Nashoba Valley Preseason Coach’s Meeting

Fall 2025 Season

Topics

• Special Guests & Current Grade Directors
• Constitutional Mission
• Links to Coaches Corner - NVYSL Website
• Language Incidents or Discriminatory Acts Response Guidelines
• Change to Pre-Game Handshake
• Special Items of Note - Fall 2025
• U.S. Soccer Policy 531-9 - Mis-Treatment of Referees and new penalties
• Card Points - Spring Season
• Cancelling and Rescheduling matches
• Player Pass
• Links to Official Documentation

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NVYSL Age Directors are Here to Help!!

Girls

Boys

Special Guests

Austin Franklin - NVYSL Referee Director

Constitutional Mission

“NVYSL is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes including, but not limited to, developing and promoting a vital and exciting youth soccer program for members of participating Clubs, regardless of race, gender, creed, color, nationality or disability.

�This will be accomplished through programs of organized competitive soccer play and programs designed to educate and develop players, coaches and referees.”

Coaches Corner - NVYSL.org

Coaches Corner

Quick Links:

• Pregame Procedure and Statement
• ​Pregame Procedure and Statement - English
• Pregame Statement - Spanish
• Pregame Statement - Portuguese
• MYSA
• MA Safe Soccer
• Codes of Conduct
• Adult Registration Process
• Session Plans
• Coach Education
• Coaching Education Partners
• De-escalation Tips & Techniques webinar

Coaches Corner

• NVYSL
1. League Contacts
2. Organizational Documentation
3. Checklist for NVYSL Coaches
4. Player Pass Policy
5. Team Manager & Roster
6. Score Reporting & Referee/Sportsmanship Feedback
7. Stop Scoring Tips & Tricks
8. Spring 2025 Coaches Meetings slides
9. Fall 2024 Coaches Meetings
1. Coaches Meeting slides
2. Coaches Meeting zoom recording Passcode: d$a4@sy8
• ​Laws of the Game
• Laws of the Game
• Simplified Laws of the Game

Language Incidents or Discriminatory Acts Response Guidelines�

Mass Youth Soccer has zero-tolerance for discrimination of any kind. The guidelines protect individuals

from discrimination and harassment based on the following protected statuses: race, color, religion, sex

(including pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,

national origin, age, disability, veteran status.

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Derogatory Language and Discriminatory Actions

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Examples of derogatory language include, but are not limited to: 

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 Sexually explicit statements, sexual flirtations, advances, propositions, subtle pressure for sexual activity, comments, questions, jokes, or anecdotes; this type of language must be reported as sexual misconduct and, if it involves a minor, it must be reported as child abuse.

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 Jokes, which include reference to race, religion, national origin, or gender identity.

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 The displays or uses of objects or pictures which adversely reflect on a person’s race, religion, national origin, or gender identity. 

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 Use of derogatory or demeaning language regarding a person’s race, religion, national origin, or gender identity.

Language Incidents or Discriminatory Acts Response Guidelines�

• How to Respond
• 1) If a Minor Athlete or Adult Participant tells you that they have experienced misconduct, respond with care and compassion. Listen with empathy and be supportive.

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• 2) If required, the person receiving the report should take immediate steps to deescalate the situation.

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• 3) If it is determined that the incident requires reporting, it should be brought to the attention of a coach who will then notify the referee if the incident occurred during a game. (Address at a stoppage in play)

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• 4) Whether the allegation is confirmed or not confirmed, the incident should be reported to the Member Organization’s President and/or Risk Manager within 24 hours.

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Language Incidents or Discriminatory Acts Response Guidelines�

How to Respond cont’d

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• 5) If the allegation is confirmed, consider immediately removing the individual(s) responsible for the remainder of the event. Probation, temporary suspension, or additional sanctions may be applied according to the severity of the matter in accordance with the organization and Mass Youth Soccer / US Soccer Policy.

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• 6) If the allegation is not confirmed, the applicable Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association Code of Conduct should be reviewed with the individuals reported to be involved. During which time, appropriate behavior should be reiterated, and the incident should be documented for potential future action.

Change to Pre-Game Handshake�

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• Procedure 
• After players are checked in, (recommended 5 Minutes prior to kickoff), both teams and the referee crew will line up on the Coaches Sideline.  
• Led by officials, all players and coaches will walk across the field and line up facing spectators. (Suggested 5 yards from the spectator sideline) 
• The Sportsmanship Statement will be read by a representative of the Home team to all coaches, players and spectators.  (Recommend Coach)
• Following the reading of the script, players will perform a pre-game handshake. (Home team to walk down the line of Away Team). After the pre-game handshake, all players and coaches will return to benches and starting players will assume positions on the field of play.  
• There is NO postgame handshake line

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Change to Pre-Game Handshake�

Sportsmanship Statement 

All participants deserve the right to play in an environment free from hostile and distracting behavior.

Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated, the game may be stopped and sanctions applied for violations of policy or codes of conduct.

Please enjoy the game and do your part to create a positive soccer experience for all.

***Also available in Spanish and Portuguese

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Special Items of Note - Fall 2025

• 3.4.01 (k) THROW IN LAW

The Throw-In Law (Law 15) shall be enforced only for 7v7 matches in the Division 1 Flight for the Grade 3/4 Division. The Throw-In Law shall be adapted for all other matches in the Grade 3/4 Divisions to allow 1 rethrow by the same player per throw-in. For example, a team commits a throw-in violation and the same player is given a rethrow. If there is a violation on the rethrow, the throw-in turns over to the opposing team.

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• 3.1.06 Stoppage for Player Rehydration

The referee must stop play to allow the players to rehydrate under the following conditions:

● Following MYSA policies on stoppage for rehydration.

● In conditions of high heat and humidity when the heat index is 80 F or above.

● If either team has 1 or fewer substitutes and a hydration break is requested by the coach prior to the start of the match.

● If a referee deems a rehydration break is necessary.

Rehydration breaks are initiated by the referee near the middle of the half and occur during the match running me. A rehydration break will occur for no longer than 2 minutes per half during a stoppage in play

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Special Items of Note - Fall 2025

3.1.03 Uniforms and Equipment

• Splints with soft, non-rigid, external flexible structure or covered non-rigid internal structural items (similar to finger savers on keeper gloves) are allowed. They may not have any loose straps.
• Players with plaster or fiberglass casts or hard splints, even if padded, cannot play—even with the permission of a parent or medical approval. Players with orthopedic braces that have exposed or uncapped metal parts are also not allowed to play.
• IFAB law 4 mandates; “All items of jewelry (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, studs, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewelry is not permitted.” Wristbands must be removed if possible and may be required to be taped at the referee’s discretion.

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2.5.01(b) Weather Policy

• Unplayable Field Conditions Match me may be changed up to 2 hours before the scheduled me of the match when there are unplayable field conditions. The Host Club shall notify the responsible Referee Assignor, the NVYSL Grade Director, and the vising coach of any such changes.
• Coaches please refer to the field closure listing on the NVYSL website

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U.S. Soccer Policy 531-9�Referee Abuse prevention

General

Misconduct against Referees may occur before, during, and/or after the match, specifically when the Referee arrives at and/or departs the venue. Misconduct may occur also at later times when directly related to duties of a match affiliated with U.S. Soccer or its Organizational Members.

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For the purposes of this policy, a Referee is protected by U.S. Soccer policy from the time they arrive at the venue (which shall include the parking area), until their departure from the venue. For the purposes of this policy, “Protected Party” means a member of the Referee’s family or household, or a guest of the Referee at the match or match venue. All U.S. Soccer policies are in addition to the local, state, and Federal laws.

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U.S. Soccer Policy 531-9�Referee Abuse prevention

Actions that do not meet assault or abuse definitions, but cause a Referee or Protected Party harm, may be subject to U.S. Soccer’s gross mistreatment framework. Gross mistreatment means any deliberate, noncontact behavior that is expected to cause harm to a Referee. Gross mistreatment includes, but not limited to, the following actions or behavior committed against a Referee or Protected Parties:

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• (A) Severe or repeated harassment, including hate speech or discriminatory remarks based on race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, disabilities, or any other legally protected characteristic.
• (B) Extreme verbal attacks that would cause emotional harm to a reasonable person.
• (C) Approaching a Referee when they arrive or depart the venue with aggression (e.g., intimidation).
• (D) Any form of cyberbullying, including spreading false information about the Referee, sharing the Referee’s personal information (aka doxing), or publicly posting content that ridicules or mocks the Referee or uses hate speech.
• (E) Questioning the Referee’s character, integrity, honesty, truthfulness, or impartiality.
• (F) Yelling insults, taunting, making, or expressing derogatory/belittling remarks towards a Referee.
• (G) Pervasive action that belittles or undermines the Referee’s authority or intended to cast doubt on the Referee.

U.S. Soccer Policy 531-9�Referee Abuse prevention

JURISDICTION AND HEARINGS

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(A) When any amateur or professional player, coach, manager, club official or game official assaults, abuses or grossly mistreats a Referee, the original jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter shall vest immediately in the responsible Member Organization which is affiliated with the Federation.

