Discipline

VMSL Discipline

Alberta Soccer Association Rules and Regulations apply to any instance not covered in these Rules and Regulations. Any changes or alterations to these rules must be approved by VMSL.

 

1. Governing Rules

  • Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) rules apply when VMSL rules do not cover a situation.
  • Any changes to VMSL rules require league approval.

2. Discipline Authority

  • Discipline Director: Bruce Mintz (bruce@vmsl.ca)
  • Committee Members: Tomasz Kasprzak, Mark Common, Hussam Swedan, Adriano Ferraro (info@vmsl.ca)
  • VMSL has the right to suspend or bar:
    • Teams, players, or officials for misconduct, breaches of laws/rules, or actions bringing soccer into disrepute.
    • Misconduct includes on-field or off-field behavior, complaints by members, officials, or spectators.

3. Code of Conduct – FIFA’s 5 Golden Rules

  1. Play to Win – Always compete fully, never give up or play below strength.
  2. Play Fair – Cheating brings no honor; fair play earns respect.
  3. Observe the Laws of the Game – Rules exist for order, fairness, and enjoyment.
  4. Respect All – Opponents, teammates, referees, officials, and spectators deserve respect.
  5. Accept Defeat with Dignity – Congratulate winners, avoid excuses, and strive to improve.

4. Expulsions & Suspensions

  • Members can be expelled for:
    • Persistent breaches of rules/regulations.
    • Wrongful conduct harming the league’s reputation or operations.
  • Suspensions and expulsions can extend to EDSA and ASA leagues (reciprocal enforcement).
  • Suspended players cannot switch teams within VMSL.
  • Teams/individuals causing property damage or repeated infractions may be indefinitely banned from league and facility.

5. Referee Protection – ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

  • Abuse of referees (verbal, physical, or intimidation) is strictly prohibited.
  • Sanctions:
    • Red Card: Offensive/insulting language, abusive gestures, or physical confrontation.
    • Yellow Card: Dissent, disrespect, aggression, surrounding referees, or non-aggressive contact.
  • Coaches/managers are also accountable for conduct in the technical area.
  • Referees’ mistakes are acknowledged, but abuse is never acceptable. Concerns must be submitted via the Referee Evaluation Form.

6. Reporting & Escalation

  • Referees must report:
    • Physical abuse/verbal threats → submitted to ASA within 72 hours.
    • Other misconduct → submitted to VMSL within their timelines.
  • VMSL Discipline Committee may adjust suspension length based on severity.

✅ Summary:
The VMSL enforces strict discipline to protect the integrity of soccer. Misconduct, referee abuse, property damage, and repeat offenses can lead to suspensions, expulsions, or indefinite bans. Discipline is recognized across affiliated leagues (EDSA & ASA). Respect, fairness, and dignity are the cornerstones of play.

 

DISCIPLINE / RED CARDS / YELLOW CARDS / BLUE CARDS

 

🟨 Yellow Cards (Cautions)

  • Accumulation Suspensions:
    • 3 yellow cards → 1 game suspension
    • 6 yellow cards → 2 game suspension
    • 7 yellow cards → Discipline Chair discretion (can suspend further)
  • Two yellows in one match = treated as a red card (ejection + automatic 1 game suspension).
  • Suspension applies immediately (the next scheduled match).
  • Tracking Responsibility: Coaches, managers, and team officials must monitor players’ card counts.
  • Reset Rules:
    • Start of each new season → yellow card count cleared (except ongoing suspensions).
    • Start of playoffs → players start with a clean record, but any unserved suspensions carry over.
  • Fines/Bonds: Must be paid before the player/team resumes participation.

🟥 Red Cards (Ejections)

  • Player or official must leave the field immediately (cannot return or stay near the bench).
  • Suspension starts immediately until official notification is sent to coach/manager.
  • Team plays short-handed after a player is ejected.
  • Causes for Red Cards:
    • Violent conduct
    • Abusive/insulting language or gestures toward officials, coaches, or players
    • Receiving two yellows in one game
  • Multiple Red Cards in one match:
    • Technically possible (e.g., player refuses to leave after red card → referee may issue more to enforce removal).
    • Extreme cases could lead to long-term bans (up to 2 years).
  • Coaches/Managers:
    • May be sent off for misconduct (treated as suspension).
    • Cannot be shown a red card, except for spitting.

🔵 Blue Cards (Temporary Dismissals)

  • Used as a 3-minute “cool down” period.
  • Player can be replaced by a substitute during this time.
  • Issued for:
    • Rough play tendencies
    • Persistent verbal harassment
    • Dissent toward referee
    • Other inappropriate behavior

⚖️ Discipline for Team Officials

  • Referees may remove managers, coaches, assistants, trainers for misconduct.
  • Penalties:
    • 1st offence → 3 game suspension
    • 2nd offence → 6 game suspension
    • 3rd offence → disciplinary hearing/possible expulsion from VMSL

📜 General Discipline Rules

  • The Discipline Director/Committee may increase or decrease suspensions based on severity.
  • Red cards for abusive language:
    • 1st offence → 3 game suspension
    • 2nd offence → 6 game suspension
    • 3rd offence → disciplinary hearing

✅ Summary:

  • Yellow cards → accumulate into suspensions.
  • Red cards → immediate ejection, suspensions, harsher if abusive/violent.
  • Blue cards → temporary dismissal with substitution allowed.
  • Coaches/managers → disciplined through suspensions, not red cards (except spitting).
  • The Discipline Committee has authority to adjust penalties depending on circumstances.                                                                      
SERIOUS FOUL PLAY FIRST OFFENCE SECOND OFFENCE
Dangerous tackle or Serious Foul Play   2 GAMES  
Charging  2 GAMES  
Push from behind  2 GAMES  
Elbow  3 GAMES  
Denies obvious goal- Scoring opportunity  (DOGSO) 1 GAME  
Indiscriminately kick opponent          3 GAMES  
Cynical Foul  1 GAME  
Handball Preventing a Goal  1 GAME   
Other Extenuating Circumstances   Discretion of Discipline Chair or Committee     
 
VIOLENT (FLAGRANT)CONDUCT: FIRST OFFENCE SECOND OFFENCE
Attempt to strike   3 Games 6 Games
Strike 6 Games 10 Games
Punch 6 Games 10 Games
Elbow 6 Games 10 Games
Push 5 Games 8 Games
Kick $ Games 10 Games
Propels object that strikes/Attempts to strike 6 Games 10 Games
Cause bodily Harm 10 Games Ban from League
Bite/Scratch/Gouge Ban from Playing
Drawing Blood 10 Games Ban from League
Fighting: Cause bodily Harm Ban from League
Instigator Minumum 6 Games Minimum 12 Games
Retaliator Minimum 6 Games Minimum 12 Games
HeadButt Ban from League
Spit on the field / another player / teamate / Referee Ban from League
Other Extenuating Circumstances  Discretion of Discipline Chair or Committee   
 
OTHER OFFENCES First offence Second offence
Boarding 2 Games Hearing
Illegal entry onto the field except illegal substitution 8 Games Hearing
Altercation/Fighting 6 Games Hearing
Return after ejection Minimum 10 Games Hearing
Return and commit another offence Minimum 10 Games Hearing
Dissent by Gesture 3 Games Hearing
Other Extenuating Circumstances  Hearing Suspension
Spitting on the Field Red Card Suspension

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

📘 Expanded VMSL Discipline, Misconduct & Appeals Policy

1. General Principles

  • The Victoria Masters Soccer League (VMSL) prioritizes fair play, respect, and safety.
  • Any misconduct, whether on or off the field, may trigger sanctions.
  • VMSL holds jurisdiction over misconduct, except assaults against referees, which are referred to the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA).

2. Types of Violations

2.1 Player Conduct Offenses

  • Abusive/Offensive Language: Zero tolerance, automatic review.
  • Spitting: Immediate game suspension, possible facility expulsion.
  • Boarding: Dangerous physical contact into walls/benches.
  • Repeated Cautions: Only after the 7th caution is the case reviewed, unless referee’s report demands immediate action.

