. Many referees are our own kids and they need positive reinforcement, not criticism.
Reporting Concerns or Misconduct
Disciplinary action is handled by the PYSA Board following a formal report. Reports may be submitted in one of the following ways:
- BY EMAIL - Send details to president@plymouthyouthsoccer.com
- IN PERSON - Speak directly with any PYSA board member. Contact information is available on the Who is PYSA page
All reports are taken seriously. Investigations are conducted through interviews with the individuals involved and reviewed by the PYSA Board.
Animal Policy – Dogs at Fields
To ensure safety and minimize distractions, PYSA asks that dogs not be brought to the soccer fields or sidelines during games or practices.
We've received several requests from coaches and players to keep fields dog-free.
Multiple dogs on the sidelines increase the risk of:
- Barking or fighting
- Loose dogs chasing balls or players
- Accidental injuries involving children or spectators
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us keep game days safe, fun, and incident-free.
For questions, contact info@plymouthyouthsoccer.com