Player, Parent and Spectator Policies

The Palatine Amateur Football Association (PAFA) adopts and adheres to all aspects of the Code of Conduct and Zero Tolerance Policy set forth below. Any violation of the Code of Conduct or Zero Tolerance Policy constitutes conduct detrimental to the program and will subject the offender to disciplinary action. The Zero Tolerance Policy applies to players, coaches, team officials, parents, and spectators equally, both on and off the field and at any time they are attending any type of PAFA event or gathering.

PARENTS & SPECTATORS SHALL NOT: 

• Argue with referees or officials.
• Use abusive, hateful, obscene, or vulgar language directed towards anyone at any time at the field (including entrances and parking lots or other related facilities) before, during, or after a game or practice
• Taunt, bait, ridicule, or threaten (verbally or physically) any player, coach, official, or other spectator.
• Engage in any behavior or language that is racist, sexist, or contributes to a non-inclusive environment.
• Approach or enter the field of play, including the sidelines between each field.
• Use recording equipment, including cameras, video cameras, cell phones, or any other media collecting device, for any purpose other than to record their player/team. To further clarify, using any of these devices to argue a call or spot is strictly prohibited.
• Throw any object in the spectators' viewing area, sideline, or on the field in any manner that could create a safety hazard.
• Return to the field after being ejected.
• Engage in or incite fighting or abusive physical contact while participating in any PAFA event (e.g., practice, game, special event).

Disciplinary Action for Parents & Spectators:

• If an official stops gameplay due to the conduct of a parent or spectator, that parent/spectator will be suspended from attending the next scheduled team game.
• If an official ejects a parent or spectator from a game, that parent/spectator will be suspended from the team’s next 3 games, by our policies.
• Any parent or spectator deemed to violate the Zero Tolerance Policy will be referred to the PAFA Board for review and potential discipline.
• The PAFA Board will have the authority to suspend parents or spectators as it deems necessary.
• Any decision of the PAFA Board may be appealed in writing to the PAFA President. Decisions of the PAFA President shall be final.

PLAYERS SHALL NOT:

• Argue with referees or officials.
• Use abusive, hateful, obscene, or vulgar language.
• Taunt or ridicule players, coaches, referees, or officials.
• Engage in, or support others who are engaging in, bullying, threats, harassment, or hazing their teammates or towards players on another team.
• Deliberately try to injure another player.
• Make any intentional physical contact with the body or equipment of another player after the whistle has sounded.
• Engage in or incite fighting or abusive physical contact while participating in any PAFA event (e.g., practice, game, special event).

Disciplinary Action for Players:

• At the team level, the Team Head Coach is responsible for deciding and implementing disciplinary measures for individual players or the team.
• The Team Head Coach will report all incidents involving potential discipline to the [Ethics Committee] within 24 hours.
• The Team Head Coach will communicate with parents early and often when behavioral issues arise.
• Concerning game suspensions, the Team Head Coach must contact and consult with the [Ethics Committee], who will in turn advise the Executive Director on the recommended action. Concerning suspensions and first and second strikes, the Executive Director must agree with the recommended action before it is implemented.
• If a multi-game suspension or strike is given, and parents disagree with the decision, they can request a hearing with the [Ethics Committee] and the Executive Director.
• Any decision of the [Ethics Committee] may be appealed in writing to the Executive Director. Decisions of the Executive Director shall be final.