⚖️ Referee Conduct & Expectations – AYSO Region 325
👥 Our Referees Are Volunteers
AYSO referees are trained volunteers who ensure that games are conducted safely, fairly, and in a way that supports player development and enjoyment—for players, coaches, and spectators alike.
Referee experience and style may vary based on their training, background, and personality. Regardless of those differences, referees are empowered under Law 5 of the Laws of the Game to:
- Enforce the rules of the match
- Make final decisions on judgment calls
- Address inappropriate behavior from coaches, spectators, or players
🛑 Video or photo evidence cannot overrule a referee’s decision. If the referee says the ball crossed the line, it did—for the purposes of the game—even if your video says otherwise.
📣 Coach & Spectator Behavior Expectations
Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their sidelines, including parents and spectators.
✅ Encouragement is welcome.
🚫 Verbal abuse of referees—or anyone—is never acceptable.
What’s allowed:
- Saying “thank you” or offering polite feedback after a match
What’s not allowed:
- Criticizing a referee before, during, or after the game
- Yelling, rude language, or showing disapproval with gestures
- Approaching referees to challenge calls
If concerns arise, they must follow this chain of communication:
- Parents speak to their child’s coach
- Coaches may escalate to the Regional Referee Administrator (RRA) or Regional Commissioner
🚨 Zero Tolerance for Abuse
AYSO maintains a strict zero tolerance policy for abuse toward referees, especially our youth referees. Abuse includes:
- Verbal attacks or criticism
- Negative body language
- Disruptive sideline behavior
If abuse is reported, the Regional Referee Administrator (RRA) will investigate and escalate the issue to the Disciplinary Committee, which will recommend appropriate actions.
🔒 Misconduct & Disciplinary Action
Depending on the severity of the incident, disciplinary measures may include:
- Verbal or written warning
- Mentoring or behavioral expectations
- Suspension from 1 or more games
- Temporary or lifetime ban from all AYSO activities
During a suspension:
- The individual may not attend games or matches
- Suspended coaches may still attend practices only
Those who are fully banned may not attend any AYSO function for the duration of the ban.
📝 Appeals & Reporting
Anyone subject to disciplinary action may request an appeal following AYSO’s official due process procedures.
➡️ It is the individual’s responsibility to initiate an appeal request.
⚠️ Important: AYSO disciplinary action does not replace mandatory reporting requirements for child safety. If any adult is suspected of misconduct toward a child, it must be reported to the appropriate law enforcement or child protection agencies.
👧 Special Protection for Youth Referees
AYSO takes the abuse of youth referees especially seriously.
If an adult directs inappropriate behavior toward a minor referee, immediate and stricter sanctions will be considered—including possible suspension of the adult involved.
Let’s model respect and positivity—for our referees, our players, and each other.