CJSL Calls Mandatory Meeting to Review Zero Tolerance Policy

The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) is taking decisive action to reinforce its Zero Tolerance Policy as a worrying increase in fines and disciplinary actions has been observed this fall among younger age groups — including misconduct from parents, players, and coaches.

In accordance with ENYYSA and U.S. Soccer Policy 531-9, effective March 1, 2025, the CJSL enforces a strict Zero Tolerance Policy for all misconduct directed at referees. This policy applies to coaches, players, bench personnel, team staff, spectators, and parents. The goal is to protect the integrity of the game and ensure a safe, respectful environment for all match officials.

To emphasize these expectations, the CJSL will hold a Mandatory Conduct and Zero Tolerance Policy Review via video conference on Thurdsay, October 23rd, for all club administrators and coaches ahead of the U15 and older age groups’ kick-off on Saturday, October 25. Every club must have a representative in attendance. Clubs that fail to attend will be deemed to have accepted full responsibility for their teams’ conduct and will receive the maximum penalty for each offense during the Fall 2025 season.

CJSL Leadue Director Dimitrie Draguca said the meeting comes at a critical time. “We’ve been receiving an increasing number of reports involving misconduct from parents towards referees, as well as poor general conduct from parents during and after matches. Even more troubling, we’ve seen players as young as 11 making rude and derogatory comments toward referees. This is simply unacceptable. We owe it to our players, our referees, and our game to address this immediately,” said Draguca.

He added, “This will be a mandatory meeting. The clubs need to be reminded of the serious consequences their organizations will face if these behaviors continue. With high school games officially starting this weekend, we need to be proactive and get ahead of this before it escalates further.”

CJSL President Paul Kontonis echoed that message, emphasizing that the focus is not only on discipline but also on restoring respect for the game’s values. “We want to return to an environment where our players and parents are known for their sportsmanship and class — not for fines or suspensions. Everyone represents their club and the CJSL community. The tone we set on the sidelines defines who we are as a league,” said Draguca.

Under Policy 531-9, misconduct is categorized by severity, ranging from verbal taunting and harassment to physical abuse. Verbal or non-physical abuse such as taunting or harassment carries a minimum two-to-four game suspension, while more serious cases involving threats or derogatory language may result in up to a 24-month suspension. Offensive or discriminatory acts based on race, gender, or religion carry a minimum 10-game suspension and can extend to two years, while any form of physical abuse, such as pushing, hitting, or spitting on a referee, may result in a 12-game suspension up to a lifetime ban.

Parents and spectators face fines of $250 to $1,500 per incident, depending on the severity and whether the referee involved is a minor. Clubs are held accountable for the behavior of all individuals on their sidelines. The CJSL Bylaws also empower the league to impose additional penalties, including loss of points, suspensions, and increased fines, when clubs fail to control their sidelines or uphold league standards of sportsmanship .

Referee retention and matchday respect are critical to maintaining a positive environment for all players. This season’s rise in disciplinary incidents among younger divisions serves as a reminder that development and respect must go hand in hand.

The CJSL remains unwavering in its commitment to education, accountability, and the protection of referees. Every player, coach, and parent plays a vital role in upholding these standards and setting the right example for New York City’s youth soccer community.

For full details, visit the CJSL website to review the Zero Tolerance Procedures for Misconduct at Referees (2025).