Disciplinary Policy

Fairfax Soccer League (FSL) Official Disciplinary Policy and Procedures

Policy Number: 2026-DP-01

Effective Date: April 15, 2026

Scope: All Players, Coaches, Team Officials, and Spectators

I. Purpose and Authority

The Fairfax Soccer League (FSL) is committed to providing an environment where sportsmanship, safety, and fair play are paramount. This Disciplinary Policy serves as the official framework for addressing violations of the Laws of the Game and the FSL Code of Conduct.

The FSL Disciplinary Committee (DC) is hereby established as the primary judicial body of the league. It is granted the authority to investigate misconduct and impose sanctions to maintain the integrity of the competition.

II. The Disciplinary Committee (DC)

The DC shall operate as an independent body under the following structure:

1. Composition: The committee shall consist of five (5) standing members appointed by the League Board.

2. Quorum: A minimum of three (3) members must be present to review a case and issue a ruling.

3. Conflict of Interest: Any member of the DC who is affiliated with a team involved in a pending case must recuse themselves from that specific deliberation.

4. Decision Making: Rulings are determined by a simple majority vote. In the event of a tie, the Committee Chairperson shall cast the deciding vote.

III. Adjudication Process

The disciplinary process is initiated upon receipt of a Referee Match Report or a formal written complaint from a league official.

• Fact-Finding: The DC shall review the Referee’s report as the primary source of truth. Supplemental evidence, including video footage and witness statements, may be reviewed at the committee’s discretion.

• Notice of Action: Once a decision is reached, the DC will issue a Formal Notice of Disciplinary Action via email to the individual and their respective Team Captain.

• Provisional Suspension: In cases of extreme violence or threats, the DC reserves the right to issue an immediate provisional suspension pending a full hearing.

IV. The Appeals Process

Individuals or teams subject to disciplinary action have the right to appeal the DC’s decision under the following strict protocols:

1. Filing Deadline: A written Notice of Appeal must be submitted to the League Board within five (5) calendar days of the issuance of the DC's decision.

2. Submission Requirements: The appeal must be formal and include:

   • The specific ruling being appealed.

   • A detailed explanation of the grounds for appeal (e.g., misapplication of league rules, new evidence, or procedural error).

   • Any supporting documentation or statements.

3. Appellate Review: The League Board  will review the appeal. The Board may uphold, move to reduce, or vacate the original penalty.

4. Finality: Decisions rendered by the League Board on appeal are final and binding. No further administrative remedies are available within the FSL.

V. Table of Standard Sanctions

While the DC maintains the right to increase penalties based on the severity of the incident, the following minimums apply:

Infraction Category

Minimum Sanction

Technical Red Card (e.g., Denial of goal-scoring opportunity)

1-Match Suspension

Dissent / Offensive Language

2-Match Suspension + $50 Fine

Violent Conduct (e.g., Striking, kicking, or attempting to injure)

5-Match Suspension to Seasonal Ban

Physical Assault of a Match Official

Permanent Lifetime Ban + Legal Reporting

Team Misconduct (Multiple red cards in one match)

Points Deduction / Team Probation

VI. Compliance

Failure to serve a suspension or pay a fine will result in the player being declared "Ineligible." Any team fielding an ineligible player will automatically forfeit the match (3-0 loss) and face additional disciplinary review.