Discipline & Hearing Information

Discipline & Hearing Information

Niagara Soccer Association (NSA)

Last Updated: 01/12/2026

The Niagara Soccer Association (NSA) administers discipline for misconduct occurring within NSA-sanctioned competitions. The Association follows the Discipline Policies and Procedures established by Ontario Soccer and ensures all disciplinary matters are handled fairly, consistently, and in alignment with higher governing-body standards.


Discipline Hearing Dates

All discipline hearings are conducted at the NSA offices:

Address:
Niagara Soccer Association
94-6 Dunkirk Road
St. Catharines, ON L2P 3H4
📞 (905) 984-8411

Email: discipline@niagarasoccer.net

Below is the 2022 Hearing Schedule for incidents reported in major leagues:

Received Red Card Up ToReviewed / Hearing Date
Wednesday May 25Wednesday June 1
Wednesday June 1Wednesday June 8
Wednesday June 8Wednesday June 15
Wednesday June 15Wednesday June 22
Wednesday June 22Wednesday June 29
Wednesday June 29Wednesday July 6
Wednesday July 6Wednesday July 13
Wednesday July 13Wednesday July 20
Wednesday July 20Wednesday July 27
Wednesday July 27Wednesday August 3
Wednesday August 3Wednesday August 10
Wednesday August 10Wednesday August 17
Wednesday August 17Wednesday August 24
Wednesday August 24Wednesday August 31
Wednesday August 31Wednesday September 7
Wednesday September 7Wednesday September 14
Wednesday September 14Wednesday September 21
Wednesday September 21Wednesday September 28

Additional dates may be added as required.


Fees & Fines

The following fees are associated with the discipline process:

Discipline ServiceFee
Discipline by Review Administration$35.00
Discipline by Hearing Administration$100.00
Failure to Appear or Be Represented$100.00
Request for Hearing Fee$50.00
Request for Postponement$100.00
Failure to Pay Administration Fee on Time$50.00 (additional)
Failure to Produce Player Book Within 48 hrs$50.00

 

Team Staff Member Fines:

  • Offence #1 — $100

  • Offence #2 — $200

  • Offence #3 — $500


Discipline Process Overview

Discipline by Review

Where permitted under Ontario Soccer policies, all misconduct will initially be dealt with via Discipline by Review. Determinations under this process are final and may not be appealed.

Right to Request a Hearing

An individual subject to Discipline by Review may request a formal Discipline Hearing by submitting a written request and the $50.00 hearing fee within three (3) days of receiving the decision. Requests may be sent via mail, fax (905-984-8422), or email to discipline@niagarasoccer.net.

Attendance at Hearings

For misconduct requiring a hearing, the accused must be present at the next scheduled review or hearing with their official player book. Failure to appear will result in suspension from all soccer activities and potential fines per NSA Rules and Regulations.

Postponements

A party required to attend a hearing may request one postponement, submitted in writing at least four days prior to the scheduled hearing, accompanied by the $50.00 fee. If the postponement request is denied, the fee will be refunded.

Rights at a Hearing

Accused parties may bring:

  • Witnesses

  • An advisor

  • Observers
    to any Discipline Hearing following Ontario Soccer policy guidelines.


Suspension Timeline

All suspensions take effect on the Thursday following the scheduled review or hearing date. If a match is rescheduled, the individual must still serve the suspension in the rescheduled match.

In cases of alleged referee assault, the accused will be immediately suspended from all soccer-related activities pending review.


Club Responsibilities

Clubs are responsible for distributing this discipline policy to their coaches, players, and officials, and ensuring compliance within their teams.

NSA discipline adheres to the online policies and procedures of Ontario Soccer, and all rules administered at the local level must be consistent with those standards.