Referee Abuse Policy

The purpose of this policy is to make clear that referee – where “referee” includes assistant referees – abuse of any kind is unacceptable and to define the standard sanctions for all reported referee abuse.

• No coach or spectator shall question decisions by the referee. Mistakes are part of gaining experience and learning how to officiate matches.
• Any and all forms of abuse – especially emotional, psychological, and verbal abuse – of referees is not tolerated. The referee subjected to abuse is authorized to dismiss the abuser immediately and without warning in accordance with this policy and Law 5 of the Laws of the Game.
• The referee may, at their discretion, provide clarification or an explanation of a decision to a coach or both coaches. Coaches and spectators are not entitled to clarifications or an explanation for referee decisions.
• The coach is responsible for controlling the behavior of all spectators associated with their team. A coach can enlist the help of the referee to address spectator misbehavior. Yet, enlisting the help of the referee does not release the coach from responsibility for controlling spectator behavior.
• The following Regional Board Members are authorized to: 1) Intervene on behalf of the referee; and/or, 2) Take immediate action including, but not limited to: a) Dismiss a coach or spectator, or b) Suspend or terminate the match: Regional Commissioner (RC), Assistant Regional Commissioner (ARC), Regional Coach Administrator (RCA), Regional Referee Administrator (RRA), and/or Child-Volunteer Protection Advocate (CVPA).

Recommended referee handling of abuse

The Regional Commissioner recommends referees handle abuse using a one (1) to three (3) step process.

• The referee (and only the referee) shall at each step:
  • Suspend the match.
  • Isolate the abuser from all players and spectators.
  • If the abuser is a spectator, then ask the coach to join the conversation.
  • Be very clear about what step the coach or spectator is on and the consequences if another step is taken.
  The assistant referee being subjected to abuse enlists the help of the referee to handle the situation.
• Steps
  • One Step Process (Dismiss): Youth referees subjected to any form of abuse shall dismiss the coach or spectator immediately and without warning. Serious, threatening, or physical abuse of any referee requires an immediate dismissal. Physical abuse and serious threats of injury need be reported to the police – call 911.
  • Two Step Process (Tell-Dismiss): Inexperienced referees subjected to any form of abuse shall: 1) Tell the individual to stop the misbehavior and provide a clear warning that the next time will result in a dismissal; and, 2) If they repeat the behavior or continue to abuse the referee after they have been told to stop, then dismiss them. Do not continue to provide additional warnings.
  • Three Step Process (Ask-Tell-Dismiss): Experienced referees are encouraged to use three (3) steps: 1) Ask the person to stop their misbehavior; 2) Tell them the next time you have to speak with/to them it will be to dismiss them; and, 3) Dismiss them.
• The city of Irvine and the Irvine Unified School District issue permits to use the fields – these are not “public” fields. As such, the permits empower the referee to act as the authority and representative of the Region.
• If the referee dismisses a spectator or coach, then that person must leave sufficiently to no longer be seen by the referee for as long as the referee is on or near the field (including after the match has ended).
• A report must be filed – within 24 hours of the dismissal – documenting the events leading up to the dismissal of a coach or spectator. The report must be accurate – even if the individual is uncomfortable using inappropriate language.

Disciplinary Sanctions

The Disciplinary Review process defined in the then current and approved Standard Regional Policies and Protocols shall begin immediately upon receipt of a report from the referee or authorized Regional Board Member.