The FYSA Executive Committee has approved the implementation of the following procedures to be followed in the application of FYSA Rule 502.5.
As all should be aware, FYSA currently is tracking red card and other ejection offenses received in tournament, league and State/Region Cup play that may qualify as underlying actions for the imposition of FYSA Rule 502.5.
502.5 Any player or coach who receives a second red card/ejection during a seasonal year or a third within two seasonal years for either violent conduct (major infraction), foul and/or abusive language directed, spitting, or referee abuse, after notification from FYSA to the player, coach and affiliate Agent of Record within seven (7) days, may be suspended for thirteen (13) games or six (6) months, whichever is longer. Multiple offenses relating to the same red card/ejection will qualify under this rule. The action may be appealed to the FYSA Protest and Appeals Committee.
After determination that a possible violation of FYSA Rule 502.5 exists, the following procedures will be in place:
- The FYSA State Office will mail (certified/return receipt requested) a notice to the player/coach with an email copy to the registering affiliate AOR and the appropriate RVP and DC.
- The party will have seven (7) calendar days to accept the action or request a hearing. Failure to accept this notice or to respond shall constitute acceptance of the sanctions imposed under FYSA Rule 502.5.
- There will be a fee of $200.00 to cover cost of hearing. If the party prevails, the fee will be refunded. This fee must be received by FYSA no later than fourteen (14) calendar days of the notice or before the hearing will be set. FYSA will accept checks payable to FYSA, money orders or credit card payments. The party may call the office, reference the letter, and provide the necessary information for the credit card payment.
- If a hearing is requested:
a. Notice of hearing date and time will be furnished to party in the aforementioned letter and shall constitute notice as required under FYSA and USSF due process requirements.
b. Copy of game reports and supplemental will also be included (NOTE: Before sending out reports, office staff will review and “sanitize” for personal information (e.g., SSN’s, phone numbers, etc., of the referee).
c. Referee will be notified of the requested hearing and provided a copy of the game and supplemental report and requested to be “on call” for the hearing.
d. The party may request a stay in the imposition of the suspension pending the hearing. This request must be received in writing to FYSA’s State Office within fourteen (14) calendar days of the notice of possible violation. If requested, FYSA’s President, VP of Administration & Communication, and Vice President for Player & Coaching Development will act as the review panel and will review the evidence and rule on the stay. This review is only to determine if the accused has the potential to prevail. The opinion is neither binding nor should influence the hearing. (This is in place in case the party could serve the underlying games before the hearing date.) The ruling on the stay is final and binding on all parties.
FYSA:
- FYSA will set a calendar of dates for the hearings for the next year on the second Saturday of each month and will publish these dates on its calendar.
- Hearings will be in the FYSA state office commencing at 12:00 PM.
- Region VP’s will chair the hearings, on a monthly rotating basis, but will be non-voting members of the hearing panel.
- Panel members will be one from each region to be arranged by the responsible RVP.
HEARING:
- Hearings will not be held to determine the validity of the red cards received, only to verify that the reports affirm the sanction. (Once a card is given, it cannot be revoked except under narrowly defined reasons by FIFA.)
- The accused will be permitted to present evidence, either written or appear in person. Travel costs will be at the party’s expense.
- If requested no later than seven (7) calendar days from the date of the hearing, the person accused will be able to question referee by phone.
- Panel will render decision as to the implementation of FYSA Rule 502.5.
- The party will be advised in writing by the FYSA State Office of the panel’s decision and appeal procedures, if applicable, in accordance with FYSA rules.
