Discipline & Appeals

Niagara Soccer Association (NSA)

Last Updated: 01/12/2026

The Niagara Soccer Association (NSA) is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and fair playing environment for all participants. This Discipline & Appeals Policy outlines how misconduct is addressed and how disciplinary decisions may be reviewed.

This policy applies to all players, coaches, team officials, club administrators, parents/guardians, volunteers, vendors, and members participating in or associated with NSA-sanctioned activities.

1. Purpose of Discipline

Discipline exists to:

  • Protect participants, especially minors

  • Uphold the integrity of competition

  • Promote respect, safety, and fair play

  • Address misconduct consistently and transparently

Discipline is not punitive by default, but corrective and protective in nature.

2. Authority & Jurisdiction

  1. NSA has the authority to investigate and discipline misconduct related to:

    • Matches and training sessions

    • NSA events and facilities

    • NSA website, community platforms, and communications

  2. NSA disciplinary authority applies before, during, and after matches or events.

  3. NSA may act independently or in coordination with:

    • Clubs

    • Match officials

    • Governing bodies

3. Types of Misconduct

Disciplinary action may result from, but is not limited to:

3.1 On-Field Misconduct

  • Serious foul play

  • Violent conduct

  • Use of abusive or offensive language

  • Dissent toward match officials

3.2 Off-Field Misconduct

  • Harassment, bullying, or intimidation

  • Discrimination or hate-based behaviour

  • Threats or violence

  • Damage to property

3.3 Online & Community Misconduct

  • Abusive posts or messages

  • Harassment via NSA platforms

  • Breaches of the Site Code of Conduct

3.4 Safeguarding Violations

  • Boundary violations involving minors

  • Inappropriate communication or behaviour

  • Failure to report safeguarding concerns

⚠️ Safeguarding matters may be escalated immediately and handled outside the standard disciplinary process.

4. Reporting an Incident

Incidents may be reported by:

  • Match officials

  • Club representatives

  • Players or parents/guardians

  • NSA administrators

Reports must be submitted via:

  • Official match reports, or

  • NSA’s designated Incident / Discipline Report Form

All reports are handled confidentially.

5. Investigation Process

Once a report is received:

  1. NSA reviews the incident and supporting evidence

  2. Additional information may be requested

  3. The individual(s) involved may be contacted for clarification

  4. A disciplinary decision is made by NSA or its appointed committee

NSA may impose interim measures (e.g., temporary suspension) while an investigation is ongoing.

6. Disciplinary Actions

Depending on severity, NSA may impose one or more of the following:

  • Verbal or written warning

  • Match suspension

  • Multi-game suspension

  • Removal from competition

  • Termination of membership

  • Restrictions from NSA facilities or platforms

Disciplinary decisions consider:

  • Nature and severity of the incident

  • Prior disciplinary history

  • Impact on safety and integrity

7. Red Cards & Automatic Suspensions

  • Red cards result in an automatic suspension

  • Additional sanctions may apply following review

  • Accumulation of disciplinary points may result in further penalties

Specific suspension lengths are determined by NSA policies and applicable governing-body guidelines.

8. Appeals Process

8.1 Right to Appeal

An appeal may be submitted if:

  • New evidence is available

  • A procedural error occurred

  • The sanction is believed to be disproportionate

Disagreement alone is not sufficient grounds for appeal.

8.2 Appeal Procedure

  • Appeals must be submitted in writing within the specified timeframe

  • Appeal fees (if applicable) may apply

  • Appeals are reviewed by an independent or designated committee

8.3 Appeal Outcomes

Possible outcomes include:

  • Upholding the original decision

  • Modifying the sanction

  • Overturning the decision

Appeal decisions are final and binding.

9. Responsibilities of Clubs & Individuals

  • Clubs are responsible for the conduct of their players, officials, and spectators

  • Individuals are responsible for understanding and complying with NSA policies

  • Failure to cooperate with investigations may result in additional sanctions

10. Confidentiality & Fair Process

  • All disciplinary matters are handled with discretion

  • Information is shared only with those who need to know

  • NSA is committed to fairness, impartiality, and procedural integrity

11. Relationship to Other Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

  • Rules & Regulations

  • Laws of the Game

  • Code of Conduct

  • Safeguarding / Safe Sport Policy

  • Privacy Policy

12. Amendments

NSA reserves the right to amend this Discipline & Appeals Policy at any time.
Updates will be posted on the website and take effect immediately unless otherwise stated.

13. Contact

For discipline or appeals-related inquiries, contact:

📧 info@niagarasoccerassociation.ca
📍 Niagara Soccer Association – Ontario, Canada