NSCCL Zero Tolerance
NSCCL Zero Tolerance
Needham Soccer Club operates a strict Zero Tolerance policy when it comes player, coach and spectator interactions with referees. Referees are to be treated with respect at all times, and allowed to go about refereeing the game, and making calls as they see fit without interference, influence or harassment from the sidelines.
Players
May:
- Speak to the referee on the field
- Ask questions of the referee during the game.
- Thank the Referee after the game.
It is at the referee’s discretion whether they wish to respond/speak back to players. Respectful interaction is encouraged if it helps players to understand/learn.
May Not:
- Complain about, or appeal against referee’s decisions
- Yell, abuse, or otherwise harass the referee.
Coaches
May:
- Greet referees at the start of the game/before kick off
- Thank referees at the end of the game
- Ask their own players to ask the referee a genuine question.
- Call the referee’s attention to an injury / safety issue (NOT including perceived fouls)
May Not:
- Directly engage, address, yell at, question, appeal or otherwise intimidate/harass a referee over anything that happens on the field, including injuries.
- Indirectly question referees (e.g. gesturing, noises or shouts of frustration, comment towards their bench/co-coaches)
- Attempt to influence referee calls
- Attempt to exert their own understanding of certain rules or situations.
Spectators
May:
- Encourage the referee and thank/applaud them at the end of the game.
May Not:
- Otherwise engage or address the referee in any capacity.
- Directly or indirectly complain about refereeing.
Above all else, players coaches and spectators must treat referees (and all participants) with respect, and adhere to the club Codes of Conduct signed during registration.
Reporting Incidents (Referees / Parents of Referees)
NSC takes Zero Tolerance violations seriously, and we encourage referees or parents of referees to report using the below form. Reports will be reviewed by the club and appropriate action taken.
+ Click here to report an incident
