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.
Misconduct towards referees that occurs during scheduled league play will follow existing League Rules and Procedures. Incidents of misconduct towards referees that occur during intown or recreational play will initially be under the jurisdiction of the Member Organization.
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. Please do not hesitate to contact Mass Youth Soccer’s Executive Director – Rob Holliday ([email protected]) or Director of Safeguarding – Mary Relic ([email protected]) with questions.
We encourage all member organizations and registered adults to review the Referee Abuse Prevention penalty summary below or visit ussoccer.com/rap for additional resources related to Policy 531-9 updates.
