To our Players and Team Captains,

Re: Latin Swing V Crossfire

After the events of last Sunday we were tasked with reviewing the incident that has seriously impacted not just the League, but our friends and families. As such we felt that the disciplinary measures we have decided upon should be shared with you all.

We have spent many hours reviewing witness statements and testimony from a broad range of people, as well as clear and consistent video footage.

The following decisions are final and unanimous. Due to the serious nature of the incident, they will not be heard for appeals.

Team Conduct:

We are extremely disappointed with what we view as a failure of both teams to respect the League and their fans.

1.       Before the game began both teams had made inflammatory comments to the referee and host regarding the nature in which they intended to play the game, despite the referee asking them to keep things in check

2.       During the first half an extraordinary amount of fouls and yellow cards had to be given due to rough play, only increasing what was becoming a volatile situation

3.       Foul language and players tried to incite conflict continued during half time

4.       There was no change during the second half and this resulted in the absolute disregard of sportsmanship and the rules of the game

Some of you may feel that this responsibility lies solely with individual players, but as ADULTS, every time you step onto that field we expect everyone to lead by example. Any of the following might have prevented what eventually took place:

1.       As team captain, bench a player that is beginning to lose control and/or remove them from the game

2.       Call a time out to settle the team down

3.       Stand up and disagree with inflammatory comments

These events placed our fans and our children in danger. There are no stands, there are no boards separating them from the field of play and the fights that ensued.

Effective January 1st 2018, both teams will begin their respective divisions minus 6 points. In the future the board is also considering fining teams who fail to deal with, "foul language, rough play and individual players who are inciting violence".

Player Conduct:

Arvid Neufeld (Crossfire)

Is found guilty of the following offences:

1.       Serious Foul Play (red card) two footed challenge from behind during the game

2.       Violent Conduct (red card) spitting at an opponent during the game

3.       Violent Conduct (red card) repeatedly punching an opponent

This is not his first offences of this nature and as such is Suspended from any further participation in the League. Any potential re-enrollment for future seasons is at the discretion of the league and remains under review.

Billy Brown (Latin Swing)

Is found guilty of the following offences:

1.       Unsportsmanlike Conduct (yellow card) feigning injury during the game as a result of a challenge, inciting violence

2.       Violent Conduct (red card) repeatedly punching two players

3.       Violent Conduct (red card) repeatedly threatening players with violence

This is not his first offences of this nature and as such is Suspended from any further participation in the League. Any potential re-enrollment for future seasons is at the discretion of the league and remains under review.

Dennis Kehler (Crossfire)

Is found guilty of the following offence:

1.       Violent Conduct (red card) repeatedly punching an opponent

No previous offences or red cards with the league, as such he is suspended for 5 games with immediate effect.

Michael Stroh (Latin Swing)

Is found guilty of the following offences:

1.       Violent conduct (red card) wrestles with a player trying to throw him to the ground, punches a player

2.       Violent conduct (red card) repeated violent threats to players

No previous offences or red cards with the league, as such he is suspended for 5 games with immediate effect.

Ronny Kehler (Crossfire)

Is found guilty of the following offences:

1.       Violent Conduct (red card) bear hugs a player trying to restrain him, pushing him away but refuses to let go which incites further violence

No previous offences or red cards with the league, as such he is suspended for 1 games with immediate effect.

This has been a very difficult and arduous process, which has weighed heavily. We strive to base every decision on evidence as provided to us, fair and impartially. 

We hope, that as players and fans of the game, you never put us in this position again.

Helen Peters, Peter Alder & Tim Thiessen Southeast Futsal Disciplinary Committee