Discipline
Let Us Play: Discipline Ladder
CRYSC Let Us Play Director, Brian Sheehan
The CRYSC Discipline Ladder promotes positive spectatorship by informing members of the actions the Club will take in disciplinary situations. The ladder follows guidelines set out by our Let Us Play initiative to (1) let the players do the thinking (2) encourage positive cheering and a high standard of civility and sportsmanship (3) abide by CRYSC sideline and behavior rules.
The sidelines of every youth soccer game are lined with parents and spectators wanting their team to succeed. Fans communicate in many ways, from chanting and cheering to clapping. Too often this enthusiastic exuberance can come with shouting instructions and trying to coach from the stands (joysticking the players). As a Club, we are committed to a positive player experience of learning and individual growth of our team members. It is our job to inform CRYSC members of the rules and best-behavior practices out on the fields through the CRYSC Let Us Play initiative. Click here to learn more about Let Us Play and find more tools like the CRYSC Discipline Ladder.
* Parents, spectators, and parent volunteer coaches enter the accountability ladder if it is determined in the best judgement of Rapids staff (in collaboration with directors) that any action, behavior, or expressed attitude on game day is in direct contrast with the spirit of the Let Us Play contract.
Suspension & Expulsions
Applies to parents and spectators whose conduct willfully and egregiously stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets, Club policy, and basic standards of civil decency. Behaviors falling into this category are extreme, flagrant, and grave. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Physical altercations
- Verbal altercations
- Violent conduct
- Substance abuse
- Escalated or long term persistent infringement of Tier B
Possible Interventions
- Player card revoked
- Removal from club
- Legal action
- Seasonal spectator ban
Responsible Parties
- Parent / Spectator
- Coach
- DOC
- Regional Manager
- Let Us Play Panel (board, executive director, technical director, neutral parent)
Spectatorship Restrictions
Applies to parents and spectators whose conduct and demeanor willfully stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets. Behaviors falling into this category are stark, intentional, and/or consistently subversive. Direct entry into Tier B assumes Tier C interventions. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Audibly derogatory comments directed at any player, coach, or referee
- Overtly negative or unsportsmanlike body language or posturing
- Persistent infringement of Tier C
Possible Interventions
Chosen by Director with Regional Manager consultation.
- Community service
- Individualized behavior agreements
- “Silent Saturday”
Responsible Parties
- Parent / Spectator
- Coach
- DOC
Mandatory Education
Applies to parents and spectators whose conduct and demeanor, despite benign intentions, stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets in a nagging way. Behaviors falling into this category often stem from a desire to be helpful, but prove to be persistently disruptive. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Coaching / delivering instruction to players from the sidelines.
- “Joysticking” players or officials.
- Neglect of informal warnings (email, in-person asks, educational cards, lollipops, etc…)
Possible Interventions
Chosen by Coach with Director of Coaching consultation.
- Completion of educational module with course certificate
- Written reflection
Responsible Parties
- Parent / Spectator
- Coach
Suspensions & Expulsions
Applies to coaches whose conduct willfully and egregiously stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets, Club policy, and basic standards of civil decency. Behaviors falling into this category are extreme, flagrant, and grave. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Physical altercations
- Verbal altercations
- Violent conduct
- Substance abuse
- Escalated or long term persistent infringement of Tier B
Possible Interventions
Chosen by senior management (ED, TD) in collaboration with RM, RTD, and DOC/Program Director
- Coaching authority revoked
- Removal from club
- Legal action
- Seasonal bans
Responsible Parties
- Coach
- DOC
- Regional Manager
- Senior Management
- Let Us Play Panel (board, executive director, neutral parent)
Conditional Participation & Restorative Justice
Applies to coaches whose conduct and demeanor willfully stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets. Behaviors falling into this category are stark, intentional, and/or consistently subversive. Direct entry into Tier B assumes Tier C interventions. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Audibly derogatory comments directed at any player, coach, or referee
- Overtly negative or unsportsmanlike body language or posturing
- Persistent infringement of Tier C
Possible Interventions
Chosen by DOC/program director in consultation with Regional Manager and Regional Technical Director
- Prescribed correctional / mandatory restorative actions (written apologies, conciliatory in-person meeting, etc…)
- Remedial behavior plan
- Probationary period
Responsible Parties
- Coach
- DOC / Program Director
- Regional Manager / Regional TD
Mandatory Education
Applies to coaches whose conduct and demeanor, despite benign intentions, stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets in a nagging way. Behaviors falling into this category often stem from a desire to be helpful, but prove to be persistently disruptive. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Delivering instruction to players from the sideline in a way that escalates negative intensity.
