Big News for Referees Starting March 2025!

U.S. Soccer wants to make soccer awesome for everyone, and that means protecting our referees! There is a new Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (think of it as the rulebook for how we treat refs) that kicks in March 2025. It’s all about making games safer, more fun, and giving everyone a better experience. Basically, if you mess with a ref, there will be consequences.

Want to know the rules? Check out the video below! It explains everything you need to know.

What’s the Deal?

We’re serious about this. The new policy has tougher penalties for any kind of abuse towards referees, whether it’s physical or just being disrespectful. Players and coaches need to know what’s okay and what’s not, so everyone can avoid getting in trouble and help make soccer a better place. Let’s keep the game awesome by respecting our refs!

• Single offenses are at minimum the prescribed game penalty or time penalty for non-red zone offenses
• Penalties can be both game and time depending on severity / circumstances
• Second time offenders receive double punishment
• Third time offenders receive a lifetime ban
• More than one offense at the same time is at least the punishment for the most serious offense
• Offenses against minors are automatically subject to a “minor multiplier” resulting in triple punishment
• One offense warning per league to be managed by states and leagues collaboratively
• Game consequences are inclusive of 1 game penalty for any red cards given
• Optionality for 50% penalty for first offense from a minor

For more details on the policy please visit the USSF website.