U.S. Soccer “Respect the Call” Campaign

Coaches and parents are reminded that full compliance with U.S. Soccer’s Respect The Call (Link to Respect the Call Initiative) initiative is required throughout this tournament. This initiative reinforces the critical importance of treating referees with respect and upholding a positive, sportsmanlike environment. Disrespectful conduct—such as disputing calls, using hostile language, or confronting referees—will be addressed under U.S. Soccer’s Referee Abuse and Assault Policy. The Referee Abuse Matrix outlines consequences ranging from immediate ejection and multi-game suspensions for verbal abuse, to longer-term suspensions or bans for physical or threatening behavior. Details on the initiative are available at ussoccer.com/respect, and the full abuse matrix can be reviewed at ussoccer.com/referee-abuse-matrix.

A summary of penalties—found in U.S. Soccer’s Referee Abuse Penalty Overview (link to PDF)—provides clear guidelines for misconduct consequences. Verbal abuse may result in a minimum two-game suspension, while threats or intimidation toward referees carry a minimum six-month suspension. Physical contact, such as pushing or grabbing, can lead to suspensions of at least one year or more. Parents and coaches must understand that their conduct has direct consequences and that setting a respectful example is essential for protecting the integrity of the game and the well-being of referees—many of whom are young or new to officiating. For additional information, here is the link to FAQ's.  (FAQs Final)

For additional information, consult U.S. Soccer’s Referee Abuse Prevention Policy at ussoccer.com/rap.

Any Board member, upon receipt of any reported abuse of a youth referee shall report the incident to the Disciplinary Board which shall consist of the appropriate Divisional Coordinator, the Regional Commissioner, and the Regional Coach and Referee Administrators, who shall implement appropriate discipline, immediately or before the next game if possible.

At a minimum, sanctions include the suspension of one game. They will be increased in the event of serious verbal abuse, confronting and/or threatening the youth referee.

REGION 1678 has adopted and modified the following rules:

• No one, except the players, is to speak to the referee during or after the game. Exceptions: Coaches may ask questions before the game, point out emergencies during the game, or respond to the referee if addressed.
• Absolutely no disputing calls, during or after the game, no remarks to the referee to watch certain players or attend to rough play. NO YELLING at the referee, EVER, and no criticism, sarcasm, harassment, intimidation, or feedback of any kind during or after the game.
• Violators may be ejected and are subject to disciplinary action by the Region 1678 Misconduct/Disciplinary Board.

If coaches or spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, please contact the referee administrator. 

THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO MAKE REGION 1678 A SAFE, FAIR, AND FUN EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE!