Zero Tolerance Policy on Referee Abuse and Code of Conduct Violations

EDP has outlined the different levels of offenses and their corresponding penalty.  

The purpose of this policy is to make clear that verbal abuse or negative criticism of referees is as unacceptable as verbal abuse or negative criticism of players. This policy adopts basic standard sanctions for improper conduct. This policy is not intended to imply that referees are always right and the spectator or coach is always wrong. Just as players make mistakes during play, referees will make mistakes in officiating, particularly in the younger divisions where they are learning how to referee. Due to a shortage of referees, a referee may be officiating at a higher level game than they are comfortable with. They must receive positive support from coaches and spectators to continue to grow as an official. It is never acceptable to abuse or criticize referees, verbally or otherwise, in any situation. Freehold Soccer League (FSL) will not tolerate any verbal or other abuse, or criticism of referee by any coach or spectator. There are appropriate avenues for coaches and spectators to share concerns about the quality of officiating. The FSL Board of Directors welcomes constructive comments about the referees. The FSL Board of Directors contact information can be found on the Contact Us page at www.freeholdsoccer.com. Policy on Referee Abuse Any abuse towards a youth referee will result in severe disciplinary actions by the Freehold Soccer League Disciplinary Committee. A Coach or spectator may only communicate in a positive way with a youth referee. The coach is responsible for ensuring all spectators associated with his/her team follow these guidelines relating to communication with a youth referee. A coach/spectator may not express any disagreement or dissatisfaction with the officiating to the youth referee. A coach/spectator may not, before, during, or after a game, discuss with a youth referee their critique of the referee’s performance, other than to thank and compliment the referee. Any Freehold Soccer League Board Member or Coordinator present at the game shall, if necessary, intervene if any coach, spectator, or other adult is criticizing or abusing a youth referee, verbally or otherwise and may take immediate appropriate action. This may include directing the offender to leave the site, and/or suspending or terminating the game. Any concerns about the quality of officiating of a youth referee must be addressed to the Referee Coordinator or board member. Anyone observing behavior not following these guidelines should immediately report the incident to the Freehold Soccer League Board Member or Coordinator on duty so that situation can be handled appropriately. Please report to the snack stand and the Board Member or Coordinator on Duty will be contacted. At the discretion of the Freehold Soccer League Board Member, a warning may be given, but is not required, for a first time violation of this policy. The Freehold Soccer League Board Member who witnesses any abuse of a referee may remove the offending party from the premises. The Police should be called for anyone who refuses to leave the premises. Disciplinary Sanctions for Referee Abuse and Code of Conduct Violations The following disciplinary sanctions are in place for both referee abuse and for violation of any of the 16 points of the Freehold Recreation Code of Conduct. Criticism, heckling, or verbal abuse of a referee (not including offensive, insulting, or foul-language) or violation of any of the 16 points of the Code of Conduct First Offense - 1 week suspension Serious verbal abuse of a referee (e.g. using offensive, insulting, or foul language), or repeated offense of less serious abuse or Code of Conduct violation - Suspended for life (if you are suspended for life you may be ineligible to participate in any FSL activities) All offenses may require a report being submitted to the Freehold Township Recreation Office Due to the severity of the abuse we reserve the right to escalate the disciplinary process to include all three steps on the first offense. A plea of ignorance to this policy is not sufficient, and violators may expect appropriate action by the FSL Board of Directors. These sanctions do not limit, prevent, or replace any voluntary or required report or referral of improper conduct, by an adult toward any child, to any law enforcement or child protection agency.