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Coaches,
As many of you may know, in accordance with US Soccer, Mass Youth Soccer has introduced updates to policies regarding misconduct towards officials. Any registered participants, players, coaches, and registered adults will now face increased penalties for any reported misconduct towards a referee. Additionally, to further combat misconduct toward officials, Mass Youth Soccer has implemented the Spectator Misconduct Toward Referees Policy. Essentially, we are extending the same penalties outlined in 531-9 to all spectators at Mass Youth Soccer sanctioned events. If you have not already, please make sure to familiarize yourself with all policy updates before your season begins. You can do so here on our "Respect the Call" webpage.
As our seasons kicks off this weekend, we are also implementing a new pregame sportsmanship statement. All players and coaches from both teams will join the referee crew and walk out across the field together, read the sportsmanship statement to the spectators, and shake hands with the officials and opposing team prior to kickoff. Below is the full procedure and sportsmanship statement along with a short video demonstrating this new process.
Thank you all in advance for your cooperation with these new policies and procedures. It is the goal of Mass Youth Soccer to create and maintain a safe and positive environment for all participants. We can't do this without your support.
Procedure
After all pre-game activities are complete, both teams and the referee crew will line up at the Halfway Line of the Coaches Sideline. Led by officials, all players and coaches will walk across the field and line up facing spectators, 5 yard from the sideline. The Sportsmanship Statement will be read by a representative of the Home team to all coaches, players and spectators. Following the reading of the script, players will perform a pre-game handshake. (Home team to walk down the line of Away Team). After the pre-game handshake, all players and coaches will return to benches and starting players will assume positions on the field of play.
Sportsmanship Statement
Mass Youth Soccer and LEAGUE / EVENT NAME share a mission to provide a safe, fun and inclusive soccer experience for all participants.
All participants deserve the right to play in an environment free from hostile and distracting behavior. Please do your part to create a positive soccer experience for all. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated, and sanctions may be applied for violations of policy or codes of conduct. It is the referee's discretion to terminate the game if any threatening or discriminatory statements are made or for anyone entering the field of play without permission.
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