It is important that every coach and every manager become familiar with the LSA Misconduct Policies. They can be found in Policy 214 in the LSA Policy Manual linked below.
Manager, Coach and Club Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of every Coach, every Manager and every Club to understand and to implement the LSA Misconduct Policy. They must each
- properly report any misconduct
- understand the length of a suspension, and
- ensure the suspension is served in full.
Misconduct applies to players, coaches and parents or team supporters alike.
Suspensions
The only factor to be considered in determining the nature of the offense for which a suspension is awarded shall be the language used by the Referee in the Referee Report submitted to LSA. (see: LSA Policy 214.3.2.3).
One (1) Game Suspension (Policy 214.3.2.4)
A player who is ejected shall be suspended and at a minimum shall not be allowed to participate in his or her next playable LSA Game or Games. A one game suspension shall include, but not be limited to,
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receiving a second caution in the same game;
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serious foul play;
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denying a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity;
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delaying the restart of play by the opposing team such as holding on to the ball or kicking it away or obstructing the movement of a player;
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deliberately leaving the technical area to act in an aggressive, confrontational, provocative or inflammatory manner;
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deliberately throwing/kicking an object onto the field of play; or
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insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
2-Game Suspension (Policy 214.3.2.5)
A suspension of a minimum of 1 additional game (for a total of 2 games) is mandated in the event the player’s ejection was for
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using offensive or violent conduct, including but not limited to pushing and shoving;
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the use or attempted use of excessive force against an opponent when not challenging for the ball, or against a team-mate, team official, match official, spectator or any other person, regardless of whether contact is made.
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kicking, hitting, striking, slapping, or punching another
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deliberately throwing/kicking an object at any other person.
3-Game Suspension (Policy 214.3.2.6)
A suspension for a minimum of 1additional game (for a total of 3 games) is mandated in the event the player’s ejection was for violent conduct and involved physical or aggressive behavior toward any other person including
The SRC and LSA shall have the discretion to add additional game suspensions or further disciplinary action if in their collective discretion it is warranted given the nature and extent of the misconduct. This discretion extends to all instances of misconduct whether they originally warranted a 1, 2 or 3-game suspension. As one example, if an individual who has been ejected from a game continues his or her misconduct after being ejected, further disciplinary action may be taken beyond that warranted by the original misconduct causing the ejection.
Appeals
Appeals for misconduct suspensions can be filed under the following conditions.
- No 1-game suspension shall be appealable.
- An appeal for a 2-game or a 3-game suspension may be filed by the President or Executive Director of the suspended player’s Club.
- The appeal shall be in writing, addressed to the Chairman of LSA Discipline and Appeals Committee (D&A).
- The appeal shall be accompanied by a check in the amount of $500. Such fee shall be refunded if and only if the appeal is upheld.
- Only written statements shall be permitted. No audio or video recordings shall be admissible.
- At least 3 members of the D&A Committee shall convene within 72 hours of the filing of the appeal and may convene virtually or by telephone. The D&A may request a statement from the SRC and/or LSA to detail their reasons for the initial ruling. The SRC shall forward all Referee Reports pertaining to the incident to the D&A Committee immediately upon the filing of the appeal.
- The decision of the D&A Committee shall be final with no further appeal.