LSA has no tolerance for individuals who display poor or unsporting behavior on the field or on either sideline. The Misconduct Policies can be found in Policy 214 in the LSA Policy Manual and it is the obligation of every Coach and Team Administrator to clearly understand LSA Policy.
Club Rules of Conduct
Many LSA Clubs have established their own Rules of Conduct for their players, coaches and parents. The establishment and enforcement of such Club Rules of Conduct reflect club leadership that places a priority on sportsmanship and in providing a positive, productive and pressure-free soccer environment for our players.
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). Red Cards and Ejections ARE NOT subject to appeal.
1-Game Suspension (see: LSA Policy 214.3.2.4)
A 1 game suspension shall include, but not be limited to, receiving a second caution in the same game; serious foul play; or denying a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
2-Game Suspension (see: LSA Policy 214.3.2.5)
An additional suspension of 1 game (for a total of 2 games) is mandated in the event the player’s ejection was for violent conduct including, but not limited to, the aggression of a player towards an opponent with clearly no intent to play the ball; offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures.
3-Game Suspension (see: LSA Policy 214.3.2.6)
An additional suspension of another game (for a total of 3 games) is mandated in the event the player’s ejection for violent conduct involved hitting, kicking, punching or fighting, racial or ethnic slurs and/or spitting on or at another.
Persistent Misconduct - Penalty Point System
In addition to the suspensions for misconduct, a penalty point system to penalize those individuals who display persistent misconduct was implemented in 2014. (see: LSA Policy 214.5)
To elevate the level of play across Louisiana, we must all work toward elevating the level of conduct of those few who display unsporting and, at times, uncivilized behavior at our soccer games.