Spring 2003

Summary of R&D Decisions

1. U19/1 Protest of Game

The R&D Chairman received a complaint from Team C that they signed sit-out cards for Team As coach and player but neither served the sit-out in accordance with NCSL Rules & Procedures. Both Coach A and Player A should have been serving suspensions in the game played on April 26, 2003 for carryover sit-outs from the Spring 2002 season. The score of the match was Team A 3 vs. Team C 2.

It was reported to the R&D Chairman that Player A was acting as the assistant coach on the team sideline and Coach A was on the spectator sideline communicating with the team via a cell phone.

The R&D Chairman received reports from both teams and spoke with the referee and the assistant referee. Team A admitted that Player A was on the team sideline during the game; however, they stated that he was not coaching but just offering encouragement to the team. Team A also admitted that Coach A was on the spectator sideline. The assistant referee reported Player A did use his cell during the match. Whether or not he used his cell phone to communicate with Coach A or not, can not be verified nor refuted; it certainly gave an appearance of impropriety.

NCSL Rules & Procedures Manual Section V, Paragraph G- Sit-Out Procedures contains the following requirements for serving suspensions:

  1. A player sitting out a game may attend the game, but must not be in uniform and must not be on the team sideline, and must not assist in any function related to the game.
  2. A coach or team official serving a sit-out is encouraged not to attend the game at all. If a coach or team official does attend, however, he must not be closer to the playing field than 100 yards beginning 30 minutes before game time, and must remain not closer to the playing field than 100 yards until 30 minutes after the game is over. This period of time is defined as "the sit-out period." During this "sit-out period" a coach or team official must not be involved in any way with administration of the team at the game site, either directly, or indirectly. Use of walkie-talkies, cell phones, or any other method of communication by the coach to communicate with the team is strictly forbidden. The fact that a game can be seen from a public street or sidewalk, which may be closer than 100 yards does not relieve the coach or team official from complying with the 100 yard rule.

It is clear that neither Coach A nor Player A complied with these sit-out requirements.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The game is declared a forfeit and the score will be recorded as Team B 3 vs. Team A 0.
  2. The sit-outs served by Coach A and Player A do not count and must be reserved in the next Team A NCSL match.

2. U17/1 Terminated Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Rules & Discipline Committee held a hearing to review the incidents which caused the game to be terminated. The game was terminated with approximately nine minutes remaining in the second half with the score
Team A 2 vs. Team B 0.

The committee reviewed the referee's report, reports submitted by both teams as well as testimony presented by both teams and the referee during the hearing.

Near the end of the match, a Team B player was taken down from behind by a Team A player in the penalty area. Both teams agreed that a penalty kick should have been awarded to Team B. Even though the assistant referee had his flag raised for sometime, the referee did not see the foul and when he looked over to the assistant referee, his flag was not raised. After this play, there was considerable dissent from Team B. The referee requested and was not able to get Team B to settle down and therefore he terminated the match. The referee acknowledged during the hearing that he was not in sync with his assistant referees during the match.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The score when the game was terminated stands, Team A 2 vs. Team B 0.
  2. All cards issued during the game stand.
  3. No disciplinary action is warranted.

3. U17/1 Terminated Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Chairman of the Rules & Discipline Committee reviewed the incidents which caused the game to be terminated. The game was terminated in the first half with the score Team A 1 vs. Team B 0.

The referee alleged that Player B assaulted him. At that point, the referee terminated the match.

Referee assault comes under the exclusive jurisdiction of the State Association and requires that the accused be suspended from all USYSA/USSF play. The referees report was forwarded to MSYSA and the state has taken jurisdiction to resolve the referees allegation. Therefore, a NCSL R&D Committee hearing was not held.

It is clear that the actions of Team Bs players caused the game to be terminated.

Decisions of the R&D Chairman are as follows:

  1. The game is declared a forfeit and the score will be recorded Team A 3 vs. Team B 0.
  2. All other cards issued during the game stand.

