In recent seasons, there have been incidents during AYSO Region 148 games where coaches and/or spectators questioned the calls of referees requiring referees to stop matches to deal with the situation. There have also unfortunately been incidents, both before the start of a match and/or once a game has ended, when coaches and/or spectators confront referees or other volunteers over decisions made prior to, or during, the game. These incidents have prompted the Region 148 Board to remind everyone that AYSO has a “Zero Tolerance Policy” prohibiting such behavior.

Our “Zero Tolerance Policy” applies to any and all referees (not just Youth Referees).

AYSO recognizes the hard work and dedication that all of our volunteer referees put forth and want to keep them contributing to providing match officials for our games. They have volunteered try their best to officiate to the best of their ability. Remember, they are all just regular parents and members of the community trying to do their best.  Sure they will make mistakes, they are only human. Let’s try to keep that in mind as the coaches “coach” and the parents “cheer” our children from the touchlines!

Referee Zero Tolerance Policy

AYSO Region 148 has a  “Zero Tolerance Policy”  for ALL referees in order to preserve and protect them and the integrity of the game.

All individuals responsible for a team (Coaches and Team Managers) and all spectators (parents, friends, siblings, relatives)  shall support the referee and respect his/her decisions. Failure to do so will undermine the referee’s authority and has the potential of creating a hostile environment for the players, the referee, and all the other participants and spectators.

Consequently, AYSO Region 148 has adopted and modified the following rules:

1. No one is to speak to the referee in an aggressive manner before, during or after the game.  Coaches may ask questions, politely, before and after the game, point out emergencies during the game, or respond to the referee if addressed during the game.
2. Absolutely no disputing calls, during or after the game.  NO YELLING at the referee–EVER, and no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, or intimidation of any kind before, during or after the game. If the Coach wishes to get an explanation for a particular call he/she must wait until halftime or after the match is finished to approach the referee in a calm and controlled manner, but it is not the Referee’s responsibility to defend or justify their calls.  All decisions are made “in the opinion of the referee” (ITOOTR) and to the best of their ability.  In accordance of Law 5 of The Laws of the Game, “The decisions of the referee, and all other match officials, must always be respected.”
3. Violators may be ejected and are subject to disciplinary action by the AYSO Region 148 Board of Directors.
4. If coaches or spectators have questions or complaints regarding particular calls, rules, or a specific referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, please feel free to contact the Regional Referee Administrator, Assistant Regional Referee Administrator, or any other board member.

Enforcing the Referee Zero Tolerance Policy

1. If a coach (or spectator) questions the call of a referee in a manner deemed inappropriate/irresponsible, the referee may stop the match, retrieve the game ball, and invite the coach onto the field for a conversation.
2. During this conversation the coach may be told 3 things:
   • The purpose of the conversation is not to “debate” a call but to inform the coach that the behavior of the coach/spectator is unacceptable.
   • The coach has 2 choices. He/she can go back to their coaching area and coach per the AYSO philosophies, or, the coach/spectator can leave the playing field.
   • The coach/spectator may be sent off if the referee has to speak to them again during the match.
3. If the referee is a Youth Referee, the Youth Referee may stop the match, retrieve the game ball, and either deal with the matter on his or her own as described above, or, find a board member (if available) to deal with the situation as described above.
4. Any coach/spectator who is heard “verbally abusing a referee” may automatically be sent off by the referee. “Verbal abuse” includes, but is not limited to, foul and abusive language. As with all decisions made by the referee, what constitutes “verbal abuse” is entirely “in the opinion of the referee” (ITOOTR).
5. If the unacceptable behavior of the coach/spectator occurs after the game has ended it will still be reported by the referee and will be considered as a cause for disciplinary action.
6. Referees must submit a written or verbal report of any occurrences where a coach/spectator is sent off/ejected, and there will be an investigation to determine the facts and subsequent penalty if necessary. The penalties are at the discretion of the Region Board of Directors and may include, but are not limited to, suspension from future games.
7. The Region Board of Directors also reserves the right to investigate instances when abuse of a referee or volunteer is not reported by the referee or volunteer, but is subsequently brought to the Board’s attention by any individual. The penalties are at the discretion of the Board and may include, but are not limited to, suspension from future games
   

AYSO Implements U.S. Soccer’s Referee Abuse Prevention Policy

As a proud member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, AYSO has officially adopted the U.S. Soccer Referee Abuse Prevention (RAP) Policy. This policy is now included in AYSO’s governing documents and applies to all affiliated matches.

U.S. Soccer’s RAP Policy establishes clear expectations and minimum sanctions for individuals who engage in abusive behavior toward referees. With this policy now in effect across all U.S. Soccer member organizations, it directly impacts all AYSO matches you may be participating in.

Unlike the U.S. Soccer implementation, the AYSO implementation of the RAP applies to all members of our soccer community—including coaches, referees, officials, other volunteers, spectators, team members, and other participants. Everyone is expected to contribute to a respectful and safe environment on and around the field.

If you’re not yet familiar with the Referee Abuse Prevention Policy, we encourage you to read the policy here.

It’s important to note that The Laws of the Game remain unchanged. What has changed are the consequences for violating the referee abuse policy.

Referees will/should not alter how they officiate the game in response to this policy. They should manage behavior from coaches, players, and spectators in the proactive, preventative manner they’ve always practiced and deal with dissent early using their tools (presence, look, voice, whistle, etc.) to prevent it from escalating to abuse. Referees who need support or guidance on effective behavior management, should reach out to their RRA or ARRA. They will also want to revisit the policy’s examples of inappropriate conduct to refresh their understanding of which actions warrant a response.

The intent of the RAP Policy is not to encourage an increase in red cards for actions that previously did not merit one. Instead, the goal is to deter misconduct by establishing stronger consequences. That said, the examples listed under Level 1 (non-physical abuse) should prompt us to reassess what behaviors are considered unacceptable and deserving of a response from the referee (Caution–Yellow Card).

Behaviors outlined in Levels 2 through 4 of the non-physical section, as well as any physical abuse, should continue to result in a red card, just as they have in the past.

Every breach of the Referee Abuse Prevention Policy should be reported by the match officials, but can also be submitted by spectators. Please refer to the reporting mechanisms established in your Section, Area, or Region to report all incidents and misconduct. Timely and accurate reporting is essential for enforcement and for creating a safer environment for referees.

AYSO remains committed to creating a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all participants. This policy reinforces our collective responsibility to protect referees and uphold the integrity of the game.