BSA Policies

BSA Zero Tolerance Policy

All individuals responsible for a team and all spectators shall support the referee. Failure to do so will undermine the referee’s authority and has the potential to create a hostile environment for the players, the referee, and all other participants and spectators.

Consequently, the BSA has adopted and modified the following rule:

• No one, except the players, is to speak to the referee during or after the game. Exceptions: Coaches may ask questions before the game, call for substitutions, and point out emergencies during the game, or respond to the referee if addressed.
• Absolutely no disputing calls, during or after the game, no remarks to the referee to watch certain players or attend to rough play. NO YELLING at the referee, EVER, and no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game.
• Violators may be ejected and are subject to disciplinary action by the BSA Coaches Review Committee.

If coaches or spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, please email [email protected].

Code of Conduct Policy - For Players, Coaches, and Parents

As a player, parent, or coach, you are part of a team, and your actions reflect on yourself, your team, Belmont Soccer Association (BSA), and the town of Belmont. Everyone working together to support and follow the code of conduct helps provide an enjoyable and memorable soccer experience for all involved.

Coaches Should:

1. Provide an enjoyable yet challenging environment for all skill levels.
2. Provide an understanding of all aspects of the game.
3. Provide an environment that develops and strengthens player skills, confidence, and self-esteem.
4. Be the positive example of leadership, Integrity, and good sportsmanship.
5. Conduct a preseason meeting with parents (and one with players) to outline the team's philosophy, goals, expectations, and ground rules. (Provide in writing also.)
6. Be knowledgeable about the game and the rules for the level you are coaching.
7. Abide by all policies established by the BSA.
8. Check playing fields for safety prior to practice and games.
9. Make every effort to play each child equally in every game, regardless of the score.
10. Provide each child with equal playing time at every position throughout the season.
11. Understand that a player's emotional and physical well-being comes before the desire to win.
12. Be responsible for the conduct and sportsmanship of all assistant coaches, players, parents, and spectators who are supporters of your team.
13. Ensure everyone adheres to the Zero Tolerance Policy. (Red card violations will result in immediate suspension.)
14. Along with assistant coaches, provide timely and accurate team ratings and make every effort to participate in all team placements and training sessions.
15. Be prepared and organized by developing practice plans and pre‐game line‐ups that support position rotation and fair playing time.
16. Encourage the players to think for themselves and let them make their own on-field decisions.
17. Do not permit or participate in the continuous yelling out of play-by-play direction.
18. Let the players play. The game is the best teacher.
19. Allow only three coaches on the players' sideline during games.

Parents Should:

1. Understand and support the team's philosophy, goals, and ground rules.
2. Send your player ready to play, and be prompt at drop-off and pick-up.
3. Support the team and provide positive encouragement, but not instruction. Let the coach’s voice be the only voice heard, providing specific direction or game-time adjustments.
4. Parents and supporters should watch the game on the opposite side of the field from the teams.
5. Let the players make their own decisions on the field. This is how they learn and improve.
6. Understand, support, and follow the Zero Tolerance Policy.
7. Be respectful of referees at all times; many are younger students of the game who are also learning.
8. Refrain from negative conversations about other players, coaches, or the league in front of your children.
9. Foster and be a positive example of good sportsmanship.
10. If you have a complaint or criticism regarding playing time, positions played, or any other coaching decision related to a game, wait at least 24 hours before raising the subject with the coach and then address your concern constructively.
11. If you have an idea to improve the team in any way, consult a team coach or an appropriate BSA Board representative.

Players Should:

1. Understand the team philosophy, goals, and ground rules.
2. You are the athlete, prepare your uniform, equipment, water, and arrive on time, ready to play.
3. You are responsible for fulfilling all your academic requirements before soccer events.
4. Be respectful of referees, teammates, opposing players, coaches, parents, and fans.
5. Good sportsmanship is always a requirement.
6. Win graciously and lose with dignity and pride, knowing you tried your best.
7. Be a responsible representative of your soccer team and town on and off the field.
8. Be a supportive teammate and offer positive support to everyone.
9. Listen to your coaches; they are there to help you learn. Ask questions if you do not understand.
10. Take time to practice, practice, and practice on your own.
11. Voluntarily help pick up equipment and clean up after practices and games.
12. Make sure you have fun. If you are not having fun, you should share your thoughts with your parents or a coach.

Players, parents, and coaches who do not abide by the code of conduct could be subject to a disciplinary review meeting resulting in corrective action, suspension, removal, or replacement.

BSA would like to thank you for your efforts and support of the players and teams. Without everyone working together, players would not have the opportunity to have fun, improve their skills, and experience competitive soccer at such a high level.

Jewelry Policy

Of utmost importance to the Belmont Soccer Association (BSA) is that your child receive a positive, enjoyable, and above all else, a SAFE soccer experience. 

The BSA is a member of the Boston Area Youth Soccer League (BAYS), which subscribes to the Laws of the Game as adopted by FIFA (www.fifa.com).  As such, the association has agreed to support the league’s position regarding player equipment, which excludes the wearing of jewelry during any soccer match. 

“A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry)”. – Law 4 (The Player’s Equipment) 

Simply stated, the “no jewelry” policy means that no player of any age, gender, level, or ability will be allowed to participate in a soccer match within Belmont, or at any opposing team’s field, that participates in either of these leagues if they are wearing “jewelry.” This practice is designed solely for the safety of every child, since worn jewelry can cause serious injury to another player or to the player wearing it as a result of contact that naturally occurs during any soccer game. Furthermore, this policy is taught to all referees during certification training, and they are instructed to uphold and enforce these guidelines. 

Two categories of jewelry, in particular, have been the subject of frequent debate, controversy, and frustration for all involved. These are: body piercing and medical/religious items. 

Body Piercing:
Under no circumstances will the use of jewelry through visible body piercing be allowed to remain intact during play, nor will the practice of covering the piercing with tape, band-aids, or other material be allowed. If a child or the child's parent/guardian refuses to remove this type of jewelry at the referee's request, the player will be prohibited from playing in the match.

The most frequent debate is about earrings, particularly for children who have recently had a piercing and are concerned that their removal will cause the pierced lobe to close. 

Because ear piercing can be a very significant and important event in a child’s life, the BSA asks that you, as the parent or guardian, carefully consider the timing of this procedure in relation to the soccer season so that the two events do not coincide or overlap. Neglecting to do so may create a very uncomfortable and emotionally difficult situation for your child, you, the coaches, the referees, and the other players, typically occurring moments before “kick-off”.

Medical/Religious Items:
Providing that these items are a critical and essential necessity to your child’s physical and spiritual well-being, whereby their removal could cause harm, these items will be allowed to be worn by a player, providing that:

• The item is made known to the referee prior to the start of play
• The item is sufficiently and safely secured to the player's body and approved by the referee prior to the start of the game
• The referee deems the item not to be a potential cause of injury to other players on the field

While the BSA understands and respects your child's right to wear jewelry, exercising that right may conflict with the guidelines and rules of an organized youth sports program such as the BSA. The club asks that you respect its decision to support and enforce this safety policy in our effort to minimize the possibility of player injury.

Belmont Soccer Association By-Laws

Please review the BSA Bylaws to understand the structure and governance of the Belmont Soccer Association.

Boston Area Youth Soccer League (BAYS) Policies

We are a member of BAYS and align with its policies. Please review BAYS policies and procedures so you are aware of them.