The Cal South Referee Program introduces a “zero tolerance” policy against abuse, assault, and racism for all levels and participants in our soccer community
We invite the entire soccer community in Southern California to join us in helping make our youth and adult soccer game-day experience the best it can be for all of our players, coaches, referees, clubs, leagues, parents, administrators, and fans.
We are always working toward maintaining a continued atmosphere of good sportsmanship in which everyone may compete, learn, and enjoy the game of soccer equally. Unfortunately, we are seeing more incidents of racially charged, offensive, hurtful, and inappropriate language/actions within our soccer landscape. We have observed an increase in the overall level of hostility and disrespect during games between opposing teams and towards match officials.
We hope that by emphasizing universal RESPECT, we can improve the gameday environment by setting “standards” for each type of soccer participant. Our Respect Campaign is pivotal for recruitment and retention efforts for the continued growth of ‘the Beautiful Game” in Southern California.
“There is no winning without honor.” – Juan Guzman Jr., Cal South State Referee Administrator and former FIFA & MLS referee
How do we enhance the game-day experience and create a safe place for growth for all participants? What standards should be followed?
Referee Standards:
- Wear your “RESPECT” armbands as a visible reminder to all at the game that all game-day participants deserve to be treated with respect.
White “Respect” armbands will be sent to adult registered referees starting in late fall 2024. Youth referees will be sent a highlighter-green armband. Wearing instructions and further information will be sent by email prior to armband distribution.
2. Zero tolerance for referee abuse, abuse between opposing teams, and any racism or racist slurs within any context. Immediate misconduct is recommended depending on the action per the Laws of the Game.
3. Report all abusive actions to the governing body, tournament, or league for maximum sanctions to be implemented.
4. Proactivity is key. Pregame conferences, verbal communication, building relationships, and stopping the match to allow coaches or administrators to provide support are all recommended. If there is no change of behavior, abandon the match and report.
5. Keep the players safe and the match fair. Follow the Laws of the Game to maintain control.
Club/Team Standards:
- Share Respect Campaign standards with your coaches, players, parents, and spectators via email. Reinforce the campaign at practice or before matches.
- No parent or spectators should be behind the Assistant Referees. If appropriate, all spectators should be left of your home bench. No one should be behind the goal.
- Appoint a sideline monitor to help ensure a positive and supportive cheering atmosphere.
- Youth referees (18 years and under) will have a reflective green armband. You should refrain from questioning or arguing decisions. Voice your concerns or opinion to an adult referee or administrator instead per the U.S. Soccer for SafeSport policy. Remember: protect our youth referees as if they were your own child. Yes, they are learning courageously on the field.
- Refrain from directing any challenging, harassing, or disrespectful comments to referees. You may voice your concerns to the league, tournament, or assignors after the match via the reporting system.
Spectator/Parent Standards:
- Speak to your players about the importance of RESPECT and sportsmanship: Respect for opponents, teammates, coaches, officials, other parents, spectators, yourself, and the game itself.
- Refrain from directing any challenging, harassing, or disrespectful comments to referees, players, or coaches.
- Enjoy the Beautiful Game. Mistakes by referees and players are part of the game. No one is perfect. Judging referee decisions without having the proper training, angle of vision, or proximity to the play is not welcomed or constructive.
- Report any misconduct by an opposing team or spectators to the league, tournament, or governing body.
- Become a referee! You are invited to experience and expand your passion for soccer. CLICK HERE for 2025 USSF Referee Certification registration and join the next new referee course in your area!
League/Tournament Standards:
- Share Respect Campaign directive with your clubs, teams, coaches, players, parents, and spectators via email, social media post, and website.
- No parent or spectator should be behind the Assistant Referees. If appropriate, all spectators should be left of your home bench. No one should be behind the goal.
- Starting in late fall of 2024, all referees will wear a “Respect” armband to remind all that abuse has no part in our game. White armbands will be sent to adult registered referees and youth referees will be sent a highlighter-green armband.
- Promote and mandate a pregame conference for coaches, players, and referees to build relationships through positive interactions.
- Incentivize good team behavior and sanction participants for abuse or bad behavior to create a safe and fair environment for all.
Governing Bodies Code of Conduct
About the Cal South Referee Program:
The Cal South State Referee Committee (SRC) and Cal South Referee Program services all national member organizations operating within Southern California per USSF Policy (except for AYSO). Our SRC administers and approves referee licenses based on the requirements and curriculum of the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Disclaimer: Referees, after receiving a license, are independent contractors and are NOT assigned by Cal South or the Cal South Referee Program. Referee associations and/or assignors are private entities and are hired by leagues and tournaments directly, and have no oversight or inclusion by the Cal South Referee Program.
