Category:RAP/FAQ - Revision history

Rickroberts: /* On the Process */

2026-04-01T23:48:44Z

On the Process

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:48, 1 April 2026
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	\|answer=After the sanctions are finalized and communicated by the Disciplinary Panel, the RRA or ARA may, at their discretion, provide verbal feedback to the Referee involved in the RAPP violation regarding the imposed sanctions.		\|answer=After the sanctions are finalized and communicated by the Disciplinary Panel, the RRA or ARA may, at their discretion, provide verbal feedback to the Referee involved in the RAPP violation regarding the imposed sanctions.
	This also provides an opportunity to coach the Referee on game management tactics used to de-escalate a challenging and/or abusive incident.		This also provides an opportunity to coach the Referee on game management tactics used to de-escalate a challenging and/or abusive incident.

	AYSO’s Privacy Policies prevent the public dissemination of the (i) Referee or Incident Report, (ii) the RAPP Administrator’s investigatory findings, conclusions and recommendations; (iii) the RAPP Disciplinary Panel’s sanction determination; and (iv) the details or outcome of a Due Process Hearing regarding the RAPP incident.		AYSO’s Privacy Policies prevent the public dissemination of the (i) Referee or Incident Report, (ii) the RAPP Administrator’s investigatory findings, conclusions and recommendations; (iii) the RAPP Disciplinary Panel’s sanction determination; and (iv) the details or outcome of a Due Process Hearing regarding the RAPP incident.
	}}		}}

Rickroberts: /* On the Process */

2026-04-01T23:47:48Z

On the Process

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:47, 1 April 2026
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	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=What is the investigation cycle time?		\|question=What is the investigation cycle time?
	\|answer=Once the RAP Program Administrator receives the initial incident report (either through a Referee Report, Incident Report or any other form of communications, e.g., an email), it typically take 1-2 days for the Administrator to complete the investigation and issue an Investigatory Report to the RAPP Disciplinary Panel. However, depending on the nature of the suspected RAPP incident and the number of people involved in the investigation, it could take longer to complete the process. Once the Disciplinary Panel has the Investigatory Report and documentation from the RAPP Administrator, it typically meets within a couple of days. There is a sense of urgency for the matter to be resolved quickly to ensure sanctions are in effect for participation in the matches the following week.		\|answer=Once the RAP Program Administrator receives the initial incident report (either through a Referee Report, Incident Report or any other form of communications, e.g., an email), it typically take 1-2 days for the Administrator to complete the investigation and issue an Investigatory Report to the RAPP Disciplinary Panel. However, depending on the nature of the suspected RAPP incident and the number of people involved in the investigation, it could take longer to complete the process.

			Once the Disciplinary Panel has the Investigatory Report and documentation from the RAPP Administrator, it typically meets within a couple of days. There is a sense of urgency for the matter to be resolved quickly to ensure sanctions are in effect for participation in the matches the following week.
	}}		}}

Rickroberts: /* Training */

2026-04-01T18:28:20Z

Training

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:28, 1 April 2026
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	===Training===		===Training===
	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Where do coaches get training on RAPP?		\|question=Where do referees and coaches get training on RAPP?
	\|answer=Training materials are available at [https://www.ussoccer.com/rap https://www.ussoccer.com/rap]. Additionally, coaches may receive in-person training by the RAPP Administrator and/or the Coach Administrator.		\|answer=Training materials are available at [https://www.ussoccer.com/rap https://www.ussoccer.com/rap]. Additionally, coaches may receive in-person training by the RAPP Administrator and/or the Coach Administrator.

Rickroberts: /* Training */

2026-04-01T18:27:57Z

Training

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:27, 1 April 2026
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	\|question=Where do coaches get training on RAPP?		\|question=Where do coaches get training on RAPP?
	\|answer=Training materials are available at [https://www.ussoccer.com/rap https://www.ussoccer.com/rap]. Additionally, coaches may receive in-person training by the RAPP Administrator and/or the Coach Administrator.		\|answer=Training materials are available at [https://www.ussoccer.com/rap https://www.ussoccer.com/rap]. Additionally, coaches may receive in-person training by the RAPP Administrator and/or the Coach Administrator.

			[https://www.ussoccer.com/respect-the-call Respect the Call education series] is designed to help referees recognize the line, take the right action on the field, and feel supported beyond the match. Through practical guidance and shared standards, U.S. Soccer is backing referees to strive, grow, and shine in safe, respectful match environments.

