MUSTANG SOCCER ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

It is recommended that a referee caution a coach or player for an initial non-physical Level 1 abuse, all other abuse levels result in an automatic send off with a minimum 3-game suspension and up to a life-time ban. See U.S. Soccer’s web page at https://www.ussoccer.com/rap for a complete description, but as example:

Level 1: Verbal Taunting includes comments such as; “Do you even know the Rules”, “Did you forget your glasses”, “What’s the other team paying you”, “You suck”, and “You’re the worst ref we’ve ever had”.

Level 2: Harassment / Intimidation includes comments such as; “That call was complete $h*t!”, “You’re a F-ing joke!”, “You can’t make a single good f*******ing call”, resulting in a minimum 4-game suspension.

Mustang Soccer’s position is that coaches, players OR SPECTATORS, making any negative comments or actions towards the referees, opposing players or coaches will not be tolerated. A Zero Level of verbal abuse is to be expected on our fields. As such, in addition to following U.S. Soccer’s policy, our referees are being directed to follow our policy dealing with comments that might not rise to a Level 1 Verbal Taunting.

Level Zero: Verbal Interference:

● Comments that are loud enough to be heard by any of the referee crew and that negatively impacts the performance of the referee crew or players, especially if numerous. This includes aggressive comments from a spectator or a coach who is dictating action the referee should or should not take such as: “that’s not a foul!”, “handball!”, “offside!”.

● These types of comments given aggressively from spectators will result in a warning to the coach and instructions for them to address all their spectators, to stop the abuse. If the comments persist by any of that team’s spectators, or a comment reaches U.S. Soccer Level 1 (or higher), the referee will stop the game and:

– Approach the coach of the offending team and give them one minute to identify the offending spectator (by full name if a Mustang Spectator), and for the coach to ensure they leave the area of the field.

– If the spectator is not identified within the one minute (by the coach or other spectators) or does not leave, then the match will be suspended until all spectators of that team leave the field.

– If all of the spectators of the offending team do not vacate the area of the field in a timely manner, or the coach does not cooperate with the referee, the match will be abandoned.

● Coaches and team officials are expected to set an example and adhere to the same criteria as spectators. Referees will follow the U.S. Soccer recommended approach of “ask/tell/dismiss” (warn/caution/send off), for Level Zero offenses.

● If the offending team is winning at the time of the abuse, stoppage time can be added to the game by the referee.

● In all instances, the referee will record the incident with the specific language used along with spectator’s or coach’s name on the game card, photo the game card, and report the incident to their referee assignor for further action.

● In addition to the action by the referee, a suspended Mustang spectator will be required to meet with the Mustang Soccer Honor the Game committee, who may take further actions including, warning, probation, or suspension from one or more games/seasons. They may also be required to complete a series of outlined steps in order to return to the sideline of games. Furthermore, Mustang spectators who cause a suspension of a coach through actions or words will be subject to suspension from attendance to any soccer games for double the length of the suspension for the coach..

Updated 4.10.205

WHY WE NEED THE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ABUSE POLICY

Games are an opportunity for parents and spectators to come and see the progress the players have made through practice and training, and are the most exciting part of soccer. Unfortunately, clubs have experienced a small group of spectators who cross the line between cheering for their team and abusing the referees. This is not a value any of us should want to teach our children, or what is often the case, have other less respectful parents teach our children. In an effort to ensure the playing environment is more positive for all our players, coaches, referees, and spectators, Mustang Soccer has adopted a Zero Tolerance for Abuse Policy. Spectators are not allowed to interfere with the match by questioning a referee’s call, their interpretation of the Laws of the Game, or by using any insulting, offensive, or abusive language or actions* towards the referee crew, players or coaches. We are asking for your support and assistance in ensuring we provide a positive environment for all of our youth soccer games.

To become a soccer referee, you must complete and pass on-line training courses and complete a field session, but this is only the beginning. It takes many games before a new referee becomes competent and years to become a really good referee. Every year we lose many new referees who have not been given the chance to become comfortable in their role. We also lose more experienced referees who become tired of the abuse they receive. Some might think reactive comments made by spectators due to their excitement are acceptable and that referees should have a “thick skin”. The fact is that negative comments, even seemingly benign ones, can be intimidating to referees. This is especially true for youth referees, where this adversely affects their performance and desire to continue. Referees should not be expected to accept worse treatment than anyone else would accept in their own life and job. The simple truth is that yelling at someone is rude and does not make them do a better job, plus it teaches our children bad behavior, so we all need to stop.

Disagreement on calls will occur in all games, but on close calls usually about half of the spectators believe the referee’s call was correct. Unlike spectators, referees are objective, but refereeing a soccer game is not an easy task and they will make mistakes. These disagreements and even the mistakes, while disappointing, are part of the game. This is even true at the highest levels, where unfortunately poor sportsmanship and referee abuse is common. However, with calm and reasonable review we all know it should not be allowed in youth sports. It is our club’s desire to teach our youths; sportsmanship, respect for the game, and that the decisions of the referees are final and not to be argued.

As part of this policy, we are also asking parents and coaches to “police” each other. Often this just means a friendly reminder that we are watching a youth soccer game and we should be displaying behavior we want our children to emulate. Therefore, when field space and competition rules permit, the opposing team benches will be on opposite sides of the field – home team’s choice. Spectators will be on the same side as their team, but on the other half of mid-field. All at least 3 yards from the touchline (sideline) and no one behind the goal.

Referees have been directed to verify with coaches and team managers that they are aware of this policy before the game begins, and to enforce the policy as consistently as possible. We know that comments could be interpreted differently depending on the referee crew, but the judgment to remove spectators, sanction players or coaches, and/or suspend or abandon the match is at the sole discretion of the referee.

Mustang Soccer does not want a hostile or unsafe environment on our fields and our hope is no one will ever be ejected. Please communicate this policy to all of your teams, families, and players. We also ask that you support the policy, as we all have the same goal, to have a positive environment for our kids to play the beautiful game of soccer. We appreciate all of your support in this effort.

Team managers or coaches should communicate this policy with the opposing team on GotSport at least 48 hours before the match.