Download our Complete Policy for the U.S. Soccer Version, or Customizable Version for adding your team or tournament logo.

Download our Penalties Summary and One-Sheeter for more information.

Introducing Stronger Policy To Protect Our Referees

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.

STAY IN THE GAME! WATCH OUR POLICY VIDEO ABOVE TO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE RULES

The Policy

Clear Rules & Consequences For A Winning Experience

U.S. Soccer is standing firm to protect referees and restore respect to the game. The updated policy includes stronger sanctions for any form of physical or non-physical abuse towards referees. We encourage every player and coach to learn what behaviors cross the line, so they can avoid penalties and help create a better culture for the future of soccer.

Download our Complete Policy for the U.S. Soccer Version, or Customizable Version for adding your team or tournament logo.

Key Takeaways

Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience soccer without risking his or her well-being. We must protect those in service to the game.

Both Physical and Non-Physical Abuse Have No Place In Our Game.

Suspensions will be for a number of games or time-based (or sometimes both) depending on severity and circumstance.

Players, coaches and spectators are all encouraged to report abuse.

Download our Penalties Summary and One-Sheeter for more information.

Did You Know

It’s Time To Bring Awareness To This Systemic Problem

Referee abuse is an issue that’s on the rise. We need more productive dialogue about what is happening, and how we can prevent it. The bright future of soccer depends on creating a safer, more inclusive environment, where no one ever feels that his or her well-being is at risk.

We All Have a Role To Play

The game belongs to all of us. To ensure that soccer remains a positive experience for everyone, we need your help to stop referee abuse. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Introducing Stronger Policy To Protect Our Referees

EFFECTIVE MARCH 2025

STAY IN THE GAME! WATCH OUR POLICY VIDEO ABOVE TO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE RULES

The Policy

Clear Rules & Consequences For A Winning Experience

Key Takeaways

Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience soccer without risking his or her well-being. We must protect those in service to the game.

Both Physical and Non-Physical Abuse Have No Place In Our Game.

Suspensions will be for a number of games or time-based (or sometimes both) depending on severity and circumstance.

Players, coaches and spectators are all encouraged to report abuse.

Did You Know

It’s Time To Bring Awareness To This Systemic Problem

We All Have a Role To Play

The game belongs to all of us. To ensure that soccer remains a positive experience for everyone, we need your help to stop referee abuse. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Lead by example. Set the tone for good sportsmanship with your players.

Respect your referees, whether you agree with their calls or not.

Parents & Spectators

Cheer for your team, not against the referee. Help create a positive environment.

Respect your referees, whether you agree with their calls or not.

Parents & Spectators

Cheer for your team, not against the referee. Help create a positive environment.

Know that your voice matters. Report abuse and keep the game safe.

Find all toolkit assets here

Introducing Stronger Policy To Protect Our Referees

EFFECTIVE MARCH 2025

The Policy

Clear Rules & Consequences For A Winning Experience

Key Takeaways

Both Physical and Non-Physical Abuse Have No Place In Our Game.

Suspensions will be for a number of games or time-based (or sometimes both) depending on severity and circumstance.

Players, coaches and spectators are all encouraged to report abuse.

Did You Know

It’s Time To Bring Awareness To This Systemic Problem

We All Have a Role To Play

Find all toolkit assets here

Introducing Stronger Policy To Protect Our Referees

EFFECTIVE MARCH 2025

The Policy

Clear Rules & Consequences For A Winning Experience

Key Takeaways

Both Physical and Non-Physical Abuse Have No Place In Our Game.

Suspensions will be for a number of games or time-based (or sometimes both) depending on severity and circumstance.

Players, coaches and spectators are all encouraged to report abuse.

Did You Know

It’s Time To Bring Awareness To This Systemic Problem

We All Have a Role To Play