Zero Tolerance has been replaced by the Referee Abuse Policy (RAP).

The Referee Abuse Prevention (RAP) Policy applies to all coaches/team officials, players, parents, spectators, and other supporters and officials participating in a BAYS program or event.

• Only players are to speak to the match officials during and after the game.
  • Exceptions:    

    Coaches may:

• Respond to an Official who has initiated a conversation
• Point out emergency or safety issues
• Call for substitutions
• Ask the Officials to clarify ONLY: type of restart/direction of throw-in/indirect vs. direct free kick
• Ask for the time remaining in the half

Absolutely NO DISPUTING CALLS during or after the game, no direct or indirect remarks to the referee to watch certain players or attend to rough play. Failure to follow the instructions of the match official, yelling, criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or negative feedback of any kind before, during, or after the game will not be tolerated.

• Violators may be cautioned or sent-off in and may be subject to disciplinary action by the RAP Committee. (See the Penalties Matrix, including Key Penalty Factors).

After the Game:

• If Coaches would like to provide feedback about the refereeing, AFTER the game, log into the BAYS site and under My BAYS->Coach/Manager->Game Feedback click the correct game link to access a form that will send the feedback directly to the home Referee Assignor as well as to BAYS officials.
• If Spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, they should contact their BAYS team coach. Coaches can file feedback reports with BAYS or speak with their club officials to get more guidance.

The consequences of violating this policy are severe, especially if the referee is a minor. One incident and a play or coach's season could be over. Please review the full policy details at Referee Abuse Prevention Policy | Boston Area Youth Soccer.

Please enjoy the game, cheer on the kids, and understand the referees will make mistakes. MYS will support the referees so please just be nice.

Let’s enjoy the season and allow everyone to have fun out there. And if you think you can do better as referee, reach out and we can help you get credentialed.