RIPLEY
YOUTH
SOCCER
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Ripley Youth ​Soccer​
Recreational​ ​Soccer
Policies​ ​and​ ​Procedures
TABLE​ ​OF​ ​CONTENTS:
RYSC
RECREATIONAL LEAGUE PHILOSOPHY
GENERAL GUIDELINES
SPORTSMANSHIP
AGE GROUPINGS
PLAYERS ON THE FIELD
TEAM FORMATION GUIDELINES
TRAVEL
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
PRACTICES
GAME DURATION
PLAYING TIME
SUBSTITUTIONS
SPECIAL U-6, U7 & U-8 PLAYING RULES
SPECIAL U-9 & U-10 PLAYING RULES
COACHES
REFEREES
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
PARENTS
PETS
TOBACCO USE
TOURNAMENT PLAY
REGISTRATION FEE AND REFUNDS
REVISION OF RECREATIONAL GUIDELINES
1.​ ​RYSC
The Ripley Youth Soccer Club (RYSC) is a non-profit, public, education soccer organization with the purpose of advancing the cause of soccer within its area of jurisdiction. RYSC is affiliated with the West Virginia Soccer Association and the United States Youth Soccer Association. RYSC will sponsor under the guidelines of the WVSA, recreation teams, as defined in the WVSA Rules and Regulations under definitions. Per WVSA requirement, RYSC will deny
position to be held by a Board member, coach, volunteer, etc which has been arrested and convicted for child abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, or any felony or other crime which is detrimental to soccer players, in accordance with WV Law, USYSA, USASA, and US Soccer bylaws, policies and procedures.
2.​ ​RECREATIONAL​ ​CLUB​ ​PHILOSOPHY
The primary goal of the recreational soccer program of RYSC is for the players to have fun within a learning/teaching environment. The recreational program is not about winning, it is about teaching, so that children have fun, learn to love the game of soccer, and to become as skilled a soccer player as possible.
The most enjoyable aspect of soccer for the players is kicking the ball. Small-sided games are used for U-6, U-8, U-10, and U-12 to provide each player more opportunities for contact with the ball.
3.​ ​GENERAL​ ​GUIDELINES
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​1​. Teams may only participate in games approved by the RYSC Board Members.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​2​. Only properly registered players in good standing with the RYSC (i.e. not suspended) are allowed to participate in league games. The person(s) responsible for allowing the ineligible player to participate shall be referred to the RYSC Disciplinary Board.
3.​ Regularly scheduled RYSC games are mandatory. A coach cannot withdraw the team he represents from any scheduled competition as a means of protest. Non-appearance for regularly scheduled RYSC games without prior agreement with the opposing teams’ coach will result in reference of the offender to the RYSC Disciplinary Board, unless a valid reason for the non-appearance is supplied to the club vice president. The vice president is the final authority on the decision to reschedule the game.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​4.​ In inclement weather, games shall be played as scheduled and only the referee in charge or the club president of the hosting site will have the authority to cancel such games.
5.​ If a player misses three sessions in a row or five sessions in any ten session period, the player may be subject to removal from the RYSC program. Removal of a player can only be done with the approval of the club president and RYSC registrar (member at large). A session is defined as a scheduled practice or a scheduled game for which the player had adequate notification.
6.​ If a player shows up for games and not for scheduled practices, then that player is played at the discretion of the coach, for the following game only.
7.​ Any injury to or damage caused by a RYSC participant must be reported to the club president who is in charge of the insurance and safety program.
8​. No one except participating players will be permitted to stand within 5 feet of the touchline or within 5 yards of the goal line during the play of a game.
9​. Refunds - there will be NO refunds given.
4.​ ​SPORTSMANSHIP
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​10.​ At the conclusion of each game, the participating teams will line up along the team’s sideline and exchange gestures of good sportsmanship. This activity will be observed by the game officials. Failure of the players or coaches to participate in this display of good sportsmanship will receive a “red card” resulting in their suspension from the following game.
11.​ It is the duty of each player, coach, parent, and other persons in attendance at RYSC activities to conduct themselves in a civil manner. Anyone who exhibits behavioral tendencies which are detrimental to the enjoyment of the game for others is subject to removal from the game or suspension from the RYSC. Specific problems are to be referred to the RYSC Disciplinary Board.
