Disciplinary Code of Conduct

Disciplinary Code of Conduct

VERSION A: OFFICIAL LEGAL / REGULATORY LANGUAGE

1. Scope and Authority

This Disciplinary Code applies to all registered players, coaches, team officials, and affiliated personnel participating in any United Africa Premier League – USA (UAPSL) sanctioned match, training, or event. The League retains full authority to interpret, enforce, and amend these regulations through its Disciplinary Committee.

2. Standards of Conduct

All participants shall: 1. Conduct themselves in a respectful manner toward match officials, opponents, teammates, spectators, and league representatives. 2. Comply fully with the IFAB Laws of the Game and all UAPSL Rules and Regulations. 3. Refrain from violent conduct, fighting, retaliation, intimidation, or any act that brings the league into disrepute. 4. Abstain from abusive, threatening, insulting, or offensive language, gestures, or behavior. 5. Accept referee decisions without dissent, protest, or confrontation.

3. Prohibited Acts

The following actions are strictly prohibited: - Racism, discrimination, hate speech, or discriminatory gestures of any kind. - Use or possession of alcohol, drugs, or prohibited substances at any league function. - Incitement of spectators or engagement in unsporting, inflammatory, or provocative celebrations.

Violations may result in disciplinary sanctions including but not limited to cautions, ejections, match forfeiture, suspensions, fines, or expulsion from UAPSL.

4. Team and Administrative Violations

4.1 Fielding an Unregistered Player - Automatic forfeiture of the match - Fine of $300

4.2 Team Bench Misconduct - Failure to maintain a controlled and clear bench area may result in: - Deduction of one (1) league point - If formally protested by the opposing team: forfeiture of the match and a $200 fine

4.3 Match Delays - Any team delaying kickoff beyond ten (10) minutes shall: - Concede the match as a 3–0 loss - Opponent awarded three (3) league points - Pay a $150 fine prior to the next scheduled match

4.4 Application of the Laws - All matches shall be governed by the IFAB Laws of the Game except where expressly modified by UAPSL regulations.

5. Disciplinary Cards and Sanctions

5.1 Yellow Cards - Two (2) yellow cards in the same match constitute a red card, resulting in: - Immediate ejection - One (1) match suspension - $75 fine payable before the team’s next match

Accumulation of three (3) yellow cards during the season:

$50 fine

No automatic suspension

5.2 Red Cards - A red card offense shall result in: - Immediate ejection from the match - Minimum one (1) match suspension - $75 fine payable before the team’s next scheduled match

Additional suspension may be imposed based on the severity of the offense.

6. Abuse of Match Officials and League Representatives

Any verbal or physical abuse directed at referees or league officials by players, coaches, or team officials is strictly prohibited.

Sanctions shall include:

Minimum $500 fine

Suspension of not less than three (3) matches

Additional penalties as determined by the UAPSL Disciplinary Committee

Abusive Language on the Field - Use of abusive or profane language may result in: - $250 fine - Suspension at the league’s discretion

7. Cooling-Off Period

All teams shall observe a mandatory forty-eight (48) hour cooling-off period following a match or incident prior to filing complaints, appeals, or formal correspondence.

8. Appeals Procedure

Appeals must be submitted in writing with supporting evidence.

A non-refundable $100 appeal fee is required.

All decisions of the Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding.

VERSION B: PLAYER-FRIENDLY SUMMARY

Respect & Fair Play

Respect referees, opponents, teammates, and league staff.

Play by the IFAB Laws of the Game and UAPSL rules.

No fighting, retaliation, threats, or abusive language.

Referee decisions are final.

Zero Tolerance

No racism, discrimination, or hate speech.

No drugs or alcohol at league events.

Do not incite fans or celebrate in a disrespectful way.

Common Penalties

Unregistered player: Loss of match + $300 fine

Late kickoff (10+ minutes): 3–0 loss + $150 fine

Bench misconduct: 1-point deduction or loss + $200 fine

Cards & Fines

2 yellows in one game = red card + 1-game suspension + $75 fine

Red card = ejection + suspension + $75 fine

3 yellow cards in the season = $50 fine

Referee Abuse

Any abuse of referees or officials:

$500 fine

Minimum 3-game suspension

Appeals

Teams may appeal with evidence and a $100 fee.

Wait 48 hours before submitting complaints.

APPENDIX A: DISCIPLINARY FLOW CHART

Match Disciplinary Progression (Simplified)

On-Field Offense Occurs ⬇️

Referee Issues Yellow Card - Player warned and recorded ⬇️

Second Yellow Card (Same Match) - Automatically becomes a Red Card - Player is ejected from the match ⬇️

Red Card Consequences - Immediate removal from game - Minimum 1-match suspension - $75 fine payable before next scheduled match ⬇️

Post-Match Review (If Applicable) - Serious misconduct (violence, referee abuse, racism) - Disciplinary Committee may increase suspension and fines

Yellow Card Accumulation (Season-Based)

1st Yellow Card → Warning recorded

2nd Yellow Card (different match) → Warning continues

3rd Yellow Card (season total) - $50 fine - No automatic suspension

APPENDIX B: SCHEDULE OF FINES & SANCTIONS (QUICK REFERENCE)

APPENDIX C: REFEREE DISCIPLINARY CHECKLIST

Pre-Match Responsibilities

☐ Verify team rosters and player registration eligibility ☐ Inspect player equipment and uniforms ☐ Confirm team benches are clear, organized, and controlled ☐ Brief team captains on conduct expectations and dissent policy ☐ Confirm kickoff time and document any anticipated delays

In-Match Responsibilities

Game Control & Conduct ☐ Enforce IFAB Laws of the Game and UAPSL rules consistently ☐ Address dissent immediately and appropriately ☐ Prevent escalation through early intervention

Disciplinary Actions ☐ Record all yellow cards accurately (player number, team, minute, reason) ☐ Issue red cards for: - Two yellow cards in the same match - Serious foul play or violent conduct - Abusive or threatening language or gestures ☐ Ensure any ejected player leaves the field and technical area immediately

Bench & Technical Area ☐ Monitor bench behavior continuously ☐ Sanction irresponsible behavior by coaches or team officials ☐ Note bench misconduct clearly in match report

Match Delay & Forfeiture Situations

☐ Start official match clock at scheduled kickoff time ☐ Document any delay exceeding 10 minutes ☐ Confirm which team is responsible for the delay ☐ Inform match commissioner or league representative if forfeiture conditions apply

Post-Match Responsibilities

☐ Complete official match report within required timeframe ☐ Include: - All cautions and send-offs - Bench misconduct incidents - Referee or official abuse - Match delays or abandonment ☐ Submit supplemental report for serious incidents (violence, racism, referee abuse)

Zero-Tolerance Enforcement

☐ Report any verbal or physical abuse toward referees or league officials ☐ Document exact language or actions used ☐ Identify involved players, coaches, or officials ☐ Submit report to Disciplinary Committee for review

Referee Protection Statement

Referees are empowered by UAPSL to enforce all disciplinary measures without intimidation or interference. Any attempt to influence, threaten, or retaliate against a referee shall be treated as a serious disciplinary offense.

UAPSL reserves the right to enforce these rules in the interest of safety, fairness, and integrity of the league.