LEAGUE STANDARDS

Discipline & Conduct

Referee Abuse Prevention · Penalties Matrix · Discipline Matrix

Policy 531-9 · Section 1

General

Misconduct against Referees may occur before, during, and/or after the match, specifically when the Referee arrives at and/or departs the venue. Misconduct may also occur at later times when directly related to duties of a match affiliated with U.S. Soccer or its Organizational Members.

Policy 531-9 · Section 2

Rule Application

Where the policy applies — and where existing rules still stand.

This policy supersedes any inconsistent rules of Member Organizations that pertain to assault, abuse, or gross mistreatment of Federation Game Officials, and the manner and means of hearings, appeals, and rehearings in matters pertaining thereto. It does not supersede any codes of conduct, which may be enforced in addition to this policy.
Nothing in this policy restricts or limits any league, event/tournament, or Member Organization from applying equal or greater restrictions to anyone not listed in section 4(a)(1) of the policy (i.e., a spectator associated with a club or team).
This policy does not apply to players, coaches, managers, club officials, or league officials while participating in Professional League Member activities — U.S. Soccer Policy 202-2 covers participants in professional matches.

Policy 531-9 · Section 3

Terms & References

As used in this policy:

“Referee” includes all currently registered USSF Referees, assistant Referees, fourth officials, match officials, or others duly appointed to assist in officiating in a sanctioned match or similar USSF-affiliated activity (e.g., scrimmage); any non-licensed, non-registered person serving in an emergency capacity as a Referee under USSF policies; and any person serving in a Referee support function, such as Referee mentors, coaches, and other support staff at the venue.
“Hearing” means a meeting of at least three neutral members, one of whom is designated or elected to serve as chairperson, comprised and conducted pursuant to guidelines established by the Federation and followed by the Member Organization.
Protected period — a Referee is protected by U.S. Soccer policy from the time they arrive at the venue (including the parking area) until their departure. A “Protected Party” is a member of the Referee's family or household, or a guest of the Referee at the match or venue. All U.S. Soccer policies are in addition to local, state, and Federal laws.
Referee assault is any deliberate physical action against a Referee. Referee abuse is extreme, deliberate, and non-contact behavior that causes a Referee or Protected Party significant harm. Actions in this category may be subject to an immediate suspension, meaning the perpetrator cannot appear at the next sanctioned match.

Penalties Matrix

Non-Physical Offenses

The Penalties Matrix defines consequences associated with physical and non-physical offenses against Referees.

Non-physical offenses of gross misconduct, abuse, and/or assault:

Non-Physical*

Min. Games

Time

Insulting, Belittling, Insinuating or Taunting Behavior Undermining Referee Authority

—

Harassment, Intimidation, Retaliation, Abusive, or Threatening (Non-Physical) Language

—

Aggression, Attacking, Derogatory, Cyberbullying, Doxing or Threatening (Physical / Violence) Language

6–24 Months

Offensive or Discriminatory Act

12–24 Months

(*) Disclaimer: These are only a few examples of abuse — other actions or statements may also fall into this category.

Penalties Matrix

Physical Offenses

Physical offenses of gross misconduct, abuse, and/or assault:

Physical*

Min. Games

Time

Minor or Slight Deliberate Touching

1–6 Months

Pushing, Grabbing, Pulling, Squeezing, Pinching, Lightly Slapping, Use of Object in Non-Striking Manner, or Physical Property Damage

6–24 Months

Hitting, Punching, Elbowing, Kicking, Biting, Spitting, Choking, Tackling, Throwing or Use of Object or Any Part of Body (Forearm, Knee, Head) in a Striking Manner

—

12 Months – Lifetime

(*) Disclaimer: These are only a few examples of abuse — other actions or statements may also fall into this category.

Penalties Matrix

Key Penalty Factors

How penalties are applied, stacked, and escalated.

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 and 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.

Please follow your current reporting structure — an updated reporting procedure will be part of Phase 3.

US Club Soccer

Discipline Matrix

Minimum consequences by offense and role. All referee assault and abuse must be sent to US Club Soccer — see Policy 531-9 above for misconduct toward game officials.

Offense

Player Minimum

Coach Minimum

Spectator Minimum

Physical Assault (Major)

Any intentional or attempted act or threat of physical violence, including but not limited to: hitting, kicking, punching, choking, spitting on, grabbing or bodily running into a person; head butting; kicking or throwing any object that could inflict injury; damaging personal property (car, equipment, etc.); putting hands on a referee, player, coach, or spectator. Spectators: all of the above, in addition to entering the field of play during/after a match.

3 games

Acts committed outside of game play are subject to a minimum suspension of 5 games.

Handled at league level unless serious injury occurs.

US Club Soccer to be notified of suspensions for physical assault.

3 months

Report to US Club Soccer.

Suspended from all soccer activities pending US Club Soccer hearing.

1 year

Enforced by club and league.

Physical Assault (Minor)

Includes but is not limited to pushing, physical intimidation (i.e. nose to nose), instigating mass confrontation, spewing any beverage on personal property, spitting at (but not on) another player, coach, referee, or spectator.

1 game

Acts committed outside of game play are subject to a minimum suspension of 2 games.

6 games (first infraction)

Report to US Club Soccer.

Suspended from all soccer activities pending US Club Soccer hearing.

1 year

Enforced by club and league.

Verbal Abuse (Major)

Using foul, abusive, profane, derogatory, or insulting language including but not limited to language based on age, religion, marital status, sex, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, veteran's status, pregnancy, disability, or sexual orientation.

2 games

6 games

Enforced by club and league.

Verbal Abuse (Minor)

Using foul, abusive, profane, derogatory, or insulting language towards opposition (player, coach, spectator). See Policy 531-9 for misconduct towards game officials.

1 game

2 games

6 games

Enforced by club and league.

Verbal Dissent

Excessive arguing with opposition (player, coach, spectator).

1 game

2 games

1 game

Enforced by club and league.

Racial Abuse

Abusive and/or bigoted language or physical gestures based on race.

3 months

Report to US Club Soccer.

Suspended from all soccer activities pending US Club Soccer hearing.

6 months

Report to US Club Soccer.

Suspended from all soccer activities pending US Club Soccer hearing.

6 months

Enforced by club and league.

Respect the CallCPSL has zero tolerance for referee abuse. All referee assault and abuse must be reported to US Club Soccer.

ussoccer.com/rap