This fall season, the Cal South Referee Program’s Zero Tolerance Policy is in full effect across all levels of play in Southern California. Our goal is simple: to ensure that the youth and adult soccer game-day experience is safe, fair, and respectful for everyone—players, coaches, referees, clubs, leagues, parents, administrators, and fans.
Our Commitment
Referees have been fully empowered to eliminate:
- Referee abuse (with particular focus on protecting youth referees)
- Abuse between opposing teams
- Racism or racist slurs in any context
Enforcement Steps
Step 1: Pre-game
- Referees, coaches, and players must conduct a pre-game meeting
- Respect and sportsmanship are expected from all participants at all times
Step 2: In-Game Incidents
If abuse or racism is clearly heard by the referee crew:
- The offending individual(s) must be sent off, shown a red card, and removed from the vicinity before play resumes
- Failure to comply will result in immediate match termination
- All incidents must be reported to the league or tournament
If abuse or racism is alleged but not heard directly by the referee crew:
- Referees must STOP the match immediately
- Conduct a center-field meeting with the referee crew, team captains, and coaches
- Publicly acknowledge that an allegation of abuse or racism has been made
- Reiterate Zero Tolerance Policy approach towards abuse and racism
- Resume play, but remove any identified offenders.
- If abuse or racism continues, the referee must terminate the match
- Referees and coaches must file a report with the league or tournament in all such cases
Zero Tolerance in All Contexts
Abuse, assault, or racial slurs are unacceptable anywhere in our soccer community – this includes practices, sidelines, and team interactions. For example: Calling out to a teammate using a racial slur during the match, will not be tolerated. Referees may issue a red card regardless of context.
Our Shared Responsibility
Parents, coaches, administrators, referees, and fans all play a vital role in creating an environment of safety, fairness, and respect. Together, we can uphold the integrity of the game and set a positive example for the next generation.
Juan Guzman Jr., Cal South State Referee Administrator and former FIFA & MLS referee