- “Joyce sticking” players or officials.
- Neglect of informal warnings (email, in-person asks, educational cards, lollipops, etc…)
Possible Interventions
Chosen by DOC/program director in consultation with Regional Manager and Regional Technical Director.
- Completion of educational module with course certificate
- Written reflection
Responsible Parties
- Coach
- DOC / Program Director
Suspensions & Expulsions
Applies to players whose conduct willfully and egregiously stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets, Club policy, and basic standards of civil decency. Behaviors falling into this category are extreme, flagrant, and grave. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Persistent infringement of Tier B
- Grave social media misuse
- Harassment
- Hazing activities
- Severe bullying**
- Physical altercations / violent conduct
- Escalated or prolonged verbal altercations
- Intentional and significant defacement of the soccer environment, surrounding natural environment, and/or property.
- Substance abuse
- Blatant reckless endangerment of self or others
Possible Interventions
Chosen by senior management (ED, TD) in collaboration with RM, RTD, and DOC/Program Director
- Player card revoked
- Removal from club
- Legal action
- Seasonal bans
Responsible Parties
- Player
- Parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
- Coach
- DOC / Program Director
- Regional Management
- Senior Management
- Let Us Play Panel (board, executive director, neutral parent)
Conditional Participation & Restorative Justice
Applies to players whose conduct and demeanor willfully stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets. Behaviors falling into this category are stark, intentional, and/or consistently subversive. Direct entry into Tier B assumes Tier C interventions. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Persistent infringement of Tier C
- Minor bullying**
- Minor verbal altercations
- Overtly negative or unsporting conduct
- Defacement of the soccer environment, surrounding natural environment, and/or property
- Willful neglect for practical, personal safety matters
Possible Interventions
Chosen by DOC/program director in consultation with Regional Manager and Regional Technical Director
- Prescribed correctional / mandatory restorative actions (written apologies, conciliatory in-person meeting, etc…)
- Remedial behavior plan
- Probationary period
- Community service
Responsible Parties
- Player
- Parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
- Coach
- DOC / Program Director
- Regional Manager / Regional Technical Director
Mandatory Education
Applies to players whose conduct and demeanor, despite benign intentions, stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets in a nagging way. Behaviors falling into this category often stem from a desire to be helpful, but prove to be persistently disruptive. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Constant disruption of the learning environment (low-level picking on, unwanted teasing, bothering, or distracting other players/coaches/referees)
- Persistent dissent or disrespect for the Laws of The Game
- Careless treatment of equipment or personal belongings
- Casual disregard for practical, personal safety matters
Possible Interventions
Chosen by coach in consultation DOC/Program Director
- Completion of educational module with course certificate
- Written reflection
- Required Coach to Player in person 1-on-1
Responsible Parties
- Player
- Parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
- Coach
- DOC / Program Director
- Spectators
-
Suspension & Expulsions
Applies to parents and spectators whose conduct willfully and egregiously stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets, Club policy, and basic standards of civil decency. Behaviors falling into this category are extreme, flagrant, and grave. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Physical altercations
- Verbal altercations
- Violent conduct
- Substance abuse
- Escalated or long term persistent infringement of Tier B
Possible Interventions
- Player card revoked
- Removal from club
- Legal action
- Seasonal spectator ban
Responsible Parties
- Parent / Spectator
- Coach
- DOC
- Regional Manager
- Let Us Play Panel (board, executive director, technical director, neutral parent)
Spectatorship Restrictions
Applies to parents and spectators whose conduct and demeanor willfully stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets. Behaviors falling into this category are stark, intentional, and/or consistently subversive. Direct entry into Tier B assumes Tier C interventions. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Audibly derogatory comments directed at any player, coach, or referee
- Overtly negative or unsportsmanlike body language or posturing
- Persistent infringement of Tier C
Possible Interventions
Chosen by Director with Regional Manager consultation.
- Community service
- Individualized behavior agreements
- “Silent Saturday”
Responsible Parties
- Parent / Spectator
- Coach
- DOC
Mandatory Education
Applies to parents and spectators whose conduct and demeanor, despite benign intentions, stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets in a nagging way. Behaviors falling into this category often stem from a desire to be helpful, but prove to be persistently disruptive. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Coaching / delivering instruction to players from the sidelines.
- “Joysticking” players or officials.
- Neglect of informal warnings (email, in-person asks, educational cards, lollipops, etc…)
Possible Interventions
Chosen by Coach with Director of Coaching consultation.
