Referee Assault/Abuse

What is Referee assault?

Referee assault is an intentional act of physical violence at or upon a referee.

This includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon a referee: hitting, kicking, punching, choking, spitting on, grabbing or bodily running into a referee; head butting; the act of kicking or throwing any object at a referee that could inflict injury; damaging the referee’s uniform or personal property, i.e. car, equipment, etc.

What is Referee abuse?

Referee abuse is a verbal statement or physical act not resulting in bodily contact which implies or threatens physical harm to a referee or the referee’s property or equipment.

Abuse includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon a referee: using foul or abusive language toward a referee that implies or threatens physical harm; spewing any beverage on a referee’s personal property; or spitting at (but not on) the referee.

What do I do if I am the victim of referee assault or referee abuse?

In a youth game:

Referees shall transmit a written report within 48 hours of the incident to 

 to the State Referee Administrator (Email: sra@ilsoccerrefs.org) and the Illinois Youth Soccer Assocation (Email: gus@uniparts.net) or USSF Affilliation Association. Work with your Assignor in filing the report and include them on the final copy.

In an adult game:

Referees shall transmit a written report within 48 hours of the incident to the State Referee Administrator (Email: sra@ilsoccerrefs.org) and the Illinois State Soccer Association (Email:  ILStateSoccer@gmail.com). Work with your Assignor in filing the report and include them on the final copy.

1. Written report (US Soccer Supplemental Report) submitted within 48 hours of the incident to:
   1. Illinois Youth Soccer Association (IYSA) or Illinois State Soccer Association (ISSA)
   2. State Referee Administrator (SRA)
2. If it is a tournament/special event, submit written report to Tournament Director the day of the incident and to the State Referee Administrator within 72 hours of the incident.
3. The report should include:
   1. Match Details
      1. Team information
      2. Age group
      3. Score
      4. Date
      5. Location
   2. Detailed statement of the incident, including the definition of the behavior or action (i.e., assault, abuse, mistreatment). 
      1. Offenders name and/or jersey number and team
      2. To whom the actions were directed
      3. Specifics of the verbal or physical incident 
      4. Where the incident took place (i.e., field, other area of the venue, etc.)
      5. When the incident occurred