Spring 2001

1. U19/2 Terminated Game
In the 78th minute, a penalty kick was awarded to Team B. Team A players protested the awarding of the penalty kick to the referee. The referee ejected a Team A player. The referee went over to the Team A coach and requested that he control his players. The Team A coach refused and stated "there was nothing I can do." The referee terminated the match.

Decisions of the R&D Committee were as follows:

  1. The game was declared a forfeit and the score will be recorded Team B 3 vs. Team A 0.
  2. All cards issued in the game stand.
  3. Team A Coach was suspended for 3 games. This suspension must be served in the next 3 Team A NCSL games.
2. U15/3 Team A playing of an Ineligible Player
As reported in the information posted on the web site, Team A had a player who owed a carryover sit-out from the Fall 2001 season for accumulating 20 disciplinary points in the final game of the season played on Nov. 4, 2001. According to NCSL rules, this player was ineligible to participate in Team A's first NCSL game.

Decisions of the R&D Committee were as follows:

  1. The game was declared a forfeit and the score will be recorded Team B 3 vs. Team A 0
  2. The player was suspended from the next Team A NCSL game.
  3. Team A Coach was suspended for 1 game which must be served in the next Team A NCSL game.
3. U10/3 Parent compliant about referee's performance
The Team A parent complained that the referee did not send off a player from Team B for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity. In the parent's opinion, the offense should have been punished by a free kick or a penalty kick. The referee did not caution the opponent, did not direct the game to be restarted with a free kick, and did not direct the game to be restarted with a goal kick; instead, the referee restarted the game with a drop ball.

The Team A parent further complained: 1) the referee did not call a single foul during the first half of the game, 2) all fouls were called against Team A and 3) the referee demonstrated very limited knowledge of the laws of the game and particularly Law 12.

Response from the R&D Chairman
This was a U10 Division 3 game. Your team cannot expect an experienced Grade 7 or 6 referee. You will be getting beginner referees that need experience at the youngest age group. If we are lucky to retain these referees, they will be available to do your games when you get to U12 or U13 and beyond. They are learning and they will make mistakes. Just as you wouldn't criticise your son for miss kicking a ball that should have been a score, the league expects you not to be critical of our referees if they miss a call. Even if they miss a call that denies a goal for your team, it may have no effect in a game that is won or lost by 6 goals. However, if they make a mistake that does impact the outcome of the game, every team has the right to protest the outcome before my committee and if the committee agrees, I would direct a replay.

The referee either didn't see the play as you saw it, missed seeing it completely, or saw it and decided not to give a card to the player. Very few red cards are given at U9 and U10 and referees generally err on not giving a card to a 8 or 9 year old since they tend to have a very negative effect on the youngest of our players. We really want to encourage these boys to stay with the game.

Win, tie, or lose and even if they missed some obvious calls, it would be great if every team would thank the referee at the end of the game.

1. U19 Terminated match
The referee requested that players from Team A move back to allow their opponent the necessary 10 yards to take a penalty. Team A players failed to follow the instructions of the referee and dissented his request to move back from the spot of the kick. However, in the opinion of the committee, the determining factor which caused the referee to terminate the match, was the actions and dissent displayed by Team A assistant coach during the set up of this play. When the game was terminated, Team A was winning the match by a score 2-1. NCSL rules state that "in no event will a team gain an advantage if the committee determines it to be responsible for the termination of the match." It was the unanimous opinion of the committee that the actions of Team A caused the game to be terminated. R&D Committee declared the game a forfeit and awarded the win to Team B.

2. U19 Terminated match
The game was terminated in the first half with approximately 10 minutes remaining. The referee terminated the match due to the unsporting behavior of the Team A coach. After several minutes of discussion with the coaches from both teams, the referee agreed to continue the match resuming with the start of the second half. With 15 minutes remaining in the second half, the referee terminated the match for the second time. Once the game was terminated in the first half, it should not have been restarted. In the opinion of the committee, the referee improperly terminated the game in the first half and it should be replayed R&D Committee directed the match to be replayed.

