This document outlines the expected standards of behavior towards referees in accordance with the U.S. Soccer Referee Abuse Prevention policy, as adopted by AYSO. Referees are essential to the game and deserve to be treated with respect. We are all responsible for helping kids have fun playing soccer, and taking anger out on referees negatively impacts everyone and the future of soccer.
Key Principles:
• Respect the Call: The call on the field stands.
• Protecting Our Referees: We are committed to ensuring the emotional and physical well-being of our referees.
• No Physical Abuse: There is never a reason to touch a referee outside of friendly handshakes.
Levels of Unacceptable Behavior:
The following outlines different levels of offenses against referees, as described in the sources:
• LEVEL 1: VERBAL TAUNTING: This includes insulting, belittling, insinuating, or taunting behavior that undermines referee authority.
• LEVEL 2: HARASSMENT/INTIMIDATION: This includes harassment, intimidation, retaliation, abusive or threatening language.
• LEVEL 3: THREATS/DEROGATORY LANGUAGE: This involves aggression, attacking, derogatory, cyberbullying, doxing, or threatening (physical/violence) language.
• LEVEL 4: OFFENSIVE OR DISCRIMINATORY ACT: This includes discriminatory or derogatory words or actions based on race, skin color, ethnicity, nationality, social origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, language, or religion. PHYSICAL ABUSE: There is never a reason to touch a referee outside of friendly handshakes.
Consequences:
The Penalties Matrix defines consequences for physical and non-physical offenses against Referees. For more information, please visit ussoccer.com/rap and review the full Policy 531-9.