05/13/2026
We have received the following information regarding a seating mandate issued by NYSL. Please see the attached image for clarification as well as the parent code of contact agreed to at the time of registration. This applies only to NYSL games. At rec games, spectators should continue to sit on the opposite side from the teams.
All interactions with the ref are to be done via the coach. If you have issues with the game, the players, the refs, or the opposing fans, give those concerns to the coach so it can be addressed in the appropriate way.
From NYSL:
Coaches/Managers,
The Spring 2026 NYSL season has seen a record number of spectator issues during and following games. To try to prevent this behavior from continuing, effective immediately your team and your spectators are required to sit on the same sideline for all remaining NYSL matches. A graphic has been attached, and is available on our website, to show how this is to be applied. In the event that a spectator issue arises you, as the team administrator, need to address your spectators immediately.
Unfortunately, we have also seen an uptick in coaches and spectators engaging with referees after the match. Engaging with critiques, feedback or questions with referees post-game is not allowed. All teams have access to provide feedback via FairWhistle surveys and that is the only encouraged way to do so.
Nothing good can come from a post-match interaction with opposing teams/referees, please discuss this expectation with your staff and spectators.
Thank you in advance for addressing this issue.