The recent death of Salt Lake City, Utah, soccer referee Ricardo Portillo makes me incredibly sad. There isn't a game on earth that is worth someone's life. I read that his family says the parents of the 17-year-old keeper who hit him in the head should bear some of the blame. I guarantee you that neither the parents nor anyone else on the sidelines intended for Portillo's death to happen. But time and time again I've watched negative energy result in unintended consequences.
New section for news about your team, player and volunteer achievements. If you team has represented BAYSA in a tournament or league and you want to congratulate their great job and effort feel free to send me articles about it along with a picture. I need to know the team name, coach, age group, club, event and team name. Send to
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If you team ended up as a FInalist in STYSA championships (D2, S2 or D1),FInalist for Eastern District for D3, D2 or anything else, please send results/pictures etc.
As a result of questions posed by several leagues about scrimmage games or including non-USYS teams in their league schedule, the following information is provided. Please be sure that your clubs are aware of this information in order to assure that all games and activities are properly sanctioned. If you have additional questions, please contact Tom or Linda at the State Office.
Updated copy of the protocol for coaching clinics is posted under documents and here below for clubs to follow when hosting coaching clinics. Coaching Clinic Handout ( 2010-01-16 20:40:21) (Revised 8/1/09)
ZERO TOLERANCE OF SIDELINE MISCONDUCT AND REFEREE ABUSE
BAYSA has adopted a zero tolerance of sideline misconduct and referee abuse for spectators. Referees will stop the game, bring both coaches together, and give them a warning for spectator misconduct and abuse.
The second time this occurs, referee will end the game.
Coaches need to take responsibility and be accountable for management and control of sideline behavior. Referees will need to document concerns and issues so the association’s D&P can address problem areas.
Referee assault (verbal or physical) could result in a ban from soccer.
Referee Abuse Leads to Three Year Suspensions.
In early December 2012, a hearing was held by the South Texas Youth Soccer Association D&P committee regarding alleged abuse of a referee. Three coaches and four players were charged with referee assault.
The alleged assault had occurred during a BAYSA regular season game. The decision: One player found not guilty, three coaches and three players found guilty. Penalties: Two coaches each received three year suspensions.
One coach received a one year suspension. One player received a three year suspension and the other two players received three games suspensions (they got very lucky).
REMEMBER - THIS IS ONLY A GAME THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN. If you forget this, you might not play soccer again for a very long time.
STYSA Goal Post Inspection Report (