4. U17/2 Referee Assault

The R&D Chairman received a report from a referee from an NCSL match. In his report the referee alleged that Coach A committed referee assault. Since referee assault falls under the jurisdiction of the state association, the R&D Chairman forwarded the referees report to the VYSA Adjudication Committee. VYSA took jurisdiction and held a hearing to review the allegations by the referee.

VYSA Adjudication Committee found that Coach A committed coaching misconduct in re-entering the field of play following his ejection and then making dissenting comments during his departure from the field of play. Based on Coach As prior good record and other character evidence presented, the committee suspended Coach A from his next three NCSL regular sanctioned matches.

5. U17/2 Terminated Game

The above match was terminated at halftime by the referee. The referee reported that during the first half he had to stop play several times to resolve discrepancies between taped numbers on Team As player jerseys and numbers listed on the game card. Eight discrepancies were discovered and corrected. At half time, the referee in an attempt to clarify players and jersey numbers asked to check Team A player passes. He found that five players did not have passes. At that point, he terminated the match.

Team A provided the following explanation. Team A is using a provisional roster this spring. For the provisional roster this spring, tape is being used to create new numbers in order to deconflict (in lieu of purchasing new uniforms for the provisional team for one season of play). Yesterday's damp weather was causing some of the tape to come off. The teams to which the players are normally rostered were scheduled to play in Memorial Day weekend tournaments this past weekend. The managers of their regular teams had retrieved the players' passes for tournament play, and had not yet returned the passes to the provisional roster manager. No players who are not rostered to the provisional roster played in this match.

While this is a reasonable explanation, it is not an acceptable excuse. Player passes must be at every NCSL match. Using tape to generate new jersey numbers is not desirable but it is acceptable. However, player numbers listed on the game card must match identically with the number on the jersey of the player.

The referee properly terminated the match when he discovered that not all the players participating in the match had player passes at the field.

Decisions of the R&D Chairman are as follows:

  1. The game is declared a forfeit and the score will be recorded, Team B 3 vs. Team A 0.
  2. The yellow cards issued during the match stand.
  3. The sit-out being served by Assistant Coach A does not count and must be reserved.

6. U17/4 Terminated Game

It was reported to the R&D Chairman the above referenced game was terminated by the referee. Team A started the match with only seven players. After one of the players left the game due to an injury, the referee stopped the match. The score was recorded as Team B 1 vs. Team A 0.

NCSL rules state that if a team does not have a minimum of seven players, the game is a forfeit.

Therefore, the game is declared a forfeit and the score will be recorded as Team B 3 vs.
Team A 0.

7. U16/2 Terminated Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Rules & Discipline Committee held a hearing to review the incidents, which caused the game to be terminated. The game was terminated with approximately 14 minutes remaining in the second half with the score Team A 4 vs. Team B 1.

The committee reviewed the referee's report, report submitted by the Team A as well as testimony presented by the referee during the hearing. Team B did not submit a report on the incidents of the game. For the record, the R&D Committee requested that both teams send a representative to the hearing but neither team attended.

As the second half continued, the referee reported that some of the Team B players seemed to become increasingly disenchanted with having to be out on the field. Things did not boil over, however, until the 26th minute. At that time, Player B struck a Player B in the face after the ball and play had passed them by. The referee immediately red carded Player B for serious foul play. At that point, the referee had enough, didnt want things to go any further, and decided to terminate the match.

The committee would like to compliment the referee who appeared to do an outstanding job during the match and was very professional during the hearing.

