CDYSL exists to provide opportunities for the youth of the Capital Region to enjoy soccer. CDYSL has implemented a Zero Tolerance Policy to ensure that all games are played in a safe, sporting manner and provide an appropriate environment for our youth soccer players.

These Zero Tolerance policies are to prevent physical assault and verbal abuse in the leagues and clubs within the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and the Capital District Youth Soccer League. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to restrict or limit CDYSL, U.S. Soccer or ENYYSA from applying equal or greater restrictions to anyone in violation of the Zero Tolerance Policies. The U. S. Soccer Misconduct Toward Game Officials in Amateur Matches shall supersede any inconsistent rules of Member Organizations that pertain to assault, abuse, or gross mistreatment upon Federation Game Officials (i.e. referees). (U.S. Soccer Policy 531-9 adopted 5/10/24).

This policy applies to all coaches, bench personnel, players, parents, spectators and other supporters and referees. Abusive, derogatory and/or 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, player and spectator control. The member clubs are ultimately responsible for the actions of their coaches, players and spectators. They are to provide education and instructions to their coaches on this policy and their expectations. This policy applies before, during and after the game on/at the soccer field, sidelines, and its immediate surrounding areas, including the parking lot(s) and/or common gathering areas.

Any person who has witnessed a Violation of the Zero Tolerance Policy may file an Official Zero Tolerance Violation Report and submit it in writing to the CDYSL office. Any person’s name that has been recorded as being present at the time of the incident must comply with the investigation of the Zero Tolerance Enforcement Committee. Each person and/or club that is contacted must acknowledge and return the Zero Tolerance Enforcement Committee’s phone call and/or email within 24 hours. If the club President and/or Coach does not respond in a time specified, the club will be given a noncompliance fine. (if the ZTEC investigator is unable to reach a coach or assistant coach, they will contact the Club President for assistance).

Findings and sanctions are to be fulfilled immediately. If you choose to appeal the findings and sanctions, you can follow the guidelines stated at the bottom of the violation report. Filing an appeal does not supersede any finding or sanction.

Any finding and sanction will be fulfilled in the current seasonal year or if the findings and sanctions are at the end of the CDYSL seasonal year, they are to be continued to the next seasons until complete.

Read the entire policy HERE.