01/19/2022
Please read……
To all Arizona Region Club Directors,
Shortly after our Girls’ season began, the Region Office received reports that a number of incidents occurred, involving spectator/parent misconduct. This misbehavior consisted of verbal, often profane outbursts directed at court officials, reffing coaches, and junior players, specifically those assigned to line judge. Additionally, there were reports of physical confrontations in the stands during matches. These incidents have increased in the last few years. As a result of this type of behavior, many new and young officials have quit reffing, reducing the number of certified refs. Also, verbally attacking our junior line judges instills fear and intimidation in them, undermining their self-confidence.
Therefore, the Region is asking you, as directors, to communicate with your parents and remind them of our Spectator/Parent Code of Conduct policy, emphasizing the consequences of misconduct at any of our tournaments. This policy can be found online and is posted at all playing sites. As you know, misconduct by any registered USAV member is investigated and handled either through SafeSport or the Region’s Due Process policy. Sanctions may range from verbal warning to suspension. However, most spectators or parents are not USAV members and are subject to only one consequence for misbehavior: Ejection from one or more Region tournaments, depending on the severity of the violation.
Please be advised that in an effort to prevent this trend from increasing, the Region has adopted a zero-tolerance attitude toward any overt or profane outbursts, fighting, or other actions that pose a danger to others. Protection of our members, especially our young athletes, and maintaining a safe playing environment should be a priority for all of us. So, we will ask Site Directors and the Officials Division to be extra vigilant in monitoring misbehavior in the stands and sidelines. Be aware that Site Directors and Lead Officials at each tournament site are authorized by the Region to eject anyone violating conduct policies. Serious offenses will be reviewed to determine the length of the ejection/ban.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation and support in this matter. It is our sincere hope that we will all work together to address this safety issue and this in turn will help us maintain the high level of integrity and respect that we enjoy in the Region.
JR Salima | Ethics Compliance Officer
Arizona Region of USA Volleyball