In the past years, Region 82 has witnessed incidents 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 once a game has ended when coaches and/or spectators confront referees or other volunteers over decisions made during the game. These incidents prompt us to remind everyone that Region 82 has a long standing, zero-tolerance policy prohibiting such behavior.

Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all referees and AYSO volunteers and will be enforced as follows:

1. If a coach or spectator questions the call of a referee, 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:

i. 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.

ii. The coach has 2 choices. He/she can go back to their coaching area and coach per AYSO philosophies or the coach/spectator can leave the playing facility.

iii. 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 find a board member to deal with the situation as described above.

4. Any coach/spectator who is heard verbally abusing a referee will automatically be sent off by the referee (if an adult) or a board member (in the case of a youth referee). Verbal abuse includes foul and abusive language and comments with racial or sexual overtones.

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 send off.

6. Referees will report any occurrences where a coach/spectator is sent off and there will be an investigation to determine the subsequent penalty. The penalties are at the discretion of the Region and may include suspension from future games.

7. The Region 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 our attention. The penalties are at the discretion of the Region and may include suspension from future games.