12.​ Any person displaying gross unsportsmanlike conduct resulting in an ejection (red card or two yellow cards in one game) must serve a suspension for the following
regularly scheduled RYSC game. The ejected person may be brought before the RYSC Disciplinary Board for the consideration of extended or permanent suspension by recommendation of either the presiding referee, either coach, or the president of the club. The club president shall hold the player pass card of the offender and it is the coach’s responsibility to retrieve the pass card following the suspension.
5.​ ​AGE​ ​GROUPINGS​
The playing season for RYSC recreational soccer​ ​extends from January 1 to December 31 of same year. The appropriate age group for any player is determined on January 1 of the year and remains the same for the entire 12-month playing season. All players must be a minimum of 4 years of age on January 1 to register for RYSC club play anytime during the playing season. No child will be allowed to play up an age group unless request is made by parent and approved by President.
​ ​ ​
​ DIVISION ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​PLAYER’S​ ​AGE​ ​ON​ ​JANUARY​ ​1 (*Player must be 4 by August 1)
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​U6* Under 4 & 5 years of age
U8 Under 6 & 7 years of age
U10 Under 8 & 9 years of age
U12 Under 10 & 11 years of age
U15 Under 12 - 14 years of age
U19 Under 18 years of age
*Must follow age guidelines of WVSA Age Matrix.
6.​ ​PLAYERS​ ​ON​ ​FIELD​
DIVISION​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​U6​ ​-​ ​ ​U8​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​U10​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​U12​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​U13​ ​&​ ​Up
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​PLAYERS​ ​ON ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
FIELD
​4​ ​v​ ​4 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 7​ ​v​ ​7​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​9​ ​v​ ​9​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​11​ ​v​ ​​11 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​(no​ ​goalie)
* Teams of more than 18 can be formed, but must follow the WVSA Guidelines.
In case a team is short of players but is within the guidelines, the opposing team may reduce its number of players on the field to an equal number, but still needs to meet the minimum 50% playing time for each player.
Or, the coaches of the opposing teams may agree to have the under-manned team “borrow” players from the other team to enable the maximum number of players to play. This can occur only if the coaches agree prior to the start of the game. In the event of an ejection during the course of the game, the opponent does not have to reduce in kind by the number of players ejected..
7.​ ​TEAM​ ​FORMATION​ ​GUIDELINES
13.​ ​ ​RYSC is a recreational league only. The goal of the team formation process is to form
recreational soccer teams that are equally competitive within the club. Objective is to try to get
an even spread of talent, of ages and boy/girl ratio for teams U8 through U12.
14.​ Players will be placed on teams by Registrar (member at large) and one other officer.
15.​ All teams must have no more than 2 coaches, with their children being on their team.
16​. ​ Coach and assistant coach pairing will be determined by the board.
17.​ “Guest” players are not permitted. Only rostered players on the two teams scheduled to play a given game may participate in the game. However, borrowing of players from one team by the
other is permitted, as described in Section 6. Exceptions for Guest players under Section 19,
Tournament play.
​ ​ ​18.​ ​The only Guaranteed requests are the placement of brothers, sister, relatives, or foster children living in the same household. Any other requests may be honored if board feels there is a need for that.
19.​ Player registering for club play after the draft process has been completed will be assigned to the teams by the registrar and president, if space is available.
​ ​ ​8.​ ​TRAVEL PLAYERS
20​ ​ ​Ripley Youth Soccer Club is a recreational league but does accept travel players.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​21.​ Travel players will be divided up among the teams in their age brackets.
a. Any rec player, playing travel at anytime during the season (fall, winter, spring),
can be moved to another team in the following season, to keep teams even.
b. Any child playing travel is welcome to play in the RYSC. Players and parents are held
to the same accountability as rec players and parents. Games will not be canceled due to travel players not being present for games.
9.​ ​FACILITIES​ ​AND​ ​EQUIPMENT
a.​ ​Fields​ ​– The field sizes will conform to small sided game rules for U-6 through U-12 age groups.
Fields for U15-U19 and above will conform to FIFA.
Division U6 - U8 U9 - U10 U11 - U12 U15 & Up
Field​ ​Size​ 30 x 20 47 x 30 75 x 47 112 x 75
Goal​ ​Size​ 4 x 6 6.5 x 18.5 6.5 x 18.5 8 x 24
​ ​b.​ ​Soccer​ ​Balls
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Division ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Ball​ ​Size
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ U6​ ​-​ ​U8 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Size​ ​3
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​U10​ ​-​ ​U12​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​Size​ ​4
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ U15​ ​&​ ​Up ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Size​ ​5
c.​ ​Player​ ​Equipment
22​ All players on the field of play must wear shin guards during all practice sessions and games.
