The Erie Soccer League takes the game of soccer seriously. we want to provide a safe, fun, yet competitive environment at all our matches. We believe that there should be a mutual level of respect between players, teams, spectators, and officials.
As an organization, we are committed to taking the adult game to the next level in this area. We are committed to identifying opportunities where we as a group can grow and/or better ourselves. An example of such is that all referees have the proper certification and are getting access to proper and appropriate education in addition to getting game experience to apply their education into the real-world game of adult soccer. This is a continuous process.
As players, teammates, opponents, and spectators, we must strive to conduct ourselves in a manner that is appropriate for the game and the league. We should respect our fellow players and teammates, as we’re all sharing in the game that we love. We all deserve better than what we’ve had for the past several years in this area in the Erie, PA Adult Soccer World. Knowing that, each and every player in this league – striving for and deserving “better” automatically deserves respect. Every match official and referee – regardless of whether they get the play “right” or “wrong” in your eyes deserves your respect. They are doing the best they can to keep the game safe, so respect them and respect the game. Also keep in mind, only the team captain and coach should address the referee during play.
Without your fellow players and our officials, we have… well, we have what we’ve had for the past several years in this area and quite frankly, that is not nearly good enough. So please, when you come to an Erie Soccer League match – whether as a player, spectator, or match official – respect one another. Respect the facility, respect the play, respect the vision, respect the game, respect the vision, and respect yourself.
With that in mind, the Erie Soccer League staff will not hesitate to take action on those who do not adhere to what we deem as acceptable and appropriate behavior. For in-game situations, the ESL Disciplinary Board meets to address situations that arise. Our disciplinary board may meet to go over a referee report, a captain’s report, identify situations that need to improve by way of additional training, to address player feedback, and we meet to make rulings on red cards.
Red Cards & How the Process Works
The Erie Soccer League and PA West Adult Division track all red cards over the entire career of the player in sanctioned play. When a player receives a red card, the player is expected to completely leave the field of play. After the match, the referee fills out a match report and submits the report to the ESL Board. The referee report contains details of what caused the red card and lists the exact nature of the offense.
Within 48 hours, the ESL Disciplinary Board convenes to go over the facts. The Disciplinary Board also consider any past offenses committed by that player in the Erie Soccer League. Additionally, the board may consider any after-the-fact feedback submitted to the ESL Disciplinary Board. The ESL Disciplinary Board may or may not choose to reach out to inspire feedback from a player. If a player feels the need to reach out, a board member will gladly listen and discuss the matter in a calm, respectful manner. That feedback may be considered for disciplinary purposes.
After considering all the relevant facts, as well as any feedback that may have been received by the player – the ESL Disciplinary Board comes to an agreement over a fair and appropriate decision. The ESL Disciplinary Board has the ability to reward red cards with bans, fines, and/or suspensions. Guidelines for disciplinary rewards are listed in the ESL rules. However, the ESL Disciplinary Board may, at their discretion, deviate from the guideline reward providing they feel justified in doing so.
After coming to a decision, the player is notified of the decision and has a reasonable amount of time to appeal the decision. Appeals may be lodged by email to the disciplinary board at no additional cost or they may be routed to the PA West Adult Vice President and accompanied by an appeal fee.
Current & Recent Disciplinary Actions
Player PAW008412 was shown a straight red card for serious foul play in the Men’s Premier Division (Winter 2014 Season). The player swore at & spit in the direction of the referee on his way out. PAW008412 received and accepted a two match ban and $25 fine.
Player PAW008375 was shown a straight red card for Offensive/Insulting/Abusive Language in the Coed Division 2 (Winter 2014 Season). The player swore at the opposing team and the referee and refused to leave the field of play. This forced the referee to abandon the match with 4 minutes left to play. This was player PAW008375‘s second red card in a three month window. Player PAW008375 received a four match ban counted by games played in the Coed Division 2 League. During this ban, player PAW008375 may not attend ESL Events in any capacity. Player PAW008375 additionally received a $50 fine.