More Than the Game: Why Referee Respect Matters

We’re now midway through Spring season and wanted to take a moment to dive further into the topic of referee respect.

Referees are human—they will make mistakes—but please always keep in mind that abuse has no place in our sport. Shouting at referees is distracting, harmful, and hurts the game.

A Snapshot of the Problem

• Over 90% of referees report increased abuse in the past five years.
• In Northern California alone, 50% leave each year, mostly  because of reported abuse.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Youth games are for learning—no one improves while being yelled at.
• Some referees are as young as 13.
• Without referees, there is no game.
• To fix the quality problem, we have to fix the quantity and tenure problem.

 Respect Starts Here: Changing the Culture of our Community

We understand frustration of missed calls—but it must be handled constructively. Only assigned mentors or referee mentors should provide feedback directly to referees.

• Coaches/Club Leaders: can now submit structured feedback from all NorCal matches via the referee feedback form (sent at the start of the season)
• Everyone: Respect referees. Set the standard for a positive environment.
• Be part of the solution—because the example we set today becomes the standard tomorrow.

Check out our other messages about sportsmanship here.