Here is the link to the the Referee Abuse Prevention Briefing in the Referee Resource Center, there is a folder “RAP” which has a PDF of the briefing as well as other information requested in the briefing.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dP-jYcFpR62tN9yAxSHjNESLy10FG-iy
Before getting into your questions, please hold a pregame with both coaches, state your objective and obtain consent. Using good communication, prevent any escalations and thereby prevent abuse and assault. The number one complaint we receive is “the SAFETY OF THE PLAYERS.”
Q: Does asking coach to speak to the spectators make sense when they are on opposite sides of the pitch?
A: Yes, 1000%. We have found that the majority of the Level 3 Abuse comes from talking to the spectators, sometimes result in “I’ll see you in the parking lot” or “What’s your name?”
Statement: Reasons for not reporting. We have received quite a few different reasons.
A: NONE are acceptable, for the soccer community to change we must first prevent abuse by following the guidelines and enlisting the help of the coaches. If you observe Abuse or Assault = REPORT IT
Statement: Why Report, nothing will be done.
A: As of TODAY, things have changed. US Soccer has given us this opportunity to make a difference. By reporting we will help the leagues and clubs identify the sources of trouble so together we can change their behavior. Learn from the past, yes, but let’s create the future together.
Q: Are coaches getting this information as well?
A: As stated in the briefing, YES they will. Our current phase is with the Leagues, addressing reporting, sanctioning, and enforcement. The next phase will be with the clubs, coaches, players and then the soccer community (includes the spectators and parents).
Q: Is AYSO on board with RAP?
A: Yes, of course, AYSO is a Member Organization with US Soccer. Report as you have always done and contact your AYSO people for specifics.
Q: Would movement/motions of the coach toward the referee be considered assault?
A: No, in accordance with the policy, Referee Assault is any deliberate physical action against a Referee
Q: Should we report yellow cards to establish a pattern of dissent or abuse with coaches?
A: Absolutely, in your report include any warnings and cautions. We have to provide the facts. See the briefing for specifics on reporting.
Q: What if the coach calls you a racist?
A: Unfortunately, this is something we are hearing well too often. Ask yourself, has this behavior caused you or another referee significant harm? What is the context? Personal, yes; Public?; Provocative? This can be considered as undermining your authority (Level 1); harassment (Level 2); threatening (Level 3) or discrimination (Level 4) based on the tone of voice, persistence; gestures, physical presence, etc. So, to answer the question, it depends on “IN THE OPINION OF THE REFEREE.” Our guidelines include the suspending of the game, calling the AR’s and BOTH coaches. Let them have their say. Listen to their answer and decide on the outcome, Warn, Caution or Send-off as necessary. Include it in your match report and complete a supplemental report if you send-off or feel it is Referee Abuse. Usually, it is retaliation for some perceived wrong and it is a completely reactive statement, in a moment of insanity.
Q: Is there an opinion on severity of or interpretation of different swear words, for example the f-word?
A: We have been asked for a list of common words. It is not solely the words it is the intent behind the words. Personal, Public, Provocative and do you or the other officials feel harmed. All comes down to “IN THE OPINION OF THE REFEREE.”
Q: Discrimination, thought it was only for Referees
A: Correct for Referee Abuse. However, we want to remove discrimination of any kind from our games. Our guidelines are clear; if you hear or are told of any form of discrimination that you feel is offensive, suspend the match and handle in the prescribed manner. Please refer to the briefing.
Q: How can we take the players word for discrimination if we didn’t hear anything?
A: By telling them we did not hear, and I will be more aware of it translates to “I told the referee, and he didn’t so anything about it.” If we truly want to make a difference and remove discrimination from youth soccer, our guidelines have been proven to be best practices. During the suspension, you will inform the coaches that #10 Red informed me that #22 Blue called him a %$^$$@. You will write the same in the match report. It is up to the leagues and clubs to monitor this type of behavior. Those that are doing this will be found out eventually.
Q: Should we address Referee Abuse and Discrimination in the pregame?
A: Yes, and my recommendation is print some of the Respect the Calls business cards, hand them out to both coaches in the pregame. I like to say we all have different viewpoints; I am not telling you (coach) that you are wrong. I would like you to afford us the same respect. We can only call what we observe.
Q: Question about the minor triple punishment, when does that apply?
A: If a minor referee or AR is abused, the sanctions are 3x. See the penalty chart.
Q: How does this work with players from out of state?
A: For the referee, report as prescribed in the briefing and include the out-of-state information from their ID card. Picture is helpful. The assignor will report to alleged offender’s SRA/SRC and Member Organization.
Q: How will the accumulation of offenses be tracked?
A: This is US Soccer’s Phase 3. We are working with our local leagues to provide a means to track offenders, so enforcement of the penalties can be upheld. So, it is important to obtain the offender’s information from their ID card. Pic of the ID and Match Report is very helpful. Even with electronic check-in you will need a way to obtain the information.
Q: Are all these levels a red card?
A: From US Soccer: If abuse is reported, a coach or player could receive a penalty for a cautioned incident. If a red card is given, the penalty includes the mandatory one game red card suspension. Please make it clear in the supplemental what occurred. For example, spectators dissenting. Referee enlists the support of the coach, but spectator dissent continues; Referee issues a caution (YC) to the coach. Dissent continues and spectators start belittling the referee or AR. The referee suspends the match, calls the coaches to the center circle. Coach says his parents will not listen to him and refuse to leave. Game is abandoned and report submitted. No reason to red card the coach if they truly attempted to help with the situation.
Q: What is the coach says they don’t know the person?
A: This is the reason we call both coaches. We do not care which team the spectator is on. You suspend the match, inform both coaches and they will help solve the problem. If they refuse, misconduct as appropriate, informing them that you will have to abandon the match. If they give you the name “Donald Duck,” you report as such.
Q: How far does the spectator need to be removed?
A: Out of sight and hearing. They have given up the privilege of watching of attended the game. Inform the coach that if the spectator advances toward you after the match that will be recorded as Referee Abuse.
Q: If the spectator is removed by coach, do they receive a caution or send-off?
A: If it is Referee Abuse, suspend the match, obtain the name of the individual, have the coach remove them, stay out of it. If this is done no reason for a caution or send-off of the coach. You have achieved your objective.
Q: How do we deal with teams that are undermining the decisions of the referee team?
A: This is called gamesmanship. Ask the coach to refrain from comments or actions. Warn, caution, suspend if necessary.
Q: Is this presentation available to us?
A: Yes, see the link above.
Hope this helps,
Lee
 | Lee Eichenbaum Director of Referee Instruction E-mail: leichenbaum@calsouth.com Web: www.calsouth.com |
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