23.​ Watches, rings, earrings, other jewelry, or anything the referee deems unacceptable or dangerous to any players will not be worn during RYSC practices or games. NO EXCEPTIONS!
​ ​ ​24.​ Each player will be properly dressed while on the field of play. Proper dress includes wearing team shirt with the team colors, shin guards, socks covering the shin guards, safe shoes, shorts, and any other requirements stipulated by the referee. No team shall add anything
to the jersey’s. ALL that is permitted is the number.
​ ​ ​25.​ In inclement weather, players may wear additional clothing, provided it is worn under the issued uniform.
26.​ Players fitted with any type of cast, air cast, or splint may not participate in club games or
Practices for U15 and down. In U19, casts may be worn, but must be wrapped in padding and
taped for protection.
​ ​ ​27.​ Eyeglasses should have an elastic headband. (Referee has the right to require.)
10.​ ​PRACTICES
A practice is any session involving soccer drills or strategy which includes a parent
or coach and more than 3 members of a single team.
Practice times permitted per team:
Division Practice​ ​ Time
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​U6​ ​-​ ​U8 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​1​ ​Hour
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​U9​ ​-​ ​U10 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 1​ ​Hour
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​U11​ ​-​ ​U12 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​1​ ​1⁄2​ ​Hours
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​U15​ ​&​ ​Up ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2​ ​Hours
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​28​ Practice sessions (especially for the younger players) should focus on doing, moving, and having fun. Younger players do not like to stand in lines and have short attention spans.
Practice time should be planned accordingly. Times listed are the most time to be practiced
For each bracket. Less time practiced is permitted.
11.​ ​GAME​ ​DURATIONS
Division ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Game​ ​Duration Half​ ​Time Half time
U-6 4 x 10 minute quarters 2 minutes
U-8 4 x 10 minute quarters 2 Minutes
U-10 2 x 25 minute halves 5 minutes
U-12 2 X 30 minute halves 5 minutes
U-15 2 x 35 minute halves 10 minutes
U-19 2 x 45 minute halves 10 minutes
​ ​ ​29​. All teams should arrive at the playing field a minimum of 15 minutes prior to
the schedule game time.
​ ​ ​30.​ All games during the regular season resulting in a tie at the end of regulation, will remain a tie.
12.​ ​PLAYING​ ​TIME
All players in attendance at the start of regular season games or club tournament games must play in at least half of the game (50%). A player arriving after the start of the game may be played at the discretion of the coach. Exceptions may be granted for illness, injury, and disciplinary reasons. It is the coach’s responsibility to ensure
all players play the required amounts in each game. Coaches failing to provide required playing time for all players on their team will be referred to the RYSC Disciplinary Board.
Players may not be guaranteed 50% playing time if they continually miss practices and games, but only after approved by RYSC Disciplinary Board..
For additional restrictions and guidelines on playing time refer to Section 3, General Guidelines.
13.​ ​SUBSTITUTIONS​
U6 Free substitutions
U8 & Up - Substitution will be allowed in accordance with USYSA Rules, but only with the referee’s permission, during specified breaks in the game play. Coaches must have players prepared to enter the playing field before the game break occurs, with player standing at sideline at field center line.
14.​ ​SPECIAL​ ​U-6​ ​&​ ​U-8​ ​PLAYING​ ​RULES​
31.​ In U-6 games - Coaches, assistant coaches, or parents act as referees. One coach from each team is allowed on the playing field for the entire game. No one can pick up the ball in
the field of play, (no goalkeeper). There are no throw-ins. Balls kicked out of play on a
touchline will be returned to play with a kick-in. Balls kicked out of play on the goal line
will be returned to play with a goal kick or corner kick.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​32​. In U-8 games – Coaches, assistant coaches, or parents can act as referees, if needed. Each team can provide a referee for half of the game. No one can pick up the ball in the field of play, (no goalkeeper). Balls kicked out of play on the goal line will be returned to play with a goal kick or corner kick.
