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Recently the attitude of some of BCSA’s coaches, spectators, and players towards the referees has deteriorated to a dangerous point. The position of Referee (including Assistant Referees) commands your respect, whether or not you agree.
The BCSA will not tolerate any verbal or physical abuse or assault on a referee by a coach, player, or spectator, regardless of the circumstances. Verbal abuse includes, but is not limited to; challenging the Referee’s calls either during or after a match, taunting, saying anything negative towards a Referee (including foul language), showing disrespect, or “upstaging” a Referee.
A large complaint often heard is of referees missing calls. If you watch any sport – Baseball, Basketball, Football or Soccer – on any level, be it amateur or professional – yes, officials do make mistakes. This is NOT an excuse for a coach, player or spectator to verbally abuse a referee, nor will it ever be accepted as one.
Coaches are ultimately responsible for the conduct of their teams, including spectators on their sidelines. It is the coach’s responsibility to educate their players in the game of soccer, which includes showing respect towards a referee. Arguing calls made against your team or calls not made on the other team, or blaming losses on the referee does not project that respect to your players. At no time shall a coach approach a referee to challenge a judgment call or make comment of his/her displeasure of the referee’s abilities. A coach is encouraged to provide positive feedback to those referees who called a good game.
The BCSA will not tolerate any verbal or physical abuse or assault, or other behavior which is deemed to be inappropriate or detracts from a safe, friendly environment by a spectator, player, or coach at any BCSA sanctioned event.
Below is an image of the “Respect the Referee” poster from the Canadian Soccer Association. The BCSA expects this to be posted in all the dressing rooms in your clubhouse. To obtain your free full size poster, please contact our office for more information.
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