AYSO's referee abuse policy implements a zero-tolerance approach, enforced through the U.S. Soccer Policy 531-9, effective March 1, 2025. Under this policy, any form of abuse—verbal, physical, or social media-based—against referees is prohibited and will result in disciplinary actions, including suspensions or bans. Referees are authorized to eject abusive individuals, and all incidents must be reported for investigation and standardized penalties, with specific triple penalties applied to offenses against youth officials. 

Key Provisions

• Zero Tolerance: AYSO maintains a zero-tolerance stance against any form of abuse, assault, or gross misconduct directed at match officials.

• Mandatory Reporting: Referees are required to report abuse incidents immediately to league officials. Spectators and other participants are also encouraged to report violations. 

• Standardized Penalties: Disciplinary actions are consistent with U.S. Soccer's Policy 531-9, ranging from game suspensions to lifetime bans, depending on the severity of the offense.

• Youth Referee Protection: Offenses against youth officials carry significantly higher penalties, up to triple the standard penalty. 

• Community Accountability: Coaches, players, parents, and all other participants are responsible for modeling respectful behavior toward referees. 

Actions & Consequences

• Referee Authority: A referee can immediately dismiss an abuser without warning. 

• Disciplinary Action: Abuse, even after a game has ended, will be investigated and can lead to warnings, suspensions, or bans from all AYSO activities.

• Appeals: Individuals facing disciplinary action have the right to appeal the decision through AYSO's due process procedures. 

How to Comply & Get Involved

• Understand the Policy: Familiarize yourself with the U.S. Soccer Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9) and AYSO's regional guidelines.

• Report Incidents: Report any incidents of referee abuse promptly to your Regional Commissioner, Area Director, or Section Director.

• Model Good Behavior: Coaches, players, and spectators are expected to demonstrate respectful conduct and control their tempers.

• Contact Regional Leadership: For further information or to report an incident, contact your local AYSO Region's leadership, such as the Regional Commissioner or Regional Referee Administrator.