For the record, this is not the first time that Team B has caused a NCSL game to be terminated. During the Fall 2001 season, Team B caused two games to be terminated. At that time it was clear that Team B was having significant problems with its coaching, team management and player performance. The R&D Committee recommended that Team Bs club step in and get involved with the management and running of this team so that these reoccurring problems can be addressed. As part of the R&D decision, Team B was put on probation for two seasons in which they participated in the NCSL.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The score when the game was terminated stands, Team A 4 vs. Team B 1.
  2. All cards issued during the game stand, including the red cards issued to Player B1 and Player A. If either player changes teams, the suspension remains with them and must be served with any new NCSL team that they join.
  3. Player B2 is suspended for four games (1 for the red card and 3 disciplinary). If Player B2 changes teams, the suspension remains with him and must be served with any new NCSL team that he joins.
  4. Team B is fined $300. If Team B disbands, or does not pay for any reason, then Team Bs club will be responsible for paying the fine.
  5. Team B is suspended from play in the NCSL indefinitely. The team can apply to have this suspension lifted only if they submit a petition to the league officers requesting a hearing for reinstatement.
  6. Coach B is suspended from participation in the NCSL indefinitely. This applies to Coach B serving in any capacity as a team official. If Coach B changes teams, the suspension remains with him and applies to any new NCSL team that he joins. Coach B can apply to have this suspension lifted only if he submits a petition to the league officers requesting a hearing for reinstatement.

8. U16/3 Protested Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Rules & Discipline Committee held a hearing to review the protest filed by Team A. Coach B and Team Manager B were supposed to be serving suspension in this game. The basis of the protest was that neither coach nor manager honored the sit-out procedures.

The R&D Committee reviewed the protest filed by Team A, reports submitted by the referee, assistant referee, and Team B as well as testimony by both teams and the referee crew during the hearing.

During the first half, Team A reported to the assistant referee that Coach B was on the spectator sideline providing indirect coaching direction to his team. The referee stopped the match and directed the Coach B to leave the area. Team B and Coach B did not dispute the fact that Coach B was at the match. Team B disputed the allegation that he was providing coaching instruction during the match.

Team Manager B admitted that he went to the match to provide transportation for his son and to pass on the mangers responsibilities to another Tam B parent. He stated that he did leave the area and was 100 yards from the field during the match. The referee corroborates Team Manager Bs account.

NCSL rule is clear: a coach serving a sit-out is encouraged not to attend the game at all. If a coach does attend, he must not be closer to the playing field than 100 yards beginning 30 minutes before game time, and must remain not closer to the playing field than 100 yards until 30 minutes after the game is over. During this period, a coach must not be involved in any way with the coaching or administration of the team at the game site, either directly or indirectly.

The purpose of the rule should be obvious. How can the committee determine whether or not he is involved in coaching his team if a coach does not comply with the 100 yard rule?

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The protest is granted and the game is declared a forfeit. The score will be recorded as
    Team A 3 vs. Team B 0.
  2. The sit-out served by Coach B does not count and must be reserved in the in the next Team B NCSL game. If Coach B changes teams, the suspension remains with him and must be served with any new NCSL team that he joins.
  3. The sit-out served by Team Manager B counts.
  4. All other cards issued in the game stand.

9. U16/4 Terminated Game

It was reported to the R&D Chairman that the referee called the game before it started because the field was not properly prepared.

If nets and lines are not in place when the referee is ready to begin the game, the home team forfeits.

The game is declared a forfeit and the score will be recorded as Team A 3 vs. Team B 0.

10. U16/4 Terminated Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Rules & Discipline Committee held a hearing to review the incidents which caused the above referenced game to be terminated. The game was terminated with approximately 10 minutes remaining in the second half with the score Team A 5 vs. Team B 1.

The committee reviewed the referee's report, reports submitted by both teams as well as testimony presented by both teams during the hearing.

During the second half, the referee reported that the game continued to get even more physical, and came to a head in the 60th minute of the match. Player B and Player A began pushing each other and then started striking each other before it was broken up. The referee issued red cards to both players. At that point, the referee ended the match after he determined he could no longer ensure the safety of the players on the field.

Team Manager B reported that during this match a player issued a red card was wearing the wrong jersey number. This information was not reported or annotated on the game card.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The score when the game was terminated stands, Team A 5 vs. Team B 1.
  2. The red card issued to the player wearing the wrong jersey during the match was assigned to the correct player. For future reference, Team B is directed to make sure any roster changes on game day must be noted on the blue game card prior to the match.
  3. All other cards issued during the game stand.
  4. No other disciplinary action is warranted.