			*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrDq5C-HCyU&list=PL-dA1IGtnPyFVSvLE2_BtXy0t4Zs05euR&index=6&pp=iAQB Part I: Knowing the Line – Emotional Outburst vs. Dissent]
			*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SvqRa6QSzo&list=PL-dA1IGtnPyFVSvLE2_BtXy0t4Zs05euR&index=5 Part II: Step In With Confidence – Responding to dissent with clarity]
			*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6c9nJriBjY&list=PL-dA1IGtnPyFVSvLE2_BtXy0t4Zs05euR&index=4&pp=iAQB Part III: When It Crosses the Line – Dissent vs. Abusive or Offensive Behavior]

	Additionally, all AYSO volunteers are required to sign a Referee Abuse Prevention Agreement [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Unsigned_ELA#Referee_Abuse_Prevention_ELA Electronic Legal Agreement] when they register as an AYSO volunteer.		Additionally, all AYSO volunteers are required to sign a Referee Abuse Prevention Agreement [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Unsigned_ELA#Referee_Abuse_Prevention_ELA Electronic Legal Agreement] when they register as an AYSO volunteer.

Rickroberts: /* On the Process */

2026-04-01T18:22:52Z

On the Process

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:22, 1 April 2026
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	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Does a card have to be shown to pursue a ~~RAP~~ violation?		\|question=Does a card have to be shown to pursue a RAPP violation?
	\|answer=In-game behavior by a player or team official that is referee abuse has gone beyond dissent (a cautionable event) and abusive language or insulting behavior (a send-off event), so a card should be shown for such conduct. That notwithstanding, RAPP sanctions can be pursued even if a caution or send-off has not occurred. Referee abuse outside of the field or game would not involve a caution or send-off.		\|answer=In-game behavior by a player or team official that is referee abuse has gone beyond dissent (a cautionable event) and abusive language or insulting behavior (a send-off event), so a card should be shown for such conduct. That notwithstanding, RAPP sanctions can be pursued even if a caution or send-off has not occurred. Referee abuse outside of the field or game would not involve a caution or send-off.
	}}		}}

Rickroberts: /* On the Process */

2026-04-01T18:22:25Z

On the Process

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:22, 1 April 2026
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	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Is there a difference between youth and adult referee abuse?		\|question=Is there a difference between youth and adult referee abuse?
	\|answer=Abuse against minors ~~are~~ automatically subject to a “minor multiplier” resulting in triple punishment as shown in the [https://cdn.sanity.io/files/oyf3dba6/production/2e5c0d1a6efba6244230e5f42670be43018dd00e.pdf Penalty Summary].		\|answer=Abuse against minors is automatically subject to a “minor multiplier” resulting in triple punishment as shown in the [https://cdn.sanity.io/files/oyf3dba6/production/2e5c0d1a6efba6244230e5f42670be43018dd00e.pdf Penalty Summary].
	}}		}}

Rickroberts: /* Reporting */

2026-04-01T18:20:22Z

Reporting

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:20, 1 April 2026
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	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Can incidents of ~~RAPP~~ occur off the field of play?		\|question=Can incidents of Referee Abuse occur off the field of play?
	\|answer=Yes, they can and should be reported by anyone witnessing such behavior using an [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Fill_Out_an_Incident_Report Incident Report]. Additionally, these RAPP incidents could also be virtual, e.g., postings on social media.		\|answer=Yes, they can and should be reported by anyone witnessing such behavior using an [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Fill_Out_an_Incident_Report Incident Report]. Additionally, these RAPP incidents could also be virtual, e.g., postings on social media.
	}}		}}

Rickroberts at 18:19, 1 April 2026

2026-04-01T18:19:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:19, 1 April 2026
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	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Can anyone report Referee abuse?		\|question=Can anyone report Referee abuse?
	\|answer=Yes, anyone can report. Referees report potential abuse by players or team officials on a [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Fill_out_a_Match_Report match report]. ~~Anyone~~ can report an incident ~~involving anyone other than players or team officials are reported~~ on an [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Fill_Out_an_Incident_Report Incident Report].		\|answer=Yes, anyone can report Referee abuse through the RAPP process – Referees, Assistant Referees, AYSO administrators, coaches, players and spectators. Referees or Assistant Referees report potential abuse by players and/or team officials on a [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Fill_out_a_Match_Report match report]. All other people can report an incident on an [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Fill_Out_an_Incident_Report Incident Report].
	}}		}}

