Coaches and/or spectators are not to question the calls of referees

Coaches and spectators must not confront referees or volunteers about match decisions.

Region 9 has a zero-tolerance policy prohibiting such behavior.

Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all referees and AYSO volunteers and will be enforced as follows:

1. If a call made by the referee is questioned by a coach or spectator, the referee may pause the match, retrieve the ball, and invite the coach onto the field for a discussion.

2. During this conversation the coach may be told 3 things:

i. The conversation aims to inform the coach that the behavior of the coach or spectator is not acceptable.

ii. The coach has two options: return to their area and follow AYSO philosophies or leave the facility.

iii. The coach or spectator will be ejected if the referee has to address them again during the match.

3. If the referee is a youth official, they have the authority to stop the match, secure the game ball, and seek assistance from a board member to address the situation as described above.

4. Coaches/spectators who verbally abuse referees will be ejected. This includes foul language, racial or sexual comments.

5. If a coach or spectator exhibits unacceptable behavior after the game has ended, the referee will report it, and it will be treated as a send-off.

6. Referees shall report any incidents involving the ejection of a coach or spectator, followed by an investigation to determine the appropriate penalty. The Region has discretion over the penalties, which may include suspension from future games.

7. The Region reserves the right to investigate cases where abuse of a referee or volunteer is not initially reported by the affected individual but is later brought to our attention. Penalties for such instances are at the discretion of the Regional Commissioner and may include suspension from future events.