11. U15/2 Terminated Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Rules & Discipline Committee held a hearing to review the incidents which caused the above referenced game to be terminated. The game was terminated with approximately five minutes remaining in the second half with the score Team A 3 vs. Team B 0.

The committee reviewed the referees report, reports submitted by both teams as well as testimony presented by both teams during the hearing.

The referee terminated the match as a result of inflammatory behavior, aggressive attitude and taunting of assistant referee and referee by the Team B spectators. Spectators ignored verbal warnings to refrain from comments. After the match, the referee reported Manger B and Parent B were verbally abusive.

During the hearing, Parent B acknowledged that he was very upset over the ejection of his son from the match. He admitted he persisted during and after the match to get further clarification of the ejection and to challenge the referees decision. Parent A conceded that he caused the game to be terminated.

Coaches may approach the referee after the match to request from the referee what cards were issued during the match. However, this must not be taken as an opportunity to challenge or dispute the calls made during the match.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The game is declared a forfeit and the score will be recorded Team A 3 vs. Team B 0.
  2. All cards issued during the game stand.
  3. Team B is fined $300.

12. U15/2 Protest of Red Card

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the R&D Chairman reviewed the protest filed by Team A in the above referenced game. The basis of the protest was the referee issued a red card to the wrong player.

Team A stated the referee issued the red card to Player A1 when in fact Player A2 committed the offense and should have received the red card. The R&D Chairman reviewed the referees report and the referee acknowledged he could have made a mistake in identity. The referee correctly reported that he did not have the authority to change the assignment of the card after play had resumed.

Team Manager A reported Player A2 has served the automatic one game suspension.

Decision of the R&D Chairman is as follows:

  1. The protest is granted and the red card and subsequent sit-out will be reassigned to
    Player A2.

13. U15/4 Terminated Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Rules & Discipline Committee held a hearing to review the incidents which caused the game to be terminated. The game was terminated in the second half with approximately two minutes remaining with the score
Team A 2 vs. Team B 0.

The committee reviewed reports submitted by both teams, the referee, and the assistant referee as well as testimony presented by Team A, the referee, and the assistant referee during the hearing. For the record, Team B was required to attend but failed to participate in the hearing.

During the first half, the referee had to speak with a group of Team B parents concerning their persistent berating of his calls. As a result of comments directed toward the referee Parent B was asked to leave the area near the end of the game. While leaving, Player A made a comment such as thank you. Parent B turned around and made an obscene gesture toward the player. Then Parent A attempted to confront Parent B. At this point, the referee terminated the match.

The remark by Player A toward Parent B was inappropriate. The behavior of Parent B was totally unacceptable and the obscene gesture directed towards a youth player was exceedingly in bad taste.

In his report, Coach B acknowledged that it was the inappropriate behavior of one of his parents, which resulted in the match being terminated.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The game is declared a forfeit and the score will be recorded Team A 3 vs. Team B 0.
  2. All cards issued during the game stand.
  3. Team B is fined $400.

14. U14/3 Terminated Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Rules & Discipline Committee held a hearing to review the incidents which caused the game to be terminated. The game was terminated with approximately 13 minutes remaining in the second half with the score Team A 2 vs. Team B 2.

The committee reviewed the referee's report, reports submitted by both teams as well as testimony presented by both teams during the hearing.

The referee called a foul against Player A. As the referee was in the process of issuing a yellow card to Player A, he heard Coach B holler that he should issue a red card. After administering the yellow card to Player A, the referee turned to Coach B and requested that he remain quiet. The referee issued a yellow card to the Coach for dissent. According to the referee, Coach B then literally exploded complaining how could he issue him a yellow card. The coach continued to holler, and the referee displayed a second yellow followed by a red and asked him to leave the field. At that point, the referee terminated the match.

