Discipline & Appeals Policy

Discipline & Appeals Policy

SECTION 10. DISCIPLINE AND APPEALS


10.01 General Authority

All players, coaches, team officials, and spectators are subject to disciplinary action under SLYSA Rules, Regulations, and Policies.
The SLYSA Discipline & Appeals Chairperson has authority to review misconduct reports and impose additional sanctions when warranted.


10.02 Referee Authority / Match Control

The referee has full authority to suspend, abandon, or terminate a match if misconduct by players, coaches, or spectators makes the match unsafe or unmanageable.

If a match is terminated due to misconduct:

  • The referee will submit a report to SLYSA. 

  • SLYSA will determine whether the match is forfeited, or otherwise adjudicated. 

  • Additional disciplinary sanctions may be imposed to impending team. 

Referee Reports

  • Referees must submit misconduct/red card reports within 72 hours of match completion to the SLYSA Office at slysa@slysa.org

  • The referee report shall serve as primary evidence for disciplinary review. 


10.03 Responsibility for Conduct

Coaches and team officials are responsible for the conduct of:

  • Their players 

  • Bench personnel 

  • Their spectators/supporters 

Failure to control misconduct may result in disciplinary action against the team coach. 


10.04 Send-Offs / Dismissals

Player Send-Off

A player sent off (red card) must leave the field of play and may remain in the team bench area only under supervision of a team official, unless directed otherwise by the referee.

Coach / Team Official /Spectator Dismissal

A dismissed coach or team official must:

  • Leave the field area immediately 

  • Retreat to the parking area 

  • Have no communication with the team during the match by any means. 


10.05 Automatic Suspensions 

Players

  • Standard Red Card: Automatic 1-game suspension 

  • Violent Conduct Red Card: Automatic 2-game suspension 

Coaches / Team Officials

  • Any Red Card / Dismissal: Automatic 2-game suspension 

These initial automatic minimum suspensions may not be appealed. 


10.06 Suspension Service Requirements

Suspended Players Serving Suspension

Suspended players must:

  • Attend the next scheduled match(es) unless otherwise communicated from SLYSA. 

  • Check in with the referee before the match to note on the game card.

  • Remain in street clothes while serving the suspension. 

Suspended Coaches / Team Officials Serving Suspension

Suspended coaches/team officials:

  • May NOT attend the field complex for any reason during suspension. 

  • Presence at the field may result in team forfeiture if they refuse to leave. 

  • Suspension is only for the team which red card was given.


10.07 Suspension Carryover

All disciplinary suspensions:

  • Apply to SLYSA competition only, unless otherwise determined by club, state association, or governing body. 

  • Carry over to the next SLYSA seasonal year if not fully served in current season. 

  • Remain with the individual even if they transfer teams/clubs. 

  • Will carry into the next SLYSA-sanctioned match where applicable. 


10.08 Additional Disciplinary Action

The Discipline & Appeals Chairperson may impose additional suspensions beyond the automatic minimums based on the severity of the offense.

All red cards and misconduct reports are reviewed individually.

No video or photographic evidence will be considered unless specifically requested by SLYSA.


10.09 Minimum Discipline Guidelines

Players

(All suspensions are served with players PRIMARY team)

  • Violent Conduct: Minimum 2-game suspension 

  • Profanity toward referee/player/coach/spectator/official: Minimum 1-game suspension 

  • Threats / Threatening Gestures: Minimum 1-game suspension 

  • Striking Coach or SLYSA Official: Minimum 1-year suspension 

Additional sanctions may be imposed.

Referee abuse/assault will be disciplined under US Soccer RAP Policy. - https://www.ussoccer.com/rap


Coaches / Team Officials

(Suspension is only for the team which red card was given)

  • First Red Card: Minimum 2-game suspension 

  • Second Red Card (same team): Minimum 5-game suspension 

  • Third Red Card (same team): Minimum 1-year suspension 

Additional sanctions may be imposed.


10.10 Appeals

An appeal is a request for review of an administrative or disciplinary decision for Red card suspensions, outside of initial suspension.

Appeal Requirements

  • Must be submitted in writing within 7 calendar days of decision unless otherwise published by SLYSA 

  • Must be filed by Player, Coach, or Club Director

  • Must include all supporting documentation 


10.11 Appeal Hearings

After all proper requirements are fulfilled, appeal requests may still be denied. If a hearing is granted:

  • Hearing shall be before an impartial committee of at least 3 members 

  • Parties will receive notice of hearing date/time 

    • The appealing party must confirm receipt of hearing date/time within 48 hours or appeal will be cancelled.

  • Minimum 10 business days’ notice should be provided (when practical)

  • All parties may present testimony, witnesses, and closing statements 

  • Decision will be communicated in writing following the hearing 

Failure to appear after requesting a hearing may result in a $100 no-show fee


10.12 Exhaustion of Remedies

No member may pursue court action against SLYSA/MYSA/IYSA/USYS/US Soccer without first exhausting all available internal appeals and remedies.

Violation may result in suspension, fines, and liability for associated legal costs.