Category:RefereeAbuseProgram/Content

Respect the Call

Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (US Soccer Policy 531-9 and AYSO National Policy Article Nine, I.) is designed to make youth and amateur matches safer, more fun, and more empowering for everyone involved. Referee abuse will not be tolerated. We're asking everyone to do their part by knowing the rules, reporting referee abuse, and embodying behaviors that represent the best of us.

• US Soccer: Respect the Call

• Penalty Summary for RAP sanctions under Policy 531.9 > Referee_Abuse_Policy_531-9_Penalty Summary_2122025.pdf

• Additional Videos
  • Part I: Knowing the Line – Emotional Outburst vs. Dissent
  • Part II: Step In With Confidence – Responding to dissent with clarity
  • Part III: When It Crosses the Line – Dissent vs. Abusive or Offensive Behavior

• Penalty Summary

Referee Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) : A How-To Guide for Policy, People, Process, Procedures & Protocols

• Referee Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) : A How-To Guide for Policy, People, Process, Procedures & Protocols

• Email from Doug Ryan, AYSO National President, communicating interim guidance for implementing the US Soccer RAP policy > AYSO_National_President's_communication_on_referee_abuse_prevention_update_and_interim_guidance.20250410.pdf

• A document outlining the expected standards of behavior towards referees in accordance with the U.S. Soccer Referee Abuse Prevention policy, as adopted by AYSO. > Respecting_Our_Referees.20250908.pdf

• An email template to introduce the RAPP program implementation to Board members > AYSO_RAP_program_proposal_template.docx

• A short video which can be used to communicate the RAPP program implementation to coaches, referees, parents and spectators > AYSO꞉_Referee_Abuse_Prevention_Video

• A template to define roles and responsibilities to implement the RAPP program in your Area > RAP_Program_Area_XX_Implementation_Protocols.docx

• A sample RAP report to the Executive Member > RAP_Sample_Investigatory_Report_and_Recommendations.docx

• Contact information for the 1/10/11 EXPO RAPP workshop instructors > RAPP How-To_260207.Instructors.pdf

• Contact information for the AYSO Referee Administrators > AYSO National and Section Referee Administrators

• Online resources for information and forms for Reporting potential RAP violations > RAPP How-To_260207.web_links.pdf