Protocol against verbal violence and discriminatory behaviour
OBJECTIVE
The Donosti Cup rejects any form of insult, threat, or discriminatory behaviour based on race, origin, gender, sexual orientation, or any other personal condition. Verbal violence is understood as any insult, serious threat, or racist, xenophobic, sexist, or intolerant expression.
With this objective, the following action protocols are established to prevent and sanction such behaviours.
These protocols may be activated in two ways:
- Direct activation (referee or field delegate): when the incidents are detected by the referee or the field delegate.
- External communication activation: when players or coaches report the incidents to the referee or field delegate.
ACTION PROTOCOLS
A) INCIDENTS FROM THE STANDS
- MEASURE 1: MATCH INTERRUPTION
The referee will stop the match and activate the protocol using the official signal (crossed arms). The delegate, either via the stadium PA system or in person, will warn the perpetrators of the insults to cease their behaviour.
- MEASURE 2: TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF THE MATCH
If verbal violence persists after the public has been previously warned, the referee will temporarily suspend the match and order the teams to return to the dressing rooms.
- MEASURE 3: PERMANENT SUSPENSION OF THE MATCH
If the perpetrators of verbal violence cannot be removed, or if similar behaviour is repeated by other spectators after the previous measures have been applied, the referee will decide to permanently suspend the match.
The Donosti Cup Competition Committee reserves the right to adopt any decisions it deems appropriate regarding the match result, as well as to impose any disciplinary measures or sanctions arising from the incidents.
B) INCIDENTS BETWEEN PARTICIPANTS (NOT DIRECTLY OBSERVED BY THE REFEREE OR STAFF MEMBERS)
- MEASURE 1: MATCH INTERRUPTION
Upon notification of a possible discriminatory behaviour, the referee may stop the game and activate the protocol using the official signal (crossed arms).
- MEASURE 2: IDENTIFICATION AND REPORTING
The referee will inform the field delegate and both teams’ coaches and will warn the person(s) involved that the matter will be referred to the Competition Committee for assessment.
- MEASURE 3: INCIDENT REPORT
The field delegate will record the incident in an official report, including testimonies and any available evidence.
The Competition Committee will analyse the documentation provided and, where appropriate, adopt the relevant disciplinary measures in accordance with the tournament regulations. It also reserves the right to adopt any decisions it deems appropriate regarding the match result, as well as to impose any sanctions or disciplinary measures arising from the incidents.
In parallel to the sporting protocols, any team or participant may report such situations to the organisation through official channels so that they are recorded and taken into account.
