Referee Abuse Policy

We know soccer is a game which sees referees, coaches, and players making errors on a pretty regular basis. It is a part of the game. Recognizing the inevitability of mistakes, it is vital the adults: the referees, coaches, and parents, provide the players a positive example of how to behave properly within and around the game.

RYSC has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to berating or threatening officials, violation of which can lead to dismissal from the club entirely, for the whole family including any siblings, without refund.   Sadly, each and every year there are a handful of parents & coaches whose game-day conduct leads to bans for themselves and their children.  Below is a summary of the club's zero tolerance policy on referee abuse: 

• Each coach, player, and spectator shall at all times support the Referee and assistant Referees. 
• No one is to address a Referee in a negative manner immediately before, during, or after the game.  This includes in areas at the field or at surrounding areas.
• Coaches, players, and sideline spectators may NOT address any member of the Referee crew during play except for:
  • Responding to a Referee-initiated communication
  • Making a request for substitutions
  • Pointing out emergencies or safety issues, such as an injured player on the field
  • To request clarification of any call, provided the request is courteous and non-argumentative
• Abusive and obscene language, violent play, violent conduct, fighting, and other behavior detrimental to the game will not be tolerated.
• A Referee may caution or send off any coach for his/her failure to abide by this Zero-Tolerance Policy.  
  • This includes cautioning or sending off a coach for failure to control parents or player behavior on their team
  • If a coach is sent off of a match and no assistant coach is available, the match cannot continue
  • A referee can, at their sole discretion, refuse to continue a match until disruptive behavior is resolved to their satisfaction