Sideline & Seating Behavior Reminder
Parents and Players,
The season is well underway, and games will be winding down in as we enter May.
We need to remind and ask you follow the UYSA Sideline Policy. The policy is attached below as well as a visual diagram to reference.
We understand that everyone likes the sideline closest to the amenities, parking, restrooms, and playgrounds for younger siblings. However, it is important that we sit on our team's designated sideline. You should also avoid sitting behind the goals. We have had some severe interactions between parents and or their invited guests when they choose to sit on the opposing sideline that have led to police involvment and lengthy suspensions.
As parents our job is to cheer for our player and our team, it is not sit and to heckle the other team, their sideline or their coaches. If you inadvertently end up on the wrong sideline, move. If the coach asks you to move, move. If the referee requests that you move, move.
If you must be where your younger children are, you must be at least far enough back that there is no reason for anyone to assume that you are with the team. You must not yell, cheer, or make any noises directed to the opposing team, coaches, or the referee.
If you are the videographer with the opposing team, you may not be on the opposing team sideline without their permission and you may not make any comments regarding the game.
Please remember that this is an athletic activity for kids. At the end of the day, any misbehavior by adults at these games is unwarranted.
According to Policy 6 Section 3 which can be found on the UYSA website.
You can access the full Bylaws and Policies on our website by hovering over the about tab and then clicking on “Bylaws and Policies”.
BENCH Area
• Each Team’s bench area shall be along the same touchline as its respective spectator area.
• Each Team’s bench area and spectator area shall be on the opposite touchline from the other Team’s bench and spectator area. As you face the field, the Team’s bench area shall be to the right of the midfield line extended and the spectator area shall be to the left of the midfield line extended.
• The Team’s bench area shall be located at least two (2) yards outside the touchline, beginning not closer than five (5) yards from the midfield line extended and extending twenty yards going away from the midfield line extended towards the end line on the right. Spectator Area
SPECTATORS
• The Team’s spectator area shall be located at least two (2) yards outside the touchline, beginning not closer than ten (10) yards from the midfield line extended and extending twenty yards going away from the midfield line extended towards the end line on the left.
• The home team shall have first choice of which touchline to use and should designate it at least thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled match time.
• Coaches must remain within their respective bench area during the match.
• Players on the bench must remain within their respective bench area during the match except when being substituted, at which time the player must remain at the midfield line until called by the center referee to enter the match.
• Match officials may enforce these provisions and suspend or terminate a match if a coach, player, or spectator fails to abide by requests from match officials to comply.
• Special consideration may be made by a match referee to allow spectators with special needs to be allowed to sit outside of the team assigned spectator area upon reasonable request. Spectators that are granted special consideration are still required to comply with UYSA behavior standards and are subject to the spectator discipline policy.