3. U16 Terminated match
The intensity of the match increased in the second half. After a foul was called on a Team A player, the Team A coach dissented and was issued a yellow card. Team A coach continued to dissent and was red carded for foul language. The game restarted and within a short period, a Team A player received a second yellow for dissent. Team A player was abusive and used foul language. At this point, the referee terminated the match with approximately 15 minutes remaining. Score when the match was terminated was Team B 2 vs Team A 1. NCSL rules state that "in no event will a team gain an advantage if the committee determines it to be responsible for the termination of the match." It was the unanimous opinion of the committee that the actions of Team A team caused the game to be terminated. Decisions of the R&D Committee were as follows: 1) The score when the game was terminated stands, and the yellow and red cards issued to Team A coach stand. 2) Team A coach must serve a 2 game suspension, one for the red card and one for accumulated disciplinary points.

4. U16 Inappropriate behavior of Team A parent and Protest by Team A of 2nd yellow card issued to Team A coach
The basis of Team A's protest was the awarding of the 2nd yellow card to the coach for delay of game was not appropriate. The referee allowed Team A to substitute a player, then Team A requested a second substitution which the referee also allowed. The referee acknowledged that he added time to the match for delay of game. After Team A coach was ejected from the match, Team A parent, moved to assist in the coaching of the team. Team A parent immediately began dissenting and complaining about the officiating of the match. After the game, Team A parent entered the field, approached the referees, and initiated a confrontation with the assistant referee. Team A parent's behavior and remarks were totally inappropriate Spectators and coaches will not agree with every call that a referee makes and it is obvious that referees will miss some calls and make some mistakes. I encourage our coaches and players to thank the referee at the end of the game for a job well done even if he made some mistakes or missed some calls. Decisions of the R&D Committee were as follows: 1) The protest of the 2nd yellow card issued to Team A coach is granted. Since no other cards were issued to Team A coach this season, he will not owe any carry over sit-outs for the Fall 2001 season. 2) Team A was fined $400. 3) All parents of the new fall 2001 roster for Team A must sign the NCSL Parent Code Of Conduct. A copy of the Team A roster and all signed forms must be received in the NCSL office no later then September 1, 2001.

5. U15 Coach misconduct
Team A assistant coach was ejected from the match and he returned to the field after the match was completed to confront the referees. The fact that he returned to the field after being ejected is in itself a violation of NCSL rules. When the assistant coach returned to the field, he engaged the referee in a discussion to obtain additional clarification on cards issued to him and to challenge the professionalism of the referee. The referee attempted several times to disengage from the conversation but the assistant coach insisted on keeping the conversation going. Neither the Team A coach nor its management made any attempt to prevent assistant coach from returning to the field or to remove him from the field after he returned and engaged the referee in discussion. It is the opinion of the committee that the comments made by the assistant coach after the match to the referee were inappropriate and attempted to diminish the authority of the referee. Decision of the R&D Committee was a 3 game suspension for Team A's assistant coach.

6. U15 Player violent conduct
The referee filed a game report and Team B filed a complaint that a player from Team A attacked a player from Team B. The basic facts of the incident were not in dispute. Team A player and a Team B player were both going for the ball and both players fell down. After both players got up, Team A player ran after the Team B player and took him down. The Team A player then proceeded to punch the Team B player several times in the head. The R&D Committee recognized and appreciates the efforts of the Team A coaching staff's quick response to diffuse the situation. However, the egregious and vicious attack by the Team A player is totally unacceptable. Decision of the R&D Committee was as follows: Team A player was suspended for 9 NCSL games, the equivalent of one NCSL season. This 9 game suspension must be served in the next 9 Team A NCSL games. If Team A player changes teams at the end of the Spring season, the remaining sit-outs stay with the player and will have to be served with any new NCSL team that he would join.

7. U14 Referee assault
Player was ejected from the match for violent conduct. Player then proceeded to spit on the referee. Since this is alleged referee assault, I referred this issue to VYSA for adjudication. I have not been notified as to the outcome of this referral.

8. U14 Game protest
Team A filed a protest of the game and alleged that Team B used ineligible players. Based on the response of Team B and advice from Team A's club representative, Team A withdrew its protest.