	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Is the referee asked for witnesses?		\|question=Is the referee asked for witnesses?
	\|answer=The RAP Program Administrator investigates based upon the materials provided by the referee(s) and witnesses. As needed, ~~has~~ conversations with the referee(s) and/or witnesses to gather		\|answer=The RAP Program Administrator investigates each reported incident based upon the materials provided by the referee(s) and/or witnesses. As needed, the Administrator may have conversations with the referee(s) and/or witnesses to gather additional details and clearly understand the incident.
	additional details and clearly understand the incident.
	}}		}}

	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Can incidents of ~~RAP~~ occur off the field?		\|question=Can incidents of RAPP occur off the field of play?
	\|answer=Yes, they can and should be reported by anyone witnessing such behavior using an [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Fill_Out_an_Incident_Report Incident Report].		\|answer=Yes, they can and should be reported by anyone witnessing such behavior using an [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Fill_Out_an_Incident_Report Incident Report]. Additionally, these RAPP incidents could also be virtual, e.g., postings on social media.
	}}		}}

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	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Is there a difference in reporting based on game level and referee certification?		\|question=Is there a difference in reporting based on game level and referee certification?
	\|answer=New referees may be ~~taken unawares~~ by confrontational abusive behavior by coaches or spectators. This does not mitigate such behavior and should be reported to the Referee Administrator who can provide council on the most appropriate response.		\|answer=New referees may be surprised by confrontational abusive behavior by players, coaches and/or spectators. This does not excuse or mitigate such behavior and should be reported to the Regional Referee Administrator who can provide council on the most appropriate response.
	}}		}}

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	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=What is the investigation cycle time?		\|question=What is the investigation cycle time?
			\|answer=Once the RAP Program Administrator receives the initial incident report (either through a Referee Report, Incident Report or any other form of communications, e.g., an email), it typically take 1-2 days for the Administrator to complete the investigation and issue an Investigatory Report to the RAPP Disciplinary Panel. However, depending on the nature of the suspected RAPP incident and the number of people involved in the investigation, it could take longer to complete the process. Once the Disciplinary Panel has the Investigatory Report and documentation from the RAPP Administrator, it typically meets within a couple of days. There is a sense of urgency for the matter to be resolved quickly to ensure sanctions are in effect for participation in the matches the following week.
	\|answer=The Disciplinary Board should meet within 3 days of the incident to ensure sanctions are in effect for participation in the matches the following week.
	}}		}}

	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=How do the ~~referees~~ get notified of results?		\|question=How do the referee(s) who initiated the RAPP report get notified of results?
	\|answer=After the sanctions are ~~final~~, the RRA or ARA may, at their discretion, provide verbal feedback to the Referee involved in the RAPP violation regarding the imposed sanctions.		\|answer=After the sanctions are finalized and communicated by the Disciplinary Panel, the RRA or ARA may, at their discretion, provide verbal feedback to the Referee involved in the RAPP violation regarding the imposed sanctions.
	This also provides an opportunity to coach the Referee on game management tactics used to de-escalate a challenging and/or abusive incident.		This also provides an opportunity to coach the Referee on game management tactics used to de-escalate a challenging and/or abusive incident.

	AYSO’s Privacy Policies prevent the public dissemination of the (i) Referee or Incident Report, (ii) the RAPP Administrator’s investigatory findings, conclusions and recommendations; (iii) the RAPP Disciplinary Panel’s sanction determination; and (iv) the details or outcome of a Due Process Hearing regarding the RAPP incident.		AYSO’s Privacy Policies prevent the public dissemination of the (i) Referee or Incident Report, (ii) the RAPP Administrator’s investigatory findings, conclusions and recommendations; (iii) the RAPP Disciplinary Panel’s sanction determination; and (iv) the details or outcome of a Due Process Hearing regarding the RAPP incident.
	}}		}}
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	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Are multiple violators sanctioned together?		\|question=Are multiple suspected RAPP violators sanctioned together?
	\|answer=Each violator's actions are investigated and treated separately.		\|answer=Each violator's actions are investigated and treated separately.
	}}		}}
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	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Does a card have to be shown to pursue a RAP violation?		\|question=Does a card have to be shown to pursue a RAP violation?
	\|answer=~~Behavior~~ that is abuse has gone beyond dissent (a cautionable event) and abusive language or insulting behavior (a send-off event) so a card should be shown for such conduct. That notwithstanding, ~~RAP~~ sanctions can be pursued even if a caution or send-off has not occurred.		\|answer=In-game behavior by a player or team official that is referee abuse has gone beyond dissent (a cautionable event) and abusive language or insulting behavior (a send-off event), so a card should be shown for such conduct. That notwithstanding, RAPP sanctions can be pursued even if a caution or send-off has not occurred. Referee abuse outside of the field or game would not involve a caution or send-off.
	}}		}}