(B) When an allegation of assault or abuse is verified by the Member Organization the accused person is automatically suspended until the hearing on the assault or abuse.

(C) The Member Organization must hold a hearing within thirty (30) days of the verification by the Member of the gross mistreatment, assault, or abuse or, if applicable... If the Member does not adjudicate the matter within that period of time, original jurisdiction shall immediately vest in the Federation’s Appeals Committee to adjudicate the matter, to which the same provisions as to the term of suspension shall apply.

(D) Failure to hold the initial hearing shall not rescind an automatic suspension for assault or abuse.

(E) All hearings will consist of written statement by all involved parties and shall be held in accordance with MYSA/NVYLS procedures.

(E) A person who is found to have committed gross mistreatment, assault, and/or abuse may appeal to the Appeals Committee by following the procedures of Federation Bylaw 704 within fourteen (14) days from receipt of the decision of the Member Organization.

U.S. Soccer Policy 531-9�Referee Abuse prevention

KEY PENALTY FACTORS

• Single offenses are at minimum the prescribed game penalty or time penalty for non red zone offenses

• Penalties can be both game and time depending on severity / circumstances • Second time offenders receive double punishment

• Third time offenders receive a lifetime ban • More than one offense at the same time is at least the punishment for the most serious offense

• Offenses against minors are automatically subject to a “minor multiplier” resulting in triple punishment

• One offense warning per league to be managed by states and leagues collaboratively

• Game consequences are inclusive of 1 game penalty for any red cards given

• Optionality for 50% penalty for first offense from a minor

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Card Points (Spring Season)

• NVYSL Policies & Procedures -> Incident Management -> 5.2.01(d)
• Card points shall be assessed as follows:
• 1) 1 card point for each yellow card issued to a player
• 2) 2 card points for each red card issued to a player
• 3) 2 card points for each caution / yellow card issued to a coach
• 4) 3 card points for each dismissal / red card issued to a coach
• A team which receives a total of eight (8) card points within one season shall be penalized three (3) points in its division standings.
• A team with twelve (12) card points shall be penalized an additional three (3) points in its standings.
• A team with sixteen (16) card points shall be penalized an additional three (3) points in its standings and shall be reviewed by the Sportsmanship Review Committee for further disciplinary action.

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Cancelling & Rescheduling Matches

Please COMMIT to PLAYING YOUR SCHEDULED MATCHES!

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HOME Team shoulders the greatest logistic burden for rescheduling:

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• Requires 10-day advance notice to the league (NVYSL Grade Director)
• Opposing Coaches work together to secure a mutually agreeable date & time
• Home Coach works with their Club to reserve a Field & Referee: �NVYSL Rep, Field Coordinator, Age Director, Referee Assignor, etc.
• Home Club contacts NVYSL Age Director to confirm and formalize the reschedule
• NVYSL Age Director updates scheduling information on NVYSL website : www.nvysl.org
• Referee Assignment is completed based on new data in scheduling system

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Requests for rescheduled matches must have consent of both Coaches and the Host Club, then be escalated to Age Director >10 days before scheduled date

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Player Pass

Restrictions

• Guest Players must be rostered on another NVYSL Team in your Club
• Capped at 3 Guest Players for any particular match for Grades 3/4 & 5/6. 4 Guest Players for Grade 7/8 and above.
• Guest Player cannot play more than 2 NVYSL matches in one day.
• Guest Player rostered on another NVYSL Team at age group or division level below the Host Team.
• A particular Player may participate in a Player Pass no more than 4 times during a season.

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Procedure Approval from their Club Registrar.

• Club Registrar notifies NVYSL Roster Registrar, who communicates to appropriate NVYSL Age Director.
• Host Coach pre-notifies opposing Coach and presents Referee with all rosters.
• Referee documents use of a Player Pass in their Game Report.

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Links to Official Documents

• 1. Massachusetts Youth Soccer Preseason Video Coaches Pre-Season Meeting Spring 2025 – Massachusetts Youth Soccer
• 2. Language Incidents or Discriminatory Acts Response Guidelines
• Language Incidents or Discriminatory Acts Response Guidelines Mass Youth Soccer 2024
• 3. Change to Pre-Game Handshake
• Coaches Pre-Season Meeting Spring 2025 – Massachusetts Youth Soccer
• 4. US Soccer Policy 531-9
• https://mayouthsoccer.org/referees/respect-the-call/
• 5. NVYSL Policies & Procedures
• https://nvysl.org/sites/default/files/NVYSL%20Policies%20%26%20Procedures%202024%20Fall.pdf

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