- Completion of educational module with course certificate
- Written reflection
Responsible Parties
- Parent / Spectator
- Coach
- Coaches
-
Suspensions & Expulsions
Applies to coaches whose conduct willfully and egregiously stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets, Club policy, and basic standards of civil decency. Behaviors falling into this category are extreme, flagrant, and grave. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Physical altercations
- Verbal altercations
- Violent conduct
- Substance abuse
- Escalated or long term persistent infringement of Tier B
Possible Interventions
Chosen by senior management (ED, TD) in collaboration with RM, RTD, and DOC/Program Director
- Coaching authority revoked
- Removal from club
- Legal action
- Seasonal bans
Responsible Parties
- Coach
- DOC
- Regional Manager
- Senior Management
- Let Us Play Panel (board, executive director, neutral parent)
Conditional Participation & Restorative Justice
Applies to coaches whose conduct and demeanor willfully stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets. Behaviors falling into this category are stark, intentional, and/or consistently subversive. Direct entry into Tier B assumes Tier C interventions. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Audibly derogatory comments directed at any player, coach, or referee
- Overtly negative or unsportsmanlike body language or posturing
- Persistent infringement of Tier C
Possible Interventions
Chosen by DOC/program director in consultation with Regional Manager and Regional Technical Director
- Prescribed correctional / mandatory restorative actions (written apologies, conciliatory in-person meeting, etc…)
- Remedial behavior plan
- Probationary period
Responsible Parties
- Coach
- DOC / Program Director
- Regional Manager / Regional TD
Mandatory Education
Applies to coaches whose conduct and demeanor, despite benign intentions, stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets in a nagging way. Behaviors falling into this category often stem from a desire to be helpful, but prove to be persistently disruptive. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Delivering instruction to players from the sideline in a way that escalates negative intensity.
- “Joyce sticking” players or officials.
- Neglect of informal warnings (email, in-person asks, educational cards, lollipops, etc…)
Possible Interventions
Chosen by DOC/program director in consultation with Regional Manager and Regional Technical Director.
- Completion of educational module with course certificate
- Written reflection
Responsible Parties
- Coach
- DOC / Program Director
- Players
-
Suspensions & Expulsions
Applies to players whose conduct willfully and egregiously stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets, Club policy, and basic standards of civil decency. Behaviors falling into this category are extreme, flagrant, and grave. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Persistent infringement of Tier B
- Grave social media misuse
- Harassment
- Hazing activities
- Severe bullying**
- Physical altercations / violent conduct
- Escalated or prolonged verbal altercations
- Intentional and significant defacement of the soccer environment, surrounding natural environment, and/or property.
- Substance abuse
- Blatant reckless endangerment of self or others
Possible Interventions
Chosen by senior management (ED, TD) in collaboration with RM, RTD, and DOC/Program Director
- Player card revoked
- Removal from club
- Legal action
- Seasonal bans
Responsible Parties
- Player
- Parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
- Coach
- DOC / Program Director
- Regional Management
- Senior Management
- Let Us Play Panel (board, executive director, neutral parent)
Conditional Participation & Restorative Justice
Applies to players whose conduct and demeanor willfully stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets. Behaviors falling into this category are stark, intentional, and/or consistently subversive. Direct entry into Tier B assumes Tier C interventions. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Persistent infringement of Tier C
- Minor bullying**
- Minor verbal altercations
- Overtly negative or unsporting conduct
- Defacement of the soccer environment, surrounding natural environment, and/or property
- Willful neglect for practical, personal safety matters
Possible Interventions
Chosen by DOC/program director in consultation with Regional Manager and Regional Technical Director
- Prescribed correctional / mandatory restorative actions (written apologies, conciliatory in-person meeting, etc…)
- Remedial behavior plan
- Probationary period
- Community service
Responsible Parties
- Player
- Parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
- Coach
- DOC / Program Director
- Regional Manager / Regional Technical Director
Mandatory Education
Applies to players whose conduct and demeanor, despite benign intentions, stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets in a nagging way. Behaviors falling into this category often stem from a desire to be helpful, but prove to be persistently disruptive. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Constant disruption of the learning environment (low-level picking on, unwanted teasing, bothering, or distracting other players/coaches/referees)
- Persistent dissent or disrespect for the Laws of The Game
- Careless treatment of equipment or personal belongings
- Casual disregard for practical, personal safety matters
Possible Interventions
Chosen by coach in consultation DOC/Program Director
- Completion of educational module with course certificate
- Written reflection
- Required Coach to Player in person 1-on-1
Responsible Parties
- Player
- Parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
- Coach
- DOC / Program Director