Join Washington Youth Soccer in creating a better future for our game. U.S. Soccer’s recently updated Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9) is designed to make youth and amateur matches more safe, 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.

Importance of New Policy

Referee abuse is an issue that is on the rise, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that soccer remains a positive experience for all those involved on matchday and beyond.
Here is a snapshot of key data points:

• 90% of referees report that abuse has increased over the last 5 years.
• 60% of referees choose not to recertify due to harassment and threats.
• Youth soccer needs referees to grow – without them games can’t happen.

Know the Rules

Education is a key step in creating a positive environment for all participants in our youth soccer community. In the Resources section on this page, please find key information to review and share with Coaches, Players, and Parents. In addition to watching the Policy Video (below) and reviewing the Penalty Matrix, we recommend sharing the Penalty Summary Presentation which highlights alternative behaviors when a call does not go your way.

Report Referee Abuse

The new policy encourages all participants in matchday – Administrators, Coaches, Players, Referees, Spectators, etc. – to report referee abuse. If you experienced referee abuse, please click on the button below to submit a report to the WYS RAP Committee.