AYSO Region 19 Coaches’ Sideline Responsibilities

Thank you for the time and effort you dedicate to our players. As a coach, you are a leader and role model, shaping the environment for your team, parents, and spectators. Together with referees, you help create a Safe, Fair, and Fun space where players can grow, while upholding respect for referees, opponents, and all participants.

Coaches' Responsibilities

• Create a Positive Environment: Encourage sportsmanship and positive behavior from players and parents.

• Respect Referees and Officials: Referees may make mistakes, as we all do, but these should never disrupt the game. If you believe a referee needs improvement, contact the Regional Referee Administrator. Public dissent is not permitted.

• Address Inappropriate Behavior: Ensure coaches, players, and spectators refrain from offensive language, harassment, or violence.

• Manage Your Sidelines: You are responsible for addressing inappropriate behavior from your team's parents and spectators.

• Wear Your Coach Shirt: Coaches and assistant coaches must wear their designated shirt to distinguish themselves from spectators and to ensure clear communication with referees.

Unacceptable Behaviors

• Dissent: Disputing referee decisions, leaving the technical area, or using gestures of dissent.

• Over-Coaching: Providing excessive or distracting instructions that disrupt players or referees.

• Interfering with Play: Disrupting the game or interfering with players on the field.

• Hostile Behavior: Yelling at referees, players, or others in a hostile manner.

Referee Instructions for Coach Actions on Sideline Misconduct (Parents and Spectators)

1. Ask: The referee will ask the coach to address negative behavior from parents or spectators. This is an opportunity for the coach to remind their sidelines of appropriate conduct.

2. Warn: If the behavior continues, the referee will issue a formal warning to the coach, making it clear that the inappropriate behavior must stop immediately.

3. Dismiss: If the behavior persists, the referee will instruct the coach to have the individual responsible removed from the match area. If the person refuses to leave, the referee may delay or terminate the game.

Referee Actions for Coach Misconduct

Referees have full authority to manage games. Coaches engaging in dissent, inappropriate language, or aggression will face:

• Caution (Yellow Card): For dissent or failure to manage sideline behavior.

• Send-off (Red Card): For persistent or severe misconduct, including unwillingness to control the sideline.

• Further Disciplinary Action: May result in suspension or removal from Region 19.

• Game Termination: If a coach is dismissed and no certified assistant coach is present, the game will be terminated.