Let Us Play: Discipline Ladder for Players

CRYSC Let Us Play Director, Brian Sheehan

Players at Rapids Youth Soccer Club are expected to be upstanding individuals, teammates, and community members in conjunction with their developmental progress. The CRYSC Discipline Ladder promotes a healthy learning environment by informing players & parents/guardians of the actions the Club will take in disciplinary situations. The ladder follows guidelines set out by our Let Us Play initiative to (1) let the players do the thinking (2) encourage positive interpersonal interactions and a high standard of civility and sportsmanship (3) abide by CRYSC code of conduct.

Players deserve to learn in a safe environment which challenges them to reach their potential without being hindered by excessive distraction, bullying, or disrespectful behaviors from peers. As a Club, we are committed to a positive player experience of learning and individual growth of our team members. It is our job to inform CRYSC members of the rules and best-behavior practices out on the fields through the CRYSC Let Us Play initiative. Click here to learn more about Let Us Play and find more tools like the CRYSC Discipline Ladder.

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* Parents, spectators, and parent volunteer coaches enter the accountability ladder if it is determined in the best judgement of Rapids staff (in collaboration with directors) that any action, behavior, or expressed attitude on game day is in direct contrast with the spirit of the Let Us Play contract.

** See Club policy on bullying. Bullying is to be classified in severity (i.e. minor/major) and distinguished from innocuous banter based on intentionality, duration, and/or impact.

Suspensions & Expulsions

Applies to players whose conduct willfully and egregiously stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets, Club policy, and basic standards of civil decency. Behaviors falling into this category are extreme, flagrant, and grave. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Persistent infringement of Tier B
  • Grave social media misuse
  • Harassment
  • Hazing activities
  • Severe bullying**
  • Physical altercations / violent conduct
  • Escalated or prolonged verbal altercations
  • Intentional and significant defacement of the soccer environment, surrounding natural environment, and/or property.
  • Substance abuse
  • Blatant reckless endangerment of self or others

Possible Interventions

Chosen by senior management (ED, TD) in collaboration with RM, RTD, and DOC/Program Director

  • Player card revoked
  • Removal from club
  • Legal action
  • Seasonal bans

Responsible Parties

  • Player
  • Parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
  • Coach
  • DOC / Program Director
  • Regional Management
  • Senior Management
  • Let Us Play Panel (board, executive director, neutral parent)

Conditional Participation & Restorative Justice

Applies to players whose conduct and demeanor willfully stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets. Behaviors falling into this category are stark, intentional, and/or consistently subversive. Direct entry into Tier B assumes Tier C interventions. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Persistent infringement of Tier C
  • Minor bullying**
  • Minor verbal altercations
  • Overtly negative or unsporting conduct
  • Defacement of the soccer environment, surrounding natural environment, and/or property
  • Willful neglect for practical, personal safety matters

Possible Interventions

Chosen by DOC/program director in consultation with Regional Manager and Regional Technical Director

  • Prescribed correctional / mandatory restorative actions (written apologies, conciliatory in-person meeting, etc…)
  • Remedial behavior plan
  • Probationary period
  • Community service

Responsible Parties

  • Player
  • Parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
  • Coach
  • DOC / Program Director
  • Regional Manager / Regional Technical Director

Mandatory Education

Applies to players whose conduct and demeanor, despite benign intentions, stands in contrast to Let Us Play tenets in a nagging way. Behaviors falling into this category often stem from a desire to be helpful, but prove to be persistently disruptive. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Constant disruption of the learning environment (low-level picking on, unwanted teasing, bothering, or distracting other players/coaches/referees)
  • Persistent dissent or disrespect for the Laws of The Game
  • Careless treatment of equipment or personal belongings
  • Casual disregard for practical, personal safety matters

Possible Interventions

Chosen by coach in consultation DOC/Program Director

  • Completion of educational module with course certificate
  • Written reflection
  • Required Coach to Player in person 1-on-1

Responsible Parties

  • Player
  • Parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
  • Coach
  • DOC / Program Director