After the termination, both at the field and in the parking, Coach B and Assistant Coach B approached the referee crew to continue the confrontation over the terminated game. In addition, a young man, later identified as Coach Bs older son, complained using profanity about the match being terminated.

The inappropriate confrontational behavior both during and after the match by Team B officials and nonrostered Team B representative is totally inappropriate and unacceptable.

Team B was involved in another terminated game this season played on May 4, 2003. In the previous decision issued for that game, the R&D Committee found Team B and Coach B was in large part responsible for the termination of the match. The R&D committee found this to be a very disturbing pattern of inappropriate behavior.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The game is declared a forfeit and the score will be recorded Team A 3 vs. Team B 0.
  2. Coach B is suspended for four games, three disciplinary suspensions in addition to the automatic one game suspension for receiving a red card in this game. These sit-outs must be served in the in the next four Team B NCSL games. If Coach B changes teams, the suspensions remain with him and must be served with any new NCSL team that he joins.
  3. Team B is fined $400.
  4. All other cards issued during the game stand.


15. U14/3 Terminated Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Rules & Discipline Committee held a hearing to review the incidents which caused the game to be terminated. The game was terminated at halftime with the score Team A 2 vs. Team B 0.

The committee reviewed reports submitted by both teams as well as testimony presented by both teams and the referee during the hearing.

During a goal scoring by Team A, a Team B player was injured after he ran into the goal post and an ambulance had to be called. The referee called no foul. Before restarting the match, the referee did talk to both teams and coaches and requested both teams to calm down. However, once the play was restarted, the referee received continuous verbal abuse from Team B coaches, players and spectators.

At halftime, Coach B approached the referee to talk about the calls made. Shortly afterwards, representatives of both teams were near the referee. At that point, the referee terminated the match.

In the opinion of the committee, Team B was in large part responsible for the termination of the match.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The game is declared a forfeit and the score will be recorded Team A 3 vs. Team B 0.
  2. All cards issued during the game stand.

16. U14/5 Terminated Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Rules & Discipline Committee held a hearing to review the incidents, which caused the game to be terminated. The game was terminated with approximately two minutes remaining in the second half with the score
Team A 1 vs. Team B 3.

The committee reviewed reports submitted by the referee, assistant referee, both teams as well as testimony presented by both teams, referee and the assistant referee during the hearing.

After an off sides call, the referee was called to the sideline by the assistant referee. The referee reported that he sent off Coach B for dissent. According to the referee, Coach B did not leave the area quickly enough and in the shortest direction. Therefore, the referee terminated the match.

The referee and Team Manager A reported that Parent B made an extremely inappropriate gesture toward the referee by showing him his wallet and money, and obvious suggestion on buying a call.

The committee's review of the events leading to sending off Coach B, the termination of the match, and the behavior of Team B parents and spectators was complicated by numerous inconsistencies presented between the official game card, the submitted written testimony, and the verbal testimony given at the hearing. The referee crew provided more than one conflicting version of why the match was terminated. The changing testimony of the center referee as to why he terminated the match was extremely frustrating.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The score when the game was terminated stands Team A 3 vs. Team B 1.
  2. The red card issue to Coach B is reduced to a yellow card.
  3. All other cards issued during the game stand.
  4. Team B is fined $200.
  5. Team B management is encouraged to take appropriate action against Parent B who made the inappropriate gesture towards the referee.

17. U13/1 Terminated Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, I conferred with the Rules & Discipline Committee to review the incidents, which caused the game to be terminated. The game was terminated with approximately three minutes remaining in the first half with the score Team A 2 vs. Team B 0.

The R&D Chairman reviewed the referee's report and reports submitted by both teams.

After Player B received a yellow card, Coach B protested the card and remarked to the referee. The referee came over an ejected Coach B from the field. The referee reported that he ejected the coach for insulting and abusive language. The coach refused to leave and the referee terminated the match.