	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Are suspensions applied to all AYSO events or just events of the team involved?		\|question=Are suspensions applied to all AYSO events or just events of the team involved?
	\|answer=Suspension apply to all AYSO events. For example, a 4 week suspension bars an individual from any participation in AYSO events for 4 weeks, regardless of the team involved.		\|answer=Suspension apply to all AYSO events. For example, a 4-week suspension bars an individual from any participation in any AYSO events for 4 weeks, regardless of the team involved.
	}}		}}

	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=How does sanction information flow between AYSO and club soccer?		\|question=How does sanction information flow between AYSO and other soccer associations which participate in the RAP Program, e.g., club soccer?
	\|answer=The final disposition of ~~RAP~~ sanctions as determined by the ~~RAP~~ Disciplinary ~~Board~~ are reported to the AYSO National Referee Program Administrator who, in turn, communicates that sanction ~~with~~ US Soccer Clubs.		\|answer=The final disposition of RAPP sanctions, as determined by the RAPP Disciplinary Panel, are reported to the AYSO National Referee Program Administrator who, in turn, communicates that sanction to other associations, such as US Soccer Clubs.
	}}		}}

	===Training===		===Training===
	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Where do coaches get training on ~~RAP~~?		\|question=Where do coaches get training on RAPP?
	\|answer=Training is available at [https://www.ussoccer.com/rap https://www.ussoccer.com/rap].		\|answer=Training materials are available at [https://www.ussoccer.com/rap https://www.ussoccer.com/rap]. Additionally, coaches may receive in-person training by the RAPP Administrator and/or the Coach Administrator.

		⚫	Additionally, all AYSO volunteers are required to sign a Referee Abuse Prevention Agreement [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Unsigned_ELA#Referee_Abuse_Prevention_ELA Electronic Legal Agreement] when they register as an AYSO volunteer.

⚫	Additionally, all volunteers are required to sign a Referee Abuse Prevention [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Unsigned_ELA#Referee_Abuse_Prevention_ELA Electronic Legal Agreement] when they register as a volunteer.
	}}		}}

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	\|question=How do we encouraging reports from new referees?		\|question=How do we encouraging reports from new referees?
	\|answer=Education and mentoring...abusive behavior is not to be tolerated. Anyone can report such misbehavior.		\|answer=Education and mentoring...abusive behavior is not to be tolerated. Anyone can report such misbehavior.
	Our Referee training materials are being updated to include appropriate training on ~~RAP~~ ~~to include~~ an overview of dissent and when and how to report potential abuse.		Our Referee training materials are being updated to include appropriate training on RAPP and an overview of dissent and when and how to report potential referee abuse.
	}}		}}

Rickroberts: /* Reporting */

2026-04-01T05:39:58Z

Reporting

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:39, 31 March 2026
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	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Is the referee asked for witnesses?		\|question=Is the referee asked for witnesses?
	\|answer=The RAP Program Administrator ~~conducts an investigation~~ based upon the materials provided by the referee(s) and witnesses. As needed, has conversations with the referee(s) and/or witnesses to gather		\|answer=The RAP Program Administrator investigates based upon the materials provided by the referee(s) and witnesses. As needed, has conversations with the referee(s) and/or witnesses to gather
	additional details and clearly understand the incident.		additional details and clearly understand the incident.
	}}		}}

Rickroberts: /* Reporting */

2026-04-01T05:39:04Z

Reporting

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:39, 31 March 2026
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	{{FAQ Row		{{FAQ Row
	\|question=Can anyone report Referee abuse?		\|question=Can anyone report Referee abuse?
	\|answer=Yes, anyone can report. Referees report potential abuse by players or team officials on on a [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Fill_out_a_Match_Report match report]. Anyone can report an ~~incidents~~ involving anyone other than players or team officials are reported on an [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Fill_Out_an_Incident_Report Incident Report].		\|answer=Yes, anyone can report. Referees report potential abuse by players or team officials on a [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Fill_out_a_Match_Report match report]. Anyone can report an incident involving anyone other than players or team officials are reported on an [https://wiki.ayso.org/wiki/Fill_Out_an_Incident_Report Incident Report].
	}}		}}