Policies

Inter League Alliance

Policies

The following policies apply to all Inter League Alliance matches and define the league’s standards for scheduling, safety, conduct, referee respect, and disciplinary enforcement.

Scheduling

Policies covering game changes, postponements, rescheduling windows, and forfeits.

Safety

AED requirements and match day standards centered on player welfare and preparedness.

Conduct

Zero tolerance, referee respect, and match environment expectations for all participants.

Discipline

Clear enforcement procedures, league review, and the appeals process when issues arise.

Policy on Forfeits, Postponed Matches, and Rescheduling

To ensure fairness, consistency, and the timely completion of the season schedule, the following policies apply to all Inter League Alliance matches.

Game Changes

  • All game change requests must follow the Home League’s official Game Change Policy.

Forfeits

  • If a match is forfeited by either team for any reason, the forfeiting team is responsible for the full referee fees.
  • Payment will be posted to the club’s GotSport account for automatic processing within five (5) business days of the originally scheduled match date.
  • Each club is responsible for maintaining an approved credit card on file in GotSport.
  • The match will be recorded as a 3–0 victory in favor of the non-forfeiting team.

Weather-Related or Emergency Postponements

  • If a match is postponed due to weather conditions or unforeseen emergencies, both teams have seven (7) days from the original match date to communicate and agree on a new date and time to replay the match.
  • Priority for rescheduling should be given to the two designated weather/emergency weekends built into the end of the season schedule.
  • If those weekends are no longer available due to previously rescheduled matches, teams must work to identify an alternative weeknight option, with Friday evenings preferred when possible.

Failure to Reach an Agreement

  • If both teams make a good-faith effort but are unable to agree on a new date and time within the 7-day window, the ENYYSA Interleague Alliance Representative will assign a date and time for the match.
  • If it is determined that one team is unresponsive or not cooperating in the rescheduling process, that team will be issued a 3–0 forfeit in favor of the opposing team.

Required Method of Communication

  • All communication regarding postponed or rescheduled matches must take place through the GotSport chat feature.
  • This ensures transparency and allows the Interleague Alliance Committee to review communications if a dispute arises.

ENYYSA Zero Tolerance Policy

The Inter League Alliance fully enforces the ENYYSA Zero Tolerance Policy on Misconduct Toward Referees, aligned with U.S. Soccer Policy 531-9. This policy is non-negotiable and applies to all participants at every match.

Policy Scope

  • Applies to all players, coaches, parents, spectators, and club officials.
  • Violations may result in immediate removal from the field.
  • Further consequences may include suspensions, fines, and additional disciplinary action.
  • Clubs and coaches are responsible for educating all stakeholders, including parents and spectators, prior to match day.
View ENYYSA Zero Tolerance Policy (2025)

Match Environment Policy

The Inter League Alliance is committed to delivering a match environment that sets a higher standard for youth soccer in our region — organized, professional, and centered on the athletes.

Environment Expectations

  • Organized and disciplined sideline behavior from all participants.
  • Minimal distractions — the focus is on the game and the players.
  • Respectful crowd environment — positive, supportive, and sportsmanlike.
  • Proper match timing and scheduling — games start and end on time.
  • Professional presentation from both home and away teams.
  • A development-first atmosphere where players can learn, compete, and grow.
Every Inter League Alliance match should represent a step forward in the standard of competitive youth soccer in our community. We hold ourselves, our clubs, and our participants to that standard at all times.

AED Policy

Player safety is the top priority of the Inter League Alliance. All home teams are required to have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on site for every match in accordance with ENYYSA and U.S. Soccer safety policies.

AED Requirements

  • The Home Team is responsible for providing a functioning AED on site for all home matches.
  • The AED location must be confirmed with the referee prior to kickoff.
  • The AED must be accessible, visible, and functional for the entire duration of the match.
  • At least one team representative present must be familiar with AED operation.
Failure to comply with AED requirements may result in delayed kickoff, match abandonment, or disciplinary action in accordance with ENYYSA and U.S. Soccer safety policies.

Referee Respect Policy

Referees are neutral professionals and must be treated with respect at all times. All disputes and concerns regarding referee decisions are to be handled through proper club and league channels — never through sideline confrontation.

Policy Standards

  • Referees are to be treated as neutral professionals at all times.
  • Coaches may communicate respectfully with officials; they may not berate, argue with, or demean them.
  • All disputes regarding referee decisions must be handled by club directors through the proper league process.
  • Verbal abuse, intimidation, or harassment toward any match official will result in immediate disciplinary action.
  • Abuse toward referees can lead to suspension, fines, or removal from the league.

Referee No-Show Policy

In the event that an assigned referee fails to report for a scheduled Inter League Alliance match, both teams are expected to act in good faith to ensure the match can proceed in a fair and controlled environment.

Procedure

  • If the assigned referee does not appear, both teams must first attempt to agree on a substitute referee.
  • The substitute may be:
    • A properly certified referee, if available, or
    • A mutually agreed upon responsible adult capable of officiating the match.
  • If both teams agree on a substitute referee, the match must be played as scheduled.
  • If the teams are unable to agree on a substitute referee, the match will not be played and will be referred to the league for rescheduling.

Important Notes

  • Matches should only be postponed as a last resort when no reasonable officiating solution can be agreed upon.
  • Both clubs are expected to act reasonably and prioritize the completion of the match.
  • Failure to cooperate in resolving a referee no-show situation may result in league review and potential disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Policy and Procedures

The Inter League Alliance is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct. Disciplinary matters are handled fairly, consistently, and in full accordance with ENYYSA policies.

Disciplinary Actions May Include

  • Verbal warning issued to player, coach, or club representative.
  • Yellow card / caution (players).
  • Red card / ejection (players and coaches).
  • Mandatory suspensions for red card offenses.
  • Fines levied against clubs for repeated or serious violations.
  • Match abandonment for failure to meet match day requirements.
  • Removal from the league for severe or repeated violations.

Appeals Process

  • Clubs may appeal disciplinary decisions through the official Inter League Alliance appeals process.
  • All appeals must be submitted in writing within 48 hours of notification.
  • Appeals are reviewed by the Inter League Alliance Disciplinary Committee.
  • Decisions of the Disciplinary Committee are final.