Section 1

All persons associated with NYSA are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which is conducive to good sportsmanship and a wholesome atmosphere for the children. The following examples of misconduct WILL NOT BE TOLERATED and will be cause for disciplinary action:

1. Foul and/or abusive language directed toward coaches, officials, players or participants.
2. Arguing with officials, coaches, or players.
3. Throwing objects onto the field of play and/or at other persons.
4. Destruction of equipment or facilities.
5. Verbal and/or physical assault.
6. Consumption of alcoholic beverages, or use of illegal drugs and/or use of tobacco products.
7. Other misconduct which is deemed disruptive to the orderly conduct of the game of soccer.

Section 2

Generally, incompetence shall not be grounds for disciplinary action against coaches or officials. However, written complaints or charges of incompetence will be received by the board. Two valid complaints received on separate occasions shall be cause for a conference with the subject party and further complaints may be cause for dismissal from coaching or officiating.

Section 3

Misconduct of members, coaches, officials, spectators or players may be reported to the board, with or without a request for action.

1. Only coaches or directors may file reports on officials.
2. A report must be filed in writing with any board member within 72 hours following the incident. Any board member receiving a report will forward it to the Vice President Appeals and Discipline.
3. Upon receipt of a report, the Vice President Appeals and Discipline will undertake a preliminary investigation of the charges and will determine, within 72 hours, whether the report shall be:
   1. rejected for cause (generally because it is not in compliance with these bylaws), or:
   2. accepted for hearing before an A & D committee.

Section 4

The Appeals and Discipline committee shall set a hearing date and location and notify the concerned individuals in a timely manner.

1. The Committee shall vote after hearing the pertinent facts and the witnesses have retired. A three-fourths majority vote of the representatives present and voting is required for the approval of proposed action. Unpublished votes and abstentions are not permitted.
2. The concerned individuals shall be notified immediately, in writing, of the committee's action.
3. Action taken by the committee may include but not be limited to:
   1. written reprimand
   2. probation
   3. suspension
   4. dismissal from NYSA activities

Section 5

NYSA Appeals and Discipline committee action shall be final. The only appeal is to NTSSA under NTSSA Bylaws, Chapter 3.11.

Section 6

All persons associated with NYSA are subject to disciplinary action.

Section 7 - Penalties for Coach's Misconduct

1. Ejection - A coach receiving an ejection from a referee during a regular, playoff, tournament, or championship game will be suspended from being within sight or sound or from participating in his team's next regular, playoff, tournament or championship game.
2. Rules Violations - Violation of the following Association Rules and Bylaws by coaches or teams will result in assessment of the described penalties by the RA&D committee.
   1. Illegal Player - Any coach knowingly allowing an unregistered or ineligible player to participate with his team, in a game of any type, will result in the coach's suspension from coaching for one year in the Association.
   2. Practice Time Limit - Violation by a coach of Practice Time will result in that coach receiving a formal caution from the Association. Subsequent violations will result in suspensions from the next game following the Association decision.
   3. Playing Time Per Player - Violation by a coach of NTSSA rules concerning Playing Time per player will result in the coach being formally cautioned by the Association. The second such violation will result in the coach's suspension from the next game following an RA&D decision based on a review and hearing. The third violation will result in a one year suspension from coaching in the Association.
3. Amendments to Penalties - These penalties for misconduct may only be amended by Executive Board action based on findings and decisions involving extenuating circumstances.

Section 8

1. All coaching at games must be done from the designated sideline within ten yards of the team area.
2. For U-6 and U-8 divisions all Teams, coaches, and all team supporters shall be on opposite sides of the field with the home team having the east side. For U-10 and above both teams and coaches will occupy the west side of the field and all team supporters will occupy the east side.
3. Coaches will be held responsible for any misbehavior on the part of their team's spectators, parents, and players. This includes any foul and abusive language and any comments directed toward the referees, opposing players, and coaches. A coach or assistant coach may be cautioned or ejected from the field of play by the referee as a result of any misbehavior. NYSA will follow any disciplinary guidelines as set forth by NTSSA>
4. All spectators must remain a minimum of three feet from sidelines.
5. All coaches, officials and board members will be expected to enforce the Code of Conduct.