Top Stories
New U.S. Soccer Referee Abuse Policy to Take Effect
- NEW POLICY: Amateur and youth leagues are preparing to implement U.S. Soccer's new Referee Abuse Prevention policy, which goes into effect March 1.
- The new policy clarifies different types of non-physical and physical abuse of referees and codifies a matrix of standardized and stronger punishments for abuse, while also bolstering the process of reporting referee abuse.
- Changes to the policy come after referee associations and referees have reported an increase in abuse incidents and dwindling referee numbers, with departing referees stating abuse as a main factor for not returning to officiating.
