CWSA Spectator Expectations

Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide each player with games that are free of distractions which can occur when spectators scream and yell at them, call out their names, or provide coaching direction. Parents and guardians represent the club just as much as the coaches and players do, and are expected to help foster a positive environment, at both home and away games.

Spectators are expected to remain on the sidelines opposite the coaches and team for the duration of the game. Spectators are to be quiet, talking at a normal volume to the person next to them. What is to be avoided are comments that can be heard by players, referees or opponents; applause is permitted and encouraged. Spectators should NOT be shouting directions at any players, including their own; commenting on performance of any player, coach, or referee, or any other action which could be perceived by club leadership as undermining the policies and/or culture implemented by CWSA. Coaches are permitted to coach and direct players but should only interact with the referees when they are seeking clarification on a call. 

This protocol allows for: 

1. Players to hear and learn to follow COACHES' directions, not their parents. This helps the player become a better team member. 

2. Players to hear and practice speaking TO EACH OTHER on the field. Players are quieter than parents and can't be heard over them. 

3. To discourage any commentary ABOUT referees or TO the referees. This is being viewed as referee abuse and CJSA is looking to hold accountable any club or team that is being perceived as negatively talking to or about referees. 

What happens if spectators don’t follow this policy?

CJSA referees have been instructed to STOP PLAY if a player, coach, or spectator is behaving in any way that can be perceived as abusive toward the referee. If a referee stops play due to a spectator issue, the coaches will be responsible for asking the spectator to leave the field. If the spectator refuses, the game will be ENDED immediately. Referees have further been instructed to call 911 if at any time they feel threatened.

What happens if the CWSA board receives further reports that spectators are NOT following this policy?

The next step will be for the club to institute a NO SIDELINES policy. This means that parents would drop their player off prior to the start of the game and would need to remain in their vehicles for the duration of the game for the remainder of the season.

Protocol 

When a parent spectator is in violation of the policy:

– they will be asked to stop and reminded of expectations by the coach

If there is a second incident:

–  the coach will inform them that CWSA leadership will be reaching out

–  a member of board leadership will speak to them and present 3 options:

1. This is the final warning: abide by expectations with no further actions which could be perceived as undermining the policies and culture we have in place.

2. The child may remain on the team, but the parent must remain in their car for all practices and games. 

3. We will refund the player's registration and remove them from the team. The player will not be rostered with CWSA in future seasons and any attempt to register them will result in an automatic refund.

If there is a third incident:

–  the coach will inform club leadership 

– CWSA leadership will speak with the parent and inform them that we need to proceed with option #3