Soccer is a sport for youth of all ages, fostering growth, enjoyment, and teamwork. The core values that guide us are:

With the right structure, coaching, and support, players can fully enjoy and benefit from the game. This section provides the fundamental policies that support our commitment to these values and to the ongoing success of BRYC Recreational Soccer.

Above all, we must remember that BRYC Recreational Soccer exists to serve the YOUTH who participate. This manual is dedicated to their experience, growth, and enjoyment of the game.

A. General Objectives

B. Specific Objectives

A. Purpose

To establish the process for formulating and modifying policies of BRYC Recreational Soccer (BRYC Rec).

B. Definition

The policy process is the administrative mechanism that ensures that realistic and meaningful policies are established, reviewed, and updated in order to assist the effective management of BRYC Rec.

C. Organization and Responsibilities

The BRYC Recreational organization is comprised of members who participate in supporting the BRYC community. Figure 1 illustrates the organizational relationship of those who principally execute the Recreational Soccer policy process. The Commissioner is the principal figure in the policy process, but the Deputy Commissioners, League Directors, Directors, and Coordinators have important and active roles. Each can propose revisions to policies, rules, and procedures.

Figure 1. Organizational Relationship

D. Policy Changes

EXCOM has regular meetings to go over topics related to operations, which can include changes to policies as well as new agenda items related to BRYC Recreational Soccer. EXCOM members may bring new business to any of the EXCOM meetings. The following guidelines dictate how changes are managed and governed:

1. The proposal must be presented to EXCOM in writing either before or during a scheduled EXCOM meeting.
2. Discussion will take place during the EXCOM meeting, which can include participation in-person, by phone, or via teleconference.
3. New or revised changes — including policy, procedures, activities, events, budget, organizational proposals — will be presented to EXCOM members at a regularly scheduled meeting.
4. Following a review and discussion of the changes, EXCOM will vote to adopt, modify, or reject the recommendation(s). A majority vote will dictate adoption. In the event of a tie, the Commissioner will make the final decision.
   • The final vote may be postponed until the next meeting with a motion supported by 3 members to gather more information.
   • A motion may not be postponed for more than two meetings.
   • Votes may be called and taken in-person or via email and must be recorded by the Secretary, with results included in the next EXCOM meeting notes.
5. In case of conflict between these Policies and Procedures and BRYC Bylaws and Policies, the BRYC guidance will prevail.

A. General

All participants in BRYC Recreational Soccer (EXCOM members, players, coaches, officials, and spectators) are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles of good sportsmanship and appropriate behavior and will comply with BRYC policies, rules, and procedures.

B. BRYC Recreational Soccer Code of Conduct

Coaches and Players

• Each coach will ensure that their conduct sets the proper example for team members and spectators. Each player will ensure that their conduct is that of a young lady or gentleman fairly competing to the limits of their ability.
• Both will know the Laws of the Game and abide by them. Coaches are to instruct teams in such a way as to motivate players to compete according to the Laws.
• Both will show respect for officials. Coaches must refrain from questioning decisions in a disrespectful or abusive manner. Players must refrain from addressing or commenting on officials’ decisions.
• Both will show respect for opposing coaches and players and demonstrate sportsmanship after games — be humble in victory and courteous in defeat.
• Both will refrain from using abusive language, profanity, humiliating remarks, ill-tempered gestures, or physical assault.
• Both will follow all field/facility rules and respect property.
• Coaches are responsible for ensuring spectators conduct themselves maturely and assist officials in maintaining order.
• Coaches in violation of policies may be dismissed or denied future coaching roles.
• Physical assault by coaches, players, or parents results in immediate removal and potential program bans.
• Assault on a coach or player by others results in suspension pending investigation.

Spectators

• Must demonstrate courtesy, sportsmanship, good citizenship, and positivity.
• Will respect the Laws of the Game and the officials.
• Cheer in a positive, non-hostile manner. Refrain from negative remarks.
• Enter/exit fields orderly; do not enter field or throw objects.
• Follow field/facility rules and respect property.
• Demonstrate sportsmanship after games.
• Are responsible for their children’s conduct.

Officials

• Shall maintain respect for the game and uphold the dignity of their position.
• Shall honor contractual obligations and attend training.
• Will cooperate with fellow referees and support teamwork.
• Shall avoid public criticism of fellow officials.
• Shall be physically fit and control matches firmly but courteously.
• Shall report disciplinary actions and support referee development.

C. Conduct at Games

1. All BRYC members and volunteers must follow rules and conduct guidelines.
2. League Directors are responsible for monitoring decorum at games.
3. Coaches should model good behavior. Spectators are expected to follow suit. Referees may terminate a game due to disruptive spectator behavior.
4. Sideline Organization and Designated Zones
   • Home and Away teams are assigned opposite sides. Only coaches may enter the space between the spectator box and touchline.
   • Team area extends 15 yards from the half-line. Coaching outside the box is not allowed. Referees may penalize repeated violations.
   • Spectators must remain in designated areas. No one may be behind goals or between penalty area and end line.
   • Referees may issue warnings, yellow or red cards, and report infractions to League and Referee Directors.
5. Unreasonable Conduct
   • Red cards result in ejection with no substitution and one-game suspension minimum.
   • Second red cards are escalated to the Commissioner and may result in additional penalties following a Discipline/Sanctions Panel review.
   • BRYC emphasizes rational judgment and integrity in all conduct reviews.
6. No player, coach, official, or spectator may use alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco products during BRYC events.
7. Pets are not permitted at fields, except for official service animals with documentation. This follows FCPS and Fairfax County rules.

D. Discipline and Sanctions

1. Players’ Discipline: Coaches may restrict practice or game play for serious misbehavior and must notify parents and League Director within 24 hours. Serious violations may lead to suspension or removal from the program.
2. Coaches' Sanctions: Coaches are expected to model professionalism and may be sanctioned with forfeits, suspension, or dismissal.
3. Parent, Guardian, and Spectator Sanctions: If expectations are not met, sanctions may include removal from attendance or dismissal of their child(ren) from the program.
4. Discipline/Sanctions Panel: Appointed by the Commissioner. Involved parties must recuse themselves. Written decisions are required.
5. Adjudication Committee: Reviews appeals. Must include three approved members. Can affirm, reverse, or modify decisions. Quorum is three. Decisions are final within BRYC; next appeal level is BRYC Board of Directors.
6. Appeals Process:
   • Appeals must be based on procedural or factual error — not just disagreement with outcome.
   • Must be filed within 72 hours of notice via certified mail with a $100 fee (refundable if appeal is upheld).
   • Disciplinary actions remain in effect during appeal unless otherwise suspended.
   • The Adjudication Committee Chair will review and determine next steps, including potential hearing within 14 days.
   • Final decision will be sent to all involved parties. Appeals beyond this point must go to the BRYC Board of Directors.