Metro DC-VA State Referee Program

Resources

USSF Code of Ethics

All members of the United States Soccer Federation Referee Program are expected to:

I. Consider it a privilege to be part of the Federation Referee Program and use actions that will reflect credit upon that organization and its affiliates

II. Maintain the dignity of the position

III. Conduct themselves ethically and honorably

IV. Treat themselves and others respectfully and honestly

V. Perform duties knowledgeably and in accordance with the Laws of the Game

VI. Adhere to all policies and requirements of the Federation Referee Program

VII. Safeguard confidential registration and performance information

VIII. Give priority to all Federation affiliated assignments and programs

IX. Honor all Federation affiliated assignments and obligations

X. Not discriminate against or take advantage of any individual or group on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin

Failure to follow this Code may result in disciplinary sanctions or decertification.

Posted January 31, 2021

Referee Forms

USSF Referee Report

USSF Supplemental Referee Report

Report Referee Abuse, Referee Assault, or Other Misconduct Toward Referees

Use this online form to report referee assault, referee abuse, or other misconduct toward referees to the State Referee Program Office.

Read the definitions of the terms referee assault and referee abuse.

The report may be used for other reportable incidents by checking the "Other" box.

To file the report properly and have it considered for review and possible action, you need to submit it within forty-eight (48) hours of the incident, unless there is a valid reason for later reporting.

FOR YOUTH MATCHES: CLICK HERE

The online report serves as official notification and documentation of the incident.

FOR ADULT MATCHES: CLICK HERE

For incidents occuring at adult games, you must file an electronic report AND also mail a signed copy of the report to:

Metropolitan DC-Virginia Soccer Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 673
Locust Grove, VA 22508

Definitions: Referee Assault and Referee Abuse

Excerpts From US Soccer Policy 531-9 — Misconduct Toward Game Officials

Misconduct against referees may occur before, during and after the match, including travel to or from the match. Misconduct may occur also at later times when directly related to duties of a game official as a referee.

“Referee” includes all currently registered USSF referees, assistant referees, fourth officials or others duly appointed to assist in officiating in a match, including club assistant referees.

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

“Intentional act” shall mean an act intended to bring about a result which will invade the interests of another in a way that is socially unacceptable. Unintended consequences of the act are irrelevant.

Assault 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.

"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.

Read additional information regarding misconduct toward game officials in the US Soccer Policy Manual.