Important Notice
The following is a brief summary - for a complete listing of Discipline Policies and Procedures please see the link at the bottom of the page.

I, or one of my players, is dismissed from the field. What happens next?

The referee completes either a Dismissal Form (for a player), or a Special Incident Report (for a coach or parent). The referee’s report is forwarded to the Discipline Committee. The Committee decides if charges will be laid and what they will be. In many cases, the misconduct can be dealt with using the Discipline by Review system (DBR). In that event, the Committee relies on the game official’s report, and does not require any of the parties to attend. This is not the same as a Discipline Hearing. The Committee makes its decision and advises you of the penalty. Players are advised to continue playing until notified of the penalty/suspension (or notified of havng the dismissal charges dropped).

But what if I want a hearing?

Everyone is entitled to a hearing. You must request a hearing within three days of receiving the dismissal. Otherwise, the DBR system is used.

How do I request a hearing?

A request for a hearing must be in writing. You can drop off a written request along with a $50.00 administrative fee to the Club. If the accused is found not guilty, the $50.00 administrative fee will be returned. Remember the three-day time limit.

When will the hearing be held?

At the next scheduled meeting of the Discipline Committee. The dates and times are posted on the website.

Are the penalties worse if I ask for a hearing?

No. The penalties are standard, and mandated by the OSA. The penalty depends on the nature of the misconduct.

If I don’t request a hearing, and I don’t like the decision that the Discipline Committee reaches, can I appeal?

No. There are no appeals of DBR Decisions.

What if I am charged with a type of misconduct that can’t be handled as DBR?

You will be informed by the Committee if that is the case. You will be told of the nature of the charges, given a copy of the misconduct report, and advised of your rights. You will then be called in for a Discipline by Hearing (DBH) at the next date posted on the hearing schedule. If there is not a posted schedule of hearing dates, you will be given 15 days notice of the date on which hearing will take place.

What if I can’t attend a hearing on the scheduled night?

You may request one postponement. You must submit a written request at least four days prior to the scheduled hearing date. You must state the reasons you are requesting the postponement and a $50.00 fee is also required.

What happens if I don’t attend a hearing?

You will be suspended from all soccer-related activities. That means you can’t play, coach, officiate, practice, or be an administrator in any capacity governed by the OSA.

It is then up to you to supply a written request for a new hearing, along with a non-refundable $100.00 fee. The hearing will be scheduled at the convenience of the DSCI Discipline Panel.

What are the penalties for being dismissed from a game?

If you are found guilty, the penalty that is imposed depends on the nature of the offence, and all penalties are at least the minimum mandated by the Ontario Soccer Association.

Please note that players and coaches do not serve any penalty until the Discipline Committee has rendered its decision. Only the Discipline Committee may determine the extent of any penalty.

How can I get more Discipline Information?

OSA penalties and other information can be found on the link provided here.

More information  can also be found on the OSA website at www.ontariosoccer.net.