2.2 Team & Official Misconduct

  • Encouraging or permitting rule-breaking.
  • Betting: Illegal gambling on games strictly prohibited.
  • Bribery/Match-Fixing: Offering or accepting benefits to alter results.
  • Unsportsmanlike Behavior: Insults, improper actions, or bringing the game into disrepute.
  • Failure to Appear at Hearings: Automatic suspension + $100 fine per no-show.

3. Discipline Hearings

3.1 Process

  • Minimum 48 hours’ notice for hearings (unless waived).
  • Conducted by 3+ committee members (Chair, Members, Secretary).
  • Accused may bring legal counsel with permission.
  • Hearing cannot proceed without accused or representative.
  • If further evidence is required, hearings may be adjourned.

3.2 Outcomes

  • Decisions delivered as soon as possible.
  • Written results provided within 15 working days.
  • Decisions remain in effect during appeals (no automatic suspension of punishment).

4. Protests

4.1 Requirements

  • Must be filed in writing using the official VMSL protest form.
  • Submission deadline: 2 business days after incident (excl. weekends/holidays).
  • $250 protest fee (refundable if upheld).
  • Payment by e-transfer to VMSL.

4.2 Review

  • Reviewed by the Discipline Chair or another Committee member.
  • All directly involved parties notified and allowed to attend hearings.

5. Appeals

5.1 How to File

  • Written application via VMSL Appeal Form.
  • Deadline: 2 business days from receipt of the decision.
  • Appeal fee: $250 (refunded if appeal not granted, or if decision is overturned).
  • Team fees must be current before appeal is considered.

5.2 Appeal Application Must Include

  1. Decision being appealed.
  2. Reason for appeal.
  3. Factual statement.
  4. Rule or regulation contravened.
  5. Remedy sought.

5.3 Procedure

  • Chair reads charges & reports.
  • Accused may question report author (if present).
  • Both sides may call witnesses (limited by committee discretion).
  • Both sides provide summations before withdrawal.
  • Committee deliberates → decision made or adjourned for more evidence.
  • Final decision delivered in writing.

6. Punishments

6.1 Individual Sanctions

  • Suspension (indefinite, permanent, or set period).
  • Game-specific suspension.
  • Fines/Bonds: At VMSL’s discretion.
  • Censure/Warning (verbal reprimand).

6.2 Team Sanctions

  • Warnings: Multiple warnings may lead to fines/suspension.
  • Expulsion: For repeated or severe breaches.
  • Management Sanctions: Owners, managers, coaches may face up to 2-year suspensions.

6.3 Special Cases

  • Assault on Officials: Automatic suspension from all soccer activities until ASA ruling.
  • Criminal Charges: VMSL waits for criminal court resolution before proceeding.
  • Suspended Players: Cannot play with any VMSL team until suspension is fully served.

7. Administrative Rules

  • Suspensions apply to registered team only unless extended across VMSL.
  • Suspensions are continuous (not paused during breaks).
  • Non-compliance with fines or conditions may lead to further penalties.
  • Bonds or sanctions may be conditions for returning to VMSL.

8. Key Contacts

  • Discipline Director: Bruce Mintz (bruce@vmsl.ca)
  • Committee Members:
  • Tomasz Kasprzak
  • Mark Common
  • Hussam Swedan
  • Adriano Ferraro
  • EDSA: Mike Thome, Executive Director Edmonton and District Soccer Association - (780) 413-0140 (phone) - mthome@edsa.org
  • EDSA: Laurie Hartley, Edmonton and District Soccer Association (EDSA) - 780-944-4087 - lhartley@edsa.org
  • ASA: Lisa Grant, Executive Director for Alberta Soccer - C: +1 (587) 336-8584 - e:  lgrant@albertasoccer.com 
  • ASA: Hala Chadi, Program and Financial Coordinator -  P: +1 (780) 378-8101 - e:  hchadi@albertasoccer.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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