| Effective March 1, 2025, US Soccer has introduced updates to Policy 531-9 applying to misconduct towards officials from registered participants (players, coaches, registered adults). This policy applies to all Mass Youth Soccer sanctioned play including intown and recreational level play.
Minimum penalties for misconduct towards referees have been increased significantly. Of note to the youth soccer community is a minor multiplier, which triples sanctions for incidents of misconduct towards minor referees.
Policy 531-9 now includes a category of misconduct named Gross Misconduct which includes insulting, belittling, insinuating or taunting behavior which undermines the authority of the referee.
On March 5, 2025, the Mass Youth Soccer Board approved the Spectator Misconduct Towards Referees Policy to extend the same minimum penalties in US Soccer Policy 531-9 to spectators at all Mass Youth Soccer sanctioned events.
Disrespectful behavior towards officials is damaging for all involved in Youth Soccer and Mass Youth Soccer fully supports US Soccer’s efforts to support referees and improve game environments.
The Referee Abuse Prevention (RAP) Policy applies to all coaches/team officials, players, parents, spectators, and other supporters and officials participating in an NYS program or event.
Only players are to speak to the match officials during and after the game.
Exceptions:
Coaches may:
Respond to an Official who has initiated a conversation
Point out emergency or safety issues
Call for substitutions
Ask the Officials to clarify ONLY: type of restart/direction of throw-in/indirect vs. direct free kick
Ask for the time remaining in the half
Absolutely NO DISPUTING CALLS during or after the game, no direct or indirect remarks to the referee to watch certain players or attend to rough play. Failure to follow the instructions of the match official, yelling, criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or negative feedback of any kind before, during, or after the game will not be tolerated.
Violators may be cautioned or sent-off in and may be subject to disciplinary action by the RAP Committee. (See the Penalties Matrix, including Key Penalty Factors).
After the Game:
If Spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, they should contact their BAYS team coach. Coaches can file feedback reports with BAYS or speak with their club officials to get more guidance.
The referee has the authority to take disciplinary action from the moment they arrive at the field of play for the pre-match inspection until leaving the field of play/parking area after the match ends.
Links
US Soccer Referee Abuse Prevention
BAYS RAP
Thank you all in advance for your cooperation with these new policies and procedures. It is the goal of Newton Youth Soccer and Mass Youth Soccer to create and maintain a safe and positive environment for all participants. We can't do this without your support.
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