9. U14 Referee assault
Team A parent was accused of referee assault after the match. Team A's coach and spectators were unhappy with the way the game was being officiated. In their opinion, many offsides calls against the Team B were not being called which resulted in Team B scores. After the game, Team A parent, approached the referee crew to question how they called offsides. The referee crew attempted several times to waive her off indicating that they did not want to have a discussion with Team A parent. Team A parent persisted following the referees to their equipment. Team A parent verbally abused and physically pushed the referee. Team A parent's behavior was confrontational, totally inappropriate and can not be condoned. After several attempts to politely disengage from Team A parent, the referee did lose his composure and responded unprofessionally. While it is acknowledged that the referee crew attempted several times to diffuse the situation, any insults from a parent or coach can not justify a response in kind from the referee. Decisions of the R&D Committee were as follows: 1) The Team A was fined $510. 2) All parents of Team A were required to sign the NCSL Parent Code of Conduct. 3) The check and the signed NCSL Parent Code Of Conducts must be received in the NCSL office no later one week from date of decision.

10. U14 Terminated match
Near the end of the match, the Team A coach protested loudly a call made by the referee concerning a throw-in. The referee ejected the coach for repeated dissent. Team A coach refused to give his name to the referee and refused to leave the field. The referee terminated the match. Decisions of the R&D Committee were as follows: 1) Since Team B was winning the match when the game was terminated, the score stands. 2) The red card issued to Team A coach stands. In addition, Team A coach was assessed a two game disciplinary suspension for causing the game to be terminated.

11. U13 Game Protest
This game was protested on the basis of misapplication of FIFA Law 12- stoppage of play for a handball should have resulted in a direct free kick for Team A. Late in the first half, the referee whistled the play dead for a foul committed by Team B. The referee clearly stated during the hearing that he stopped the play for dangerous play by a Team B player and that the handball occurred after or at the same time as the dangerous play. Both teams agreed that the referee raised his hand, kept it raised until the kick was taken and indicated that he awarded an indirect free kick to Team A. There was no dispute that Team A took the kick and it went directly into the goal and that the ball was not touched by either team. The referee disallowed the goal. The committee agreed that Team A coach and players believed that play was stopped for a handball. However, the referee was clear that he awarded an indirect free kick and there was no misapplication of FIFA Law 12. The R&D Committee denied the protest.

12. U12 Protest red card
The protest was filed to appeal the red card issued to Team A coach after the game. After the game, a Team A parent went over to speak with the referee. The Team A parent cursed at the referee. The referee walked over to Team A coach and issued him a red card. Team A claimed that the referee cannot issue a red card to the coach because the game was over. This statement is incorrect. FIFA Law 5.2 Referee's Authority states that the referee's authority begins when he arrives at the field of play and continues until he has left the field after the game has been completed. Further, the NCSL Leaders Code of Conduct states that the coach is responsible for the behavior of his team's assistants, parents and fans at league games. The R&D Committee denied the protest.

13. U11 Game protest
The basis of the protest was an alleged misapplication of FIFA Law 12- stoppage of play for a handball should not have resulted in an ejection of the Team A player. The referee stopped the play for a handball and red carded Team A player. While there was some disagreement between the teams on the position of the players, there was little difference between the teams on what transpired. One Team B player crossed the ball to another player and the defending Team A player handled the ball. The referee ejected the player because he believed that the Team A player was the last defender. It is the judgment of the referee whether or not the handball denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity. There was no misapplication of FIFA Law 12. The R&D Committee denied the protest.

14. U10 Game protest
Team B filed a protest because Team A used players in the game that were not rostered to Team A at the time of the game. Team A management acknowledged that several players listed on the game card were not rostered to their team until after the game was played; The league considers the rostering of players a very serious and important process to maintain the integrity of the league. Therefore, any attempt to play players not officially on the roster is a most serious violation of league rules. Any future attempt by Team A to play ineligible players will result in an R&D Committee hearing and may result in disqualification from further league participation. The protest was granted and the game was declared a forfeit in favor of Team B.

15. U10 Terminated game
The game was terminated with approximately 12 minutes remaining in the second half with the score Team A 4 vs Team B 3. The termination of the game was caused by repeated dissent by Team A officials and spectators. Team A coach and another parent not rostered as a team official but acting as an Assistant Coach were ejected from the game. Team A parents became very vocal, and at that point, it was the referee's judgment that Team A officials and parents were out of control and he terminated the match. This type of behavior by the coaching staff and parents of Team A is totally unacceptable. NCSL rules state that "in no event will a team gain an advantage if the committee determines it to be responsible for the termination of the match." It was the unanimous opinion of the committee that the actions of Team A coaches and parents caused the game to be terminated. On an administrative note, Team A was poorly prepared for this match. The blue game card had no jersey numbers listed for any of Team A players, a Team A Sportsmanship Liaison (TSL) was not identified, and Team A coach stated during the hearing that someone else signed and printed his name on the game card. Decisions of the R&D Committee were as follows: 1) The game was declared a forfeit with the win assigned to Team B. 2) The red card issued to Team A coach stands. In addition Team A coach was assessed a 2 game disciplinary suspension for failure to control his sidelines and for failure to leave the field after being ejected. 3) Team A management must fix the problems with the blue game card and make sure that each player's jersey number is identified and that a TSL is assigned for each game. 4) All parents of the Team A must sign the NCSL Parent Code Of Conduct. These signed forms must be received in the NCSL office no later then one week from the date of the decision.

16. U10 Terminated game
The game was terminated with approximately 15 minutes remaining in the second half with the score tied. During the first half, the referee warned Team A Coach several times concerning his dissent. At the start of the second half, Team A Coach continued his dissent. At a stoppage in play due to a down Team A player, Team A Coach dissent persisted and the referee issued him a red card. As Team A Coach was leaving the field, he called for Team A parent to come from the parents side of the field and coach the game. The game resumed and within a short period Team A parent was warned and then red carded for repeated dissent. After Team A parent was asked to leave the field, he told the referee that he would be waiting for him in the parking lot. The referee perceived this to be a threat, called the police and terminated the match. The Team B coaching staff perceived this as a threat as well and it was the unanimous opinion of the R&D Committee that this was a threat directed at the referee. Spectators and coaches will not agree with every call that a referee makes and it is obvious that referees will miss some calls and make some mistakes. I encourage our coaches and parents to thank the referee at the end of the game for a job well done even if he made some mistakes or missed some calls. If the parents and coaches can't control their emotions at U10, what is the future for the league as teams move to the upper age groups and level of play and competition increases. The committee compliments the performance of the young referee in handling a very difficult and complicated situation. Decisions of the R&D Committee were as follows: 1) The game was declared a forfeit with the win assigned to Team B. 2) The red card to Team A Coach stands. 3) Team A was fined $313. 4) Team A parent was suspended for one year in any capacity as a Team A official. Since Team A parent is not a rostered team official, the R&D committee acknowledges that it does not have the ability to enforce or monitor compliance with this suspension. Therefore, the committee assigns the Team A Club and in particular Team A the responsibility for making sure this suspension is served. If Team A parent returns to cause problems at any subsequent game during his suspension, Team A may be subject to additional sanctions. 5) All parents of Team A and Team B must sign the NCSL Parent Code Of Conduct. These signed forms must be received in the NCSL office no later then one week after the date of this decision. 6) The blue game card arrived after the hearing. In reviewing the game card, neither team had designated a Team Sportsmanship Liaison (TSL) for this game. The TSL is supposed to be the "cooler head" on the spectator sideline. Both teams were directed to appointed and record the name of its TSL on the blue game card for every NCSL game.

17. Team A in decision #16 above failure to comply with R&D Decision
Decision 5) above directed Team A to have all parents sign the NCSL Parents Code of Conduct and submit these signed statements to the NCSL Office by set deadline. The R&D Committee held a meeting to review the failure of the Team A to comply with this requirement. R&D Committee decisions were as follows: 1) The game played after the deadline to submit the Parent Code of Conducts was declared a forfeit with the win assigned to Team C. 2) Team A was fined an additional $150. 3) A new deadline was established for Team A to submit the signed Parent Code of Conducts.