PROTECTING THE PEOPLE WHO PROTECT THE GAME
Referees are essential to soccer at every level. Every referee deserves a safe, respectful environment to officiate, develop, and enjoy the game.
Arkansas Soccer Association supports the U.S. Soccer Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9), which establishes standards and disciplinary consequences for physical and non-physical misconduct directed toward referees.
Players, coaches, club officials, and spectators all share responsibility for creating a culture of respect.
U.S. Soccer’s Referee Abuse Prevention Policy was updated effective May 15, 2026. These revisions include changes to minimum penalties and enhanced protections for referees who are minors.
The official U.S. Soccer policy and penalty matrix govern applicable disciplinary requirements.
WHAT CONSTITUTES REFEREE ABUSE?
Referee misconduct can occur before, during, or after a match. This includes conduct connected to a referee’s duties, including interactions at the venue, parking areas, and certain actions outside the match environment.
Non-Physical Misconduct
Includes insulting or belittling comments, taunting, intimidation, harassment, retaliation, threats, cyberbullying, discriminatory conduct, or other abusive actions directed at a referee.
Physical Misconduct
Includes deliberate unwanted physical contact, pushing, grabbing, striking, kicking, spitting, or other physical actions against a referee.
Referee protection extends beyond the final whistle. Actions targeting referees because of their officiating responsibilities may be subject to disciplinary review, even when they occur outside the field of play.
UNDERSTANDING THE PENALTIES
U.S. Soccer establishes minimum sanctions based on the severity of misconduct. More serious incidents can result in extended suspensions or lifetime bans.
Non-Physical Misconduct
| Level | Examples | Minimum Penalty* |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Insulting, belittling, or taunting behavior | 1 game |
| Level 2 | Harassment, intimidation, retaliation, or abusive language | 4 games |
| Level 3 | Threats of physical violence, cyberbullying, or doxing | 6 games or 3–12 months |
| Level 4 | Offensive or discriminatory acts | 10 games or 12–24 months |
Physical Misconduct
| Level | Examples | Minimum Penalty* |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Minor or slight deliberate touching | 3 games or 1–6 months |
| Level 2 | Pushing, grabbing, slapping, or other physical confrontation | 10 games or 6–24 months |
| Level 3 | Violent physical contact, including hitting, kicking, or striking | 12 months to lifetime ban |
*The minimums shown are general baseline sanctions. Additional penalties apply in certain circumstances, including offenses by adults against minor referees. Sanctions may include game suspensions, time suspensions, or both. Consult the official matrix for the applicable penalty.
U.S. Soccer’s policy provides enhanced penalties when an adult commits misconduct against a minor referee. A second offense results in double punishment, and a third offense results in a lifetime ban.
The disciplinary authority may impose sanctions above the established minimum when circumstances warrant.
HOW TO REPORT REFEREE ABUSE
Arkansas Soccer encourages referees and other participants to report abusive or threatening conduct through the appropriate competition and referee administration channels.
- Prioritize safety. If a situation becomes threatening, move to a safe location and seek appropriate assistance. Contact emergency services if necessary.
- Notify the assignor. Referees should notify their assignor promptly about serious incidents so appropriate support and follow-up can begin.
- Complete a written report. Document the match details, individuals involved, words or actions observed, witnesses, and any disciplinary action taken. Submit the report through the applicable competition reporting process.
- Refer serious incidents. Reports involving suspected referee assault, abuse, or gross mistreatment should be forwarded to the appropriate Arkansas Soccer administrators and/or State Referee Administrator for review under applicable procedures.
- Preserve evidence. Maintain original statements, available video, photographs, and other relevant documentation for possible disciplinary review.
Under Policy 531-9, referees generally must submit a written report of alleged assault, abuse, or gross mistreatment within 48 hours, unless there is a valid reason for later reporting.
Special tournament reporting provisions also apply. Referees should follow the reporting requirements of the competition and the official policy.
Allegations involving child abuse, sexual misconduct, or other safeguarding concerns may carry separate mandatory reporting requirements. Refer to the appropriate safeguarding and law enforcement reporting channels.
EVERYONE HAS A ROLE TO PLAY
Coaches
Model respectful conduct, communicate appropriately with match officials, and help establish positive expectations for players and families.
Players
Respect the referee’s decisions, demonstrate sportsmanship, and recognize that officials are an essential part of the game.
Parents & Spectators
Support players positively, avoid confronting or criticizing referees, and help create a welcoming game-day environment.
Clubs & Administrators
Communicate expectations, respond to misconduct, cooperate with investigations, and support referee safety and development.
EDUCATION & OFFICIAL RESOURCES
U.S. Soccer provides education and practical resources to help referees manage difficult situations and help the soccer community understand appropriate conduct.
Respect the Call Training
Explore U.S. Soccer’s education series on managing dissent, responding to abusive behavior, and recognizing when conduct crosses the line.
Official RAP Policy & Toolkit
Access current policy documents, penalties, awareness materials, and English and Spanish educational resources.
U.S. Soccer Refereeing
Discover referee education, development opportunities, and the national refereeing program.
Safeguarding & Reporting
Learn about U.S. Soccer’s participant safety policies, reporting responsibilities, and available reporting channels.
EFFECTIVE MARCH 2025
Join U.S. Soccer in creating a better future for our game. Our updated Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9) is designed to make youth and amateur matches safer, more fun, and more empowering for everyone involved. Referee abuse will not be tolerated. We’re asking everyone to do their part by knowing the rules, reporting referee abuse, and embodying behaviors that represent the best of us.
EFFECTIVE MAY 15, 2026
These revisions are the direct result of feedback and collaboration from our members, referees, and the broader soccer community since the policy launched last spring. Key updates include adjustments to the minor multiplier framework and certain minimum penalty thresholds, reflecting our commitment to a policy that is consistent, firm, and fair for everyone in the game. STRONGER POLICY TO PROTECT OUR REFEREES