Game-Day Authority

• Referees/Officials: Have full authority to stop play, issue warnings, or request that a spectator be removed if behavior interferes with the match.

• Host Club (Site Coordinators): At home matches, our club is responsible for enforcing conduct and removing spectators if necessary.

• Coaches/Team Managers: May be asked to calm or speak to their own parents but do not have authority to eject a spectator.
   

Board of Directors’ Role

• The Board of Directors does not intervene during games.

• The Board is responsible for:

  • Setting and communicating clear expectations for parent and spectator behavior.

  • Reviewing and addressing any reports of misconduct.

  • Enforcing the club’s Code of Conduct through follow-up actions, including warnings, suspensions, or bans.
     

Process for Incidents

At Away Matches

1. During the game: The referee and host club staff handle any spectator issues, including removal if required.

2. After the game: The coach or team manager reports the incident to our club’s leadership. The Board reviews and enforces any necessary follow-up.

At Home Matches

1. During the game: The referee may request removal of a spectator. Our site coordinator is responsible for carrying this out.

2. If no official is present: The coach should notify the referee, who has authority to stop the match until the situation is resolved.

3. After the game: The incident is documented and reported to the Board, which determines if further disciplinary action is needed

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Banning From Games After Inappropriate Behavior

• First Incident: The Board may issue a formal warning and/or require a conversation with the parent/guardian before the next game.

• Second Incident: The Board may suspend the parent/spectator from attending one or more games.

• Severe or Repeated Misconduct: The Board may impose a season-long or permanent ban from attending games and club events.
   

Appeals: Parents/spectators have the right to request a review by the Board within a set timeframe (e.g., 7 days) of being notified of a ban.

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Referee Abuse Prevention

• Pendleton Youth Soccer Association (PYSA) has the right to enforce Referee Abuse Prevention Policies for all PYSA-sanctioned games. This includes protecting referees from verbal and/or physical abuse, ensuring a safe environment, and holding spectators, coaches, and players accountable for inappropriate behavior toward officials.​

 

Key Message

• On the field → Referees and game-day staff handle situations immediately.

• After the fact → The Board reviews incidents and enforces consequences, up to and including permanent bans.

• PYSA Authority → PYSA referee abuse prevention policies apply to all sanctioned games, and violations may result in removal or suspension from participation.​​​