Spectator Unsportsmanlike Behavior Policy
Parents and Spectators,
We would like to inform our spectators of the escalation steps and the consequences of spectator unsportsmanlike conduct.
Unsportsmanlike conduct includes but is not limited to actions such as yelling at the referees, taunting opposing players and coaches, obscene gestures, the use of foul language, and so forth.
WUSC is a member of the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA) and we are required to follow the state mandated guidelines in regards to spectator unsportsmanlike behavior.
- The first step is the referee will stop the game and warn the spectators to stop the unsportsmanlike behavior.
- If the behavior continues, the referee will eject the spectator from the field and will ask the spectator to wait in the parking lot or leave the field all together.
- If the spectator refuses to leave then NCYSA directs that the club call the police to remove the spectator from the field. This then becomes a legal matter that the spectator will need to deal with.
- Parents and spectators who demonstrate repeated issues regarding their behavior will not be allowed to watch games at the field.
Obviously we do not need or desire to involve the police in a soccer match, so please respect the referees, the players and coaches, and exhibit sportsmanlike behavior.
We would also like to remind everyone that some of the referees are young adults and are trying to build experience in the sport. Your actions can have a direct impact on these young people and we know from NCYSA statistics that many young people give up refereeing as a result of these adult/young adult confrontations.
Finally, our practices and games take place on church property and our guidelines stipulate that parents should refrain from consuming alcohol, tobacco products, and the use of foul language. We are trying to set a positive example for our children. Parents and spectators who cannot refrain from these behaviors will be asked to leave immediately.
We are all ambassadors for WUSC and our actions reflect on the club as a whole. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the WUSC Board at wuscsoccer@gmail.com.