After the R&D Chairman received the referees report, he spoke with the referee and determined that the coach did not use insulting nor abusive language.

The referee was technically correct in terminating the match but erred in ejecting the coach for insulting and abusive language.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The game is directed to be replayed.
  2. The yellow cards issued to two Team B players count and each player is assessed five disciplinary points.
  3. The ejection issued to Coach B is reduced to a yellow card and Coach B is assessed 10 disciplinary points.

18. U13/3 Terminated Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Rules & Discipline Committee held a hearing to review the incidents which caused the game to be terminated. The game was terminated with approximately two minutes remaining in the second half with the score
Team A 3 vs. Team B 0.

The committee reviewed the referee's report, reports submitted by both teams as well as testimony presented by both teams during the hearing.

With two minutes remaining in the match, the referee whistled a foul. The referee separated two players and attempted to restart the match. Player B delayed the restart and the referee issued him a red card for his second caution. Coach B pulled his players from the field and Team B spectators entered the field. At that point, the referee terminated the match.

Team B complained that the referee and the assistant referees were related to Team A. In addition, Team B complained both step-in assistant referees were selected from Team A and they did not have an opportunity to use one SIAR from their team. The referee was not related to anyone on Team A. Since Team B arrived late for the match, the referee selected two SIARs that were present and ready to start the match. It should be pointed out that both teams have an obligation to advise the referee their SIARs are available for the match.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The score when the game was terminated stands, Team A 3 vs. Team B 0.
  2. Coach B is suspended for one game. The sit-out must be served in the in the next Team B NCSL game. If Coach B changes teams, the suspension remains with him and must be served with any new NCSL team that he joins.
  3. The red card issued to Player B stands. The sit-out must be served in the in the next Team B NCSL game. If Player B changes teams, the suspension remains with him and must be served with any new NCSL team that he joins.
  4. All other cards issued during the game stand.

19. U12/4 Terminated Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Rules & Discipline Committee held a hearing to review the incidents which caused the game to be terminated. The game was terminated in the second half with approximately nine minutes remaining with the score
Team A 3 vs. Team B 2.

The committee reviewed reports submitted by both teams, the referee, and the assistant referee as well as testimony presented by both teams and the referee during the hearing.

During the first half, the referee called a handball against Team A. Team As coaches and sideline objected to the call and persisted yelling at the referee. The referee gave Team A the opportunity to calm down. The referee cautioned Team As assistant coach. The assistant coach quickly calmed down but the team manager continued to yell at the referee. After she directed foul language at the referee, she was asked to leave the field. She initially refused to leave the area.

In the second half, verbal abuse directed at the referee from Team As spectators continued. Parent A directed foul language at the referee. She was asked to leave the area several times. During this time she continued to direct foul language and an obscene gesture toward the referee. At this point, the referee terminated the match.

In the opinion of the committee, Team A was clearly responsible for the termination of the match.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The game is declared a forfeit and the score will be recorded Team B 3 vs. Team A 0.
  2. All cards issued during the game stand.
  3. Team A does not have a rostered assistant coach; therefore, the yellow card and associated 10 disciplinary points issued to the assistant coach is assigned to Coach A.
  4. Team A is fined $200.
  5. Team A must convene a parents' meeting to review the NCSL Parent Code of Conduct. Each parent must sign a copy of the Parent Code of Conduct.

20. U11/2 Protest of Red Card

The R&D Chairman reviewed the protest submitted by Team A. The basis of the protest was the second card issued to Player A should have been a yellow card not a direct red card. The R&D Chairman spoke with and received a detailed report from the referee.

The referee reported that the first yellow card was issued after a goal was scored against his team and everyone was lining up for a kickoff. Player A began complaining about a call that the referee made just a few minutes prior. The referee issued the card and explained to the player his infraction, that being dissent. Later, with about 30 seconds left in regulation time, Player A and a defender were going for the ball just near midfield. Player A pushed the defender from behind. This infraction was not of a degree to warrant a card, however, it did call for a direct kick for the defending team. Upon whistling for stoppage of play and before the referee could call the play, Player A immediately began complaining about the call. The referee issued a red card.

