RESPECT THE CALL
At BVB IA Eastside, creating a safe, respectful, and enjoyable soccer environment is a top priority. Referees are an essential part of our game, and their role is to ensure that matches are fair, safe, and within the laws of the game. Without them, our players cannot compete. That’s why we fully support U.S. Soccer’s "Respect The Call" Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9), which sets clear expectations and strong protections for referees at all youth and amateur matches.
We believe every player, coach, and spectator should contribute to a positive game-day experience. This means showing respect to referees at all times—regardless of whether we agree with a call. Disagreement is part of sports; abuse is not.
Referees are human. They make quick decisions in fast-paced situations, and while calls may not always go our way, respect for officials is non-negotiable. Setting a good example for our players by respecting referees helps create a positive, safe environment and teaches life lessons about sportsmanship and self-control.
At BVB IA Eastside, we expect everyone—on and off the field—to help protect the game and those who officiate it. Let’s work together to make sure every referee, especially our many young referees, feels safe, respected, and supported.
Policy and Suspension
- Zero tolerance for abuse
Verbal, physical, or discriminatory behavior toward referees is strictly prohibited. This includes taunting, intimidation, threats, offensive language, or any form of physical contact.
Clear penalties apply
Non-physical abuse: Minimum 2-game suspension for verbal taunting, up to 10 games or 12–24 months for offensive or discriminatory remarks.
Physical abuse: Minimum 3-game suspension (or 1–6 months) for minor contact, up to 12 months–lifetime ban for violent conduct.
Repeat offenses: Second offenses carry doubled penalties; third offenses can result in a lifetime ban.
Minor referees: Any abuse toward referees under age 18 will result in penalties being tripled.
Everyone is accountable
This policy applies equally to players, coaches, parents, guardians, and spectators at all club matches.
- Zero tolerance for abuse
Clear penalties apply
Non-physical abuse: Minimum 2-game suspension for verbal taunting, up to 10 games or 12–24 months for offensive or discriminatory remarks.
Physical abuse: Minimum 3-game suspension (or 1–6 months) for minor contact, up to 12 months–lifetime ban for violent conduct.
Repeat offenses: Second offenses carry doubled penalties; third offenses can result in a lifetime ban.
Minor referees: Any abuse toward referees under age 18 will result in penalties being tripled.
Everyone is accountable
This policy applies equally to players, coaches, parents, guardians, and spectators at all club matches.
Verbal, