Zero Tolerance Policy on Abuse

This policy applies to all non-playing attendees at Juneau Soccer Club (“JSC”) indoor and outdoor games. JSC will not tolerate any verbal or other abuse or criticism of a referee, opposing player, or coach.  No coach or spectator may dissent to or otherwise verbally abuse any player, coach, spectator or referee. Abuse includes any complaints or derogatory comments made directly or indirectly to another person.

Any JSC Board Member or adult referee shall, if necessary, intervene if any coach or spectator is abusing any other player, coach, spectator or referee, verbally or otherwise, and take immediate appropriate action to consult with the referee in charge. The referee may take whatever action he or she deems appropriate, including directing the offender to leave the site, issuing a yellow or red card against either team, or suspending or terminating the game.  Handling general dissent is part of a referee's job. 

A referee shall report any incident of abuse resulting in referee’s action to the JSC Board. This report should happen within 24 hours of the incident, if possible.

Egregious offenses (e.g. multiple abusive situations, physical contact with a referee, or exceptional misbehavior directed toward a referee) shall result in referral of the matter to the JSC Board, which will determine if further discipline is warranted. An egregious offense violates the fundamental mission of JSC and requires strong action. Discipline may include, but is not limited to, suspension of the offending spectator or coach, and any playing members of the spectator or coach’s immediate family, for the season, suspension for multiple seasons, or expulsion from the JSC program. If a single team has multiple offences by different people, the team may be disbanded.

There are appropriate avenues for coaches or spectators to share concerns about the quality of officiating. Comments or concerns should be directed to the JSC Board.