The referee acknowledged the second card issued to Player A should have been a yellow followed by the red ejection.

The referee further added that after the game and after he talked with the coach, another player from Team A approached him wanting to talk about the call he made. Additionally, while later completing the appropriate paperwork for the game, the team manager approached the referee and proceeded to question the calls during the game. This type of behavior is inappropriate and is in violation of the NCSL Codes of Conduct. Players and team officials should never approach the referee after the match to challenge or question the calls made during the game.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The protest is granted and the second card issued to Player A is reduced to a yellow card. Player A received 2 yellow cards during the match, which is equivalent to a red card. Player A is automatically suspended from the next Team A NCSL match. In addition, Player A is assessed 10 disciplinary points.
  2. Team A management must review the sit-out procedures in the NCSL Rules & Procedures manual to make sure that the sit-out is properly served and documented. Further, the team management is directed to review the NCSL disciplinary point system.
  3. Team A management must convene a team meeting with players and parents to review the NCSL Codes of Conduct. Players and parents must be instructed not to approach the referee after the match to discuss calls made during the match.

21. U11/2 Protest of Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Rules & Discipline Committee held a meeting to review the protest filed by Team A. The basis of the protest was the referee called a handball and disallowed the goal scored on a direct free kick.

The R&D Committee reviewed the protest filed by Team A, reports submitted by the referee, and the Team B.

The referee reported that he "called an inadvertent hand ball outside the 18-yard box against Team B and then awarded an indirect free kick to Team A".

FIFA law does not support calling an inadvertent handball. If the referee thought that there was an inadvertent contact with the ball, no call should have been made and play should have been allowed to continue. Regardless, the referee stopped play. Only two options are then available: 1) Recognizing his error, the correct restart should have been a drop ball or 2) If the referee intended to call a handball, the proper restart, once called, is a direct free kick.

Based on the referees report, the committee believed no call should have been made and a free kick should not have been awarded to Team A. The fact that a free kick was taken, goal was scored, and disallowed is irrelevant. Neither team was disadvantaged by the misapplication of the rules.

The committee is disappointed by the fact that the center referee erred twice in applying FIFA Law. It is strongly suggested that the center referee seek remedial training in the technical content FIFA law, especially Law 12, and the application of FIFA Law to the game environment.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The protest is denied.
  2. The score of the game stands Team B 0 vs. Team A 0.
  3. Since there was considerable confusion concerning the misapplication of the rules in one play by the referee, the R&D Committee directs that the protest fee be returned to the Team A.

22. U10/V Terminated Game

In accordance with the NCSL Rules and Procedures Manual, the Rules & Discipline Committee held a hearing to review the incidents which caused the game to be terminated. The game was terminated with approximately 10 minutes remaining in the second half with the score Team A 6 vs. Team B 2.

The committee reviewed the referee's report, reports submitted by both teams as well as testimony presented by both teams during the hearing. For the record, the R&D Committee requested Coach B attend the hearing so that the committee could hear from him why he pulled his team from the field. He did not attend but sent his wife to the hearing.

Player B and Player A were running side by side with the ball in front of them. Player B went down, appeared hurt, and the referee waived the coach onto the field. The coach came onto the field, and pulled his team from the field because he had concerns for the safety of his players.

The referee reported that he couldnt shed any light on the coach's actions to pull his team from the field. The referee heard no complaints from the coach nor had there been any particular complaints from the spectator's sidelines. According to the referee, the game seemed well under control.

Decisions of the R&D Committee are as follows:

  1. The score when the game was terminated stands, Team A 6 vs. Team B 2.
  2. Coach B is suspended for one game. The sit-out must be served in the in the next Team B NCSL game. If Coach B changes teams, the suspension remains with him and must be served with any new NCSL team that he joins.