The Welland Soccer Club (WSC) is committed to promoting a respectful, competitive, and enjoyable soccer environment for all participants. As a club officially sanctioned under Ontario Soccer, WSC adheres to the Ontario Soccer Discipline policy, while also implementing additional measures in the Men’s Seaway League to deter aggressive behavior, unsportsmanlike conduct, and fighting.
Enhanced Discipline Measures
1. Sin Bin
- Temporary Dismissal: Players receiving a Yellow card during a match will face a temporary dismissal for 5 minutes and must leave the field of play immediately. Their team will play shorthanded for this duration.
- Re-entry: The dismissed player may only re-enter the game at a stoppage in play and with the referee’s permission.
2. Fines and Red Cards
- Red Card Fine: A fine of $50 will be imposed for each Red card received. Additionally, the player will serve a suspension as determined by the Ontario Soccer Discipline policy and is ineligible to play until the fine is paid.
- Payment: The fine must be paid before the team’s next scheduled game.
3. Accumulation of Yellow Cards
- Players accumulating 3 Yellow cards over the season will receive a 1-game suspension, in accordance with Ontario Soccer Discipline policy, and a $25 fine.
4. Bench Players during Incidents
- Players leaving the bench during an on-field incident or altercation will receive a Red card and a $50 fine.
5. Abandoned Game
- A team fine of $50 will be imposed if a game is abandoned due to the behavior of a player, coach, or spectator from that team.
6. Respect and Sportsmanship
- All league participants are expected to show respect towards fellow players, officials, and spectators at all times.
7. Responsibility of Team Representatives
- Team Representatives are tasked with managing their teams and ensuring adherence to the league’s discipline policy.
Distribution of Collected Fines
Fines collected throughout the season will be distributed as follows:
- Most Sportsmanship Team: The team with the fewest Yellow or Red cards will receive a portion of the collected fines. In the event of a tie, referees will reach a consensus to select the recipient team.
- Charitable Donation: A portion of the fines will be donated to a community charity designated by WSC. Team feedback on the chosen charity is welcome.
- Youth Referee Development Fund: A portion of the fines will go into the WSC Youth Referee Development fund.
- Funds Allocation:
- If total fines are less than $100: $50 to charity, $50 to the most sportsmanlike team.
- If total fines are less than $200: $50 to two teams, $100 to charity.
- If total fines exceed $200: $50 to two teams, with the balance donated to charity.
Fines are payable directly to the Welland Soccer Club. This discipline policy underscores our commitment to maintaining a positive soccer environment, where sportsmanship and respect are paramount.