Dear West Ada School District Team,

Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me and for the opportunity to review the December 19 incident together. I appreciate the district’s thoughtful and careful approach to ensuring the safety and integrity of activities hosted in your facilities.

As part of our ongoing investigation and in response to your request for enhanced protocols, I would like to formally share a key measure Idaho Futsal is implementing to further minimize the risk of spectator involvement and court invasions during matches.

Introduction of Field Marshals

Beginning with our next session and as a pilot program at West Ada facilities, Idaho Futsal will introduce Field Marshals at each futsal match. This approach was discussed with and supported conceptually by USYF (U.S. Youth Futsal) and the Idaho State Referee Assignor as an effective deterrent and visibility-based safety measure. 

Key elements of the Field Marshal protocol include:

• Two Field Marshals per game, one volunteer designated by each team.
• Field Marshals will be positioned on the spectator side of the court near the bleachers, with each team occupying a separate half.
• Team benches will remain on the opposite side of the court, reinforcing physical separation between players/coaches and spectators.
• Field Marshals will wear high-visibility yellow vests labeled “Field Marshal”, making their role clearly identifiable.
• Their role is preventive and observational, not enforcement-based. Responsibilities include:
  • monitoring spectator behavior,
  • addressing early signs of escalation by calmly reminding spectators of conduct expectations,
  • immediately alerting referees or on-site staff if a situation appears to be escalating.
• Games will not begin until both Field Marshals are in place and properly identified, ensuring the protocol is active from the start.

This measure is intended to complement, not replace, the authority of referees, coaches, and emergency protocols (including contacting 911 when safety is at risk). The goal is early visibility, deterrence, and faster response to prevent situations from escalating.

Status of Sanctions

Regarding the December 19 incident, please note that sanctions for the individuals involved are still pending. Based on feedback from one of the club directors involved, the video footage initially provided does not capture the altercation itself. We are therefore working with the appropriate records department to obtain the correct and complete video necessary to accurately identify all participants involved. Once this review is complete, we will promptly finalize and submit:the list of individuals sanctioned, andthe specific penalties imposed under Idaho Futsal and applicable affiliated governing body guidelines.

Commitment Moving Forward

In eight years of operating Idaho Futsal, this incident represents the first occurrence of its kind. We take it very seriously and are committed to learning from it, strengthening our procedures, and continuing to be a responsible partner to the West Ada School District.

We believe the Field Marshal protocol, combined with our existing standards and forthcoming disciplinary actions, represents a meaningful step toward minimizing future risks and ensuring that school facilities remain safe, respectful environments for all participants.

Thank you for your continued dialogue and collaboration. I am happy to answer any questions or provide additional documentation as needed, and I look forward to your feedback on this plan.

Supporting Documents

SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT

Idaho Futsal – Spectator Code of Conduct | Idaho Football Federation (IFF)

FIELD MARSHALS RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Marshals Responsibilities | Idaho Football Federation (IFF)

DISTRIBUTION AND COLLECTION OF FIELD MARSHAL VESTSField Marshal Vests – Distribution and Collection | Idaho Football Federation (IFF)