Safety & Respect
Referee Safety and Reporting Abuse
No referee should feel unsafe on the field. Protecting referees is how we keep them in the game.
How to report
Report referee abuse
Match-related conduct goes through your assignor and competition authority; ISRA forwards complaints to the proper authority.
SafeSport
Sexual misconduct and certain abuse fall under the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Report directly to the Center.
SafeSport & background checks
Referees 18+ complete SafeSport yearly and a background check every two years.
A shared standard
Referees make the game possible — without officials, there is no match. U.S. Soccer asks everyone connected to the game to share responsibility for a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for match officials at every level.
What that shared standard looks like:
- Players accept the referee's decisions without dissent, play within the Laws of the Game, and show respect to opponents and officials alike.
- Coaches model composure on the touchline, raise concerns respectfully through the proper channels, and never direct abuse at an official.
- Parents and spectators encourage effort and sportsmanship, leave the officiating to the officials, and keep the sideline positive.
- Clubs and administrators set clear expectations for conduct, stand behind their referees, and act promptly when abuse occurs.
Verbal abuse, threats, and any physical contact toward a referee are never acceptable. Incidents are reported through the process on our contact & reporting page. Respecting the referee protects the game — and helps keep new and young officials in it.