33​. U-8 throw-ins, players will be given two attempts to properly throw the ball into play
before the ball is given to the opponent. Foot can not be across the line in any way during throw in.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​34​. Goal Kicks may be taken from a point inside the goal area.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​35.​ ​All fouls will result in an indirect free kick with all the opponents three yards away
from the ball.
36​. All free kicks are indirect. A goal cannot be scored directly from a free kick, or
from a kickoff. This means that the ball must touch at least one other player before it enters the goal to be counted as a score.
37​. There are no penalty kicks. No free kicks can be taken from within the opponent’s
goal box.
38.​ No offside rules are observed.
39.​ No​ ​score​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​kept.
15.​ ​SPECIAL​ ​U-10​ ​PLAYING​ ​RULES
40.​ League referees will call the game. Only the referee is allowed on the playing field during the game.
41. Opponents shall be 8 yards away from all free kicks.
42​. Penalty kicks are used.
43​. ​Field will have a build out line.
a. It is used to promote playing the ball out of the back in an
unpressured setting. When the goalkeeper has the ball, either during play or from a goal kick,
the opposing team should move behind the build out line. Once the opposing team is behind
the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass or roll/throw the ball to a teammate (no punting).
After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the build out line
and play resumes as normal.
b. An attacker is not considered in an offside position unless s/he is nearer to the opponent’s goal line than the second last opponent AND the ball AND the build out line.
16.​ ​COACHES
44​. ​The coach shall be responsible for their own conduct as well as that of all other coaches, players and parents associated with their team while a game is in progress. It shall be the coach’s responsibility to see that the offending parents leave and report to the RYSC Disciplinary Board.
If a coach is ejected (red card) from a game for either his or a spectator’s behavior, they shall be
required to report to the RYSC Disciplinary Board for a full review and action.
45.​ Any issues not taken under control, will result in the game being called. Referee will blow final whistle and game will be over with no score or win.
46​. ​Coaches shall ensure that their team has the highest regard for good sportsmanship and respect for game officials.
47.​ Coaches or other persons shall not enter the field of play unless requested by the referee.
(See special rules section for U-6 guidelines, exception)
48.​ Coaching during games shall be limited to the sideline area only. No coaching will be allowed
from behind or around the goal area. (See special rules section for U-6 guidelines, exception).
49.​ It is mandatory​ that a representative from each team attend the coaches’ pre-season meeting.
a. ALL coaches and assistant coaches MUST​ take the online requirements, before they receive their roster and can practice.
50.​ Coaches will ensure that the field is safe prior to each practice and game. Ensuring
goals are secure and field free of holes and other unsafe conditions.
​ ​ ​ ​51.​ The coach of the team designated as home must make sure that the field is marked and corner flags properly installed. U6 does not use flags.
​ ​ ​ ​52​. Coaches will allow only RYSC member registered with WVSA to play and practice
with his/her team.
​ ​ ​ ​53.​ Each Head Coach must have an assistant coach so that practices and games will proceed
as scheduled.
17.​ ​REFEREES​
​ ​54.​ ​The RYSC referee has an awesome task and responsibility. Once they are given authority,
they must be supported by all RYSL officials, coaches, players, and parents. ANY ABUSE
OF REFEREES WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. (Please see Zero Tolerance below)
55​. RYSC referees will enforce the rules of competition defined by RYSC, WVSA, USYSA, and
FIFA (USSF). Where RYSC and WVSA rules are not specified, the laws of
FIFA (USSF) prevail.
56​. RYSC referees will always place primary emphasis on the welfare of players. The game will be officiated in a manner conducive to clean competition and good sportsmanship.
57​. Referees shall not be faulted for judgmental decisions and opinions rendered in good faith during the course of officiating a game. Coaches should address complaints of overall referee performance ( and a specific call) to the RYSC Referee Coordinator.
58.​ Referees are encouraged to give pre-game instruction to both players and coaches concerning any special conditions that may have an impact on the game.
59.​ Referees are encouraged to verbally communicate to players and/or coaches their decisions made during the course of a game. Referees must never coach, while officiating a game.
​ ​ ​60​. All referees must be certified by RYSC. In the event of a shortage of certified referees, linesmen may be selected from spectators or advanced players.
61.​ If an ejection (red card or second yellow card) of a player, coach, or spectator occurs, the referee shall request that the offending party leave the immediate area of the game and have no further contact or communication with the remaining players/coaches. If they refuse, the referee may terminate the game. In the event a game is terminated, the referee shall report in full, in writing, within 48 hours, the circumstances, the score up to that time, and any relevant details to the club president and RYSC Disciplinary Board. The RYSC Disciplinary Board will decide the outcome of the game as to replay or forfeit as well as any additional action to be taken. In all cases, a report shall be sent by the referee to the RYSC within 48 hours of the occurrence.
​ ​A.​ ​Referee​ ​Training
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​62.​ All referees must be certified under USSF procedures.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​63​. Youths must be 13 years old by the date of the first game of the next season to be eligible to be trained.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​64.​ Referees certified as level 9 can only referee RYSC games at RYSC fields.
​ ​B.​ ​Referee​ ​Certification
65​. ​All RYSC referees must be re-certified annually in a course offered by a USSF-certified
Referee instructor or online. Each referee must pay his or her own certification fee.
For a referee to be able to referee RYSC games the following must be met:
66.​ They must attend at least 2 referee meetings per year. One must be re-certification, which is done online. The other must be a RYSC meeting.
They must fulfill all assignments by either refereeing those games, or finding qualified
substitutes. Notifying the coaches that you will be absent does not satisfy the requirement.
​ ​ ​C..​ ​Referee​ ​Pay​ ​Rate​ ​–​ ​Dollars​ ​per​ ​Game​ ​per​ ​Referee
The following rates apply only to certified referees.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​67​. Referee pay rate is as follows:
U8: $12
U10: AR $15, Center $20
U12: AR $20, Center $25
U13 - U19: AR $25, Center $30
18.​ ​Zero​ ​Tolerance​ ​Policy
To help prevent physical assault and verbal abuse in the leagues and clubs within the Ripley Youth Soccer Club; the Association has adopted a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY. This policy applies to all coaches, players, parents, spectators and other supporters and referees effective immediately. Abusive and obscene language, violent play/conduct, fighting and other behavior(including, but not limited to sarcasm, taunting, etc.) deemed detrimental to the game between the above mentioned groups will not be tolerated. The ultimate responsibility for the actions of coaches, players and spectators resides with the member clubs.
It is the responsibility of the coaches to provide referee support and spectator control, and it is
the responsibility of the member clubs to provide instructions to their coaches on how they are
expected to carry this out. This policy applies before, during and after the game at the soccer
field and its immediate surrounding areas.
A.​ ​Code​ ​of​ ​Conduct
The RYSC Code of Conduct is part of our By-Laws/Policies and Procedures and must be
followed by everyone on the soccer fields. Everyone will act in accord with this code. The
league officials will and should expect that everyone follow this code. Anyone not following
these rules is subject to disciplinary actions by the Disciplinary Board, not limited to expulsion
from club activities.
1. Make soccer participation for your child and others a positive experience.
2. Remember that a child is easily affected by outside influences.
3. Be kind to your child's coach and to the officials. Be kind to the opposing team parents and
their coaches.
4. Applaud good plays by your team AND by members of the opposing team.
5. Parents should be cheerleaders. Allow the coach to coach, the referee to officiate, and most of all allow your child to play the game.
6. Between the exuberance of the winner and the disappointment of the loser, we have the
referee. All of them follow the same creed to watch every movement of every player, and to
call the game to the best of their ability. DO NOT openly question their judgment, and never
their honesty. They are a symbol of fair play, integrity and sportsmanship. There will be one warning given, then the coach will be removed from coaching.
7. Accept the results of each game, and encourage your child to: Be gracious in victory, and turn
defeat to victory by working towards improvement. Set a good example of sportsmanship for
the children.
8. ABUSIVE OR PROFANE LANGUAGE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED ON THE
SOCCER GROUNDS OR TOWARD ANY PERSON IN ATTENDANCE.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​B.​ ​ ​Parents​ ​&​ ​Spectators
No parent or spectator shall persistently address the referee or assistant referees at any time.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Parents and spectators shall not dispute calls during or after the game.
Parents and spectators shall not make remarks to the referee(s) or advise the referee(s) to watch certain players or attend to rough play.
Parents and spectators shall never yell at the referee(s), including criticism, sarcasm, harassment,
intimidation or feedback of any kind before, during or after the game.
The only allowable exceptions to the above are:
Parents and spectators may respond to a referee who has initiated a conversation, until such time as the referee terminates the conversation.
Parents and spectators may point out an emergency or safety issues, such as a player apparently injured on the field or observed fighting.
Additionally, parents and spectators shall not make derogatory comments to players of either
team.
​ ​ ​C.​ ​ ​Penalties​ ​(Parents​ ​&​ ​Spectators)
In the opinion of the referee, depending on the severity of the offense, the referee may take
any of the following actions:
1. The referee may issue a verbal warning to the coach of offending party’s team.
2. The referee may stop the game and instruct the coaches to direct the parent / spectator
to leave the field.
3. The referee may abandon the game if the parent/spectator does not leave the field.
4. Any person told to leave the field by the referee, must do so. In return,
said person will be subject to discipline:
a. Person receiving discipline, will not be permitted on the soccer fields or any
Soccer function for 1 (one) week from date of incident.
b. Before returning, said person must sign a misconduct form, stating they
acknowledge their wrong doing.
​D.​ ​Players
The conduct of the players is governed by the Laws of the Game as stated by FIFA and
USSF. The Laws themselves describe penalties associated with violating the Laws of the
Game. Additional penalties for players who engage in misconduct may be established
by the club and/or league but may in no case be less severe than penalties established by
FIFA, USSF or RYSC.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​E.​ ​ ​Coaches,​ ​Assistant​ ​Coaches​ ​&​ ​Bench​ ​Personnel
It is the responsibility of all coaches to maintain the highest standards of conduct for
themselves, their players and supporters in all matches. Failure to do so undermines the
referee’s authority and the integrity of the game resulting in a hostile environment for players,
the referee(s), coaches, assistant coaches, bench personnel and spectators. As role models
for all of the participants and spectators, coaches participating in a RYSC sanctioned event are
expected to be supportive of, and to acknowledge the effort, good play and sportsmanship on
the part of ALL players from either team in a contest. By example, coaches, assistant coaches
and bench personnel are expected to show that although they are competing in a game, they
have respect for their opponent, referees and spectators at all times. The Ripley Youth Soccer Club will not tolerate negative behavior exhibited either by demonstrative actions and gestures, or by ill-intentioned remarks, including those addressed toward the referees or members of an opposing team. Coaches exhibiting hostile, negative, sarcastic or otherwise ill-intended behavior toward referees, opposing players or coaches will be subject to sanction by the match official. Additional sanctions may be imposed by the club that the coach or assistant coach represents, the league that the match is being played under, or as allowed by Ripley Youth Soccer Club policies after a review of the match report. Coaches shall not interact directly or indirectly with the coaches or players of the opposing team during the game in any manner that may be construed as negative, hostile or sarcastic either by way of demonstrative actions and gestures or by ill-intentioned remarks.
Coaches shall not offer dissent to any call made by the referee(s) at any time.
Coaches are not to address the Referee(s) during the game except to:
a. Respond to a referee who has initiated a conversation.
b. Point out emergency or safety issues.
c. Make substitutions.
d. Ask the referee, “What is the proper restart (i.e. direction and Indirect Free Kick or
Direct Free Kick)?
e. Ask for the time remaining in the half.
Coaches are allowed to ask a referee after a game or during the halftime interval, in a polite
and constructive way, to explain a law or foul, but not judgment calls made in the game.
a. Polite and friendly concern can be exchanged with the referee. If the polite tone of the
conversation changes, the referee may abandon the exchange at any time.
b. Absolutely no sarcasm, harassment or intimidation is allowed.
NOTE​: It is recommended that coaches or other team members do not engage in any conversation
with the match official once the match has concluded.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​F.​ ​ ​Penalties​ ​(Coaches,​ ​Assistant​ ​Coaches​ ​&​ ​Bench​ ​Personnel)
In the opinion of the referee, depending on the severity of the offense, the referee may take
any of the following actions:
a. The referee may issue a verbal warning to the offending coach, assistant coach or
bench personnel.
b. The referee may eject the offending coach, assistant coach or bench personnel.
Once ejected, the individual will be required to leave the field immediately.
​ ​NOTE​: Referees are instructed not to display any cards to bench personnel.
They are strictly reserved for players and substitutes.
c. The referee should abandon the game, if the coach, assistant coach or bench
personnel do not leave the field or any immediate adjoining area after having
been instructed to do so.
Additional penalties associated with the ejection of a coach, assistant coach
or bench personnel may be assessed by the club or league which sanctioned
the match in accordance with their documented policy. These penalties may
be no less stringent than sanctions as may be imposed by RYSC following
their review, if conducted, of the incident.
​G.​ ​Discipline
a. Coach, Asst. Coach, Bench Personnel receiving discipline, will not be permitted on the
Soccer fields or any soccer function for 1 (one) week from the date of incident.
b. Before returning, they must sign a misconduct form, stating they acknowledge
their wrong doing.
All cases of alleged abuse or assault of a referee shall be reported to the RYSC Board
within 48 hours of the match that engendered said behavior.RYSC will then conduct
a verification of the complaint and subsequent actions as required by applicable sections
of USSF/FIFA Policy in effect at the time of the incident. Although RYSC is continually
bound by USSF/FIFA Policy and its various revisions, definition of referee abuse and
referee assault found in USSF Policy 531-9 as of the creation date of this Zero Tolerance
Policy is offered by way of information as follows:
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​1.​ ​ ​Referee​ ​Abuse
(a) Referee abuse is a verbal statement or physical act not resulting in bodily contact which
implies or threatens physical harm to a referee or the referee’s property or equipment.
(b) Abuse includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon a referee: using
foul or abusive language toward a referee that implies or threatens physical harm;
spewing any beverage on a referee’s physical property; or spitting at (but not on) the
referee.
​2.​ ​ ​Referee​ ​Assault
(a) (i) Referee Assault is an intentional act of physical violence at or upon a referee.
(ii) For purposes of this Policy, “intentional act” shall mean an act intended to bring
about a result which will invade the interests of another in a way that is socially
unacceptable. Unintended consequences of the act are irrelevant.
(b) Assault includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon a referee:
hitting, kicking, punching, choking, spitting on, grabbing or bodily running into a referee;
head butting; the act of kicking or throwing any object at a referee that could
inflict injury; damaging the referee’s uniform or personal property, i.e. car, equipment, etc.
19.​ ​PARENTS
Parents/Guardians are expected to have players attend as many practices and games as possible.
Parents/Guardians are to provide positive reinforcement for all players. (This includes both their
team and the competitors). All parents/guardians must read and understand Section 4, Sportsmanship and understand that they are subject to disciplinary actions by the Disciplinary Board, not limited to expulsion from club activities.
20.​ ​PETS
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​68.​ ​Pets are NOT to be on or around the soccer fields, during practices and/or games.
Anyone choosing to not follow this rule, is responsible for any damages their pet does
to others.
21.​ ​TOBACCO​ ​USE
69​. ​Tobacco products, including vaping, is not permitted on or around the fields at Whiting
Park. The health department has signs posted at the entrance to the fields. Signs are
also posted around the soccer fields.
22.​ ​TOURNAMENT​ ​PLAY
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​70.​ Coaches are encouraged to participate in Tournaments.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​71.​ It is not mandatory for a player to attend Tournaments that their team enters.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​72.​ Costs for Tournaments will be covered by the parents/guardians of each player.
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
23.​ ​ ​REGISTRATION​ ​FEE​ ​AND​ ​REFUNDS
73​. ​Registration fee will be paid per season, at time of registration. Until payment is made, registration is not complete.
74. NO refunds will be given.
24.​ ​REVISIONS​ ​OF​ ​RECREATIONAL​ ​GUIDELINES
These RYSC Recreational Soccer Guidelines are the general rules for recreational play. These
guidelines may be modified at any time at the discretion of the RYSC Board Members. Approval of modification requires a majority vote of Board members present during any board meeting (regular or special) with a quorum present. Any changes to the Constitution, Bylaws, or Guidelines must be submitted to WVSA within 30 days of adoption. Revisions must conform to WVSA Constitution, bylaws, and policies and procedures and to all requirements of WVSA, USSF and or USYSA and USASA.
These POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ADOPTED of the RYSC shall become effective on the
first (1) Day of June in the Year of TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY FOUR (2024).
Below are the additions from WVSA that is now part of our P & P. Adopted May 2, 2023.
These are listed on the website under their own button.
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West Virginia Soccer Association
Coach’s Code of Conduct
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West Virginia Soccer Association
Parent’s/Guardian’s/Spectator’s
Code of Conduct
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WEST VIRGINIA SOCCER ASSOCIATION
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
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U.S. SOCCER PROHIBITED CONDUCT POLICY