Charlestown Youth Soccer Association

USA Soccer's New Referee Abuse Policy

The new policy, launched under the "Respect The Call" Initiative (Policy 531-9), significantly strengthens sanctions for abuse directed at game officials. The focus is on creating a safer and more respectful environment for all referees, especially minors.

Key Updates & Sanctions

The policy expands protections to cover all forms of abuse and applies strong penalties to players, coaches, parents, and other participants.

• Stronger Sanctions: Significant and tougher penalties (including extended suspensions and bans) are now mandated for misconduct.

• Emphasis on All Abuse: The policy explicitly addresses not only physical assault but also verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation, and discriminatory language.

• Protection of Minors: Increased penalties are applied when the abuse is directed towards a minor referee.

Categories of Misconduct

The policy provides clear definitions and levels of sanctioning for different types of abuse:

Non-Physical AbuseVerbal taunting, harassment, intimidation, threats, or the use of offensive/discriminatory language. Sanctions range from suspensions to bans based on severity and repetition.

Physical AbuseAny level of physical contact, threat of physical violence, or assault. Sanctions are immediate and severe, often resulting in multi-year or lifetime bans.

Reporting and Local Responsibility

U.S. Soccer emphasizes the importance of reporting all incidents of abuse.

• Reporting is Mandatory: All incidents of referee abuse must be reported to the appropriate league or association.

• Spectator Conduct: State organizations, like Mass Youth Soccer, are extending these protections to referees from spectator misconduct, requiring local clubs to implement clear internal reporting procedures.