CASE: Violent Conduct toward a Game Official

2003-04 Season

(O.C. Art I, Sec 14, 9.3)
A player called the game official a derogatory name after the final whistle had been blown. The coach wrote up a soccer misconduct report for this behavior. The officials retired to their change room and the player knocked on the door of the change room and confronted the official. He used foul and abusive language, directed threats at the official and hit him in the back as he attempted to avoid the confrontation. The player left the area and threatened that he would be waiting for him outside. The officiating staff was escorted to their cars by the captain of the team the player belonged to and the Athletic Director of the college. The captain finally convinced the player to leave with his companions.

RULING: 

Because of the severity of the case, it was dealt with by the Alberta Soccer Association who had a discipline hearing regarding the situation. They suspended the player for 18 months from all soccer related activities. He then was ordered to take and pass a Class III referee course, and upon passing he would be able to resume play on a probationary basis for one year. If at anytime during the probationary period he was guilty of an offense of similar or violent nature, he would be suspended from all activities once again. The Commissioner asked the college to notify the ACAC office if this player wished to participate in the ACAC again as he would also be required to serve a suspension from the ACAC. For the time being, he remains suspended by the ACAC and is not eligible to participate in Conference games.
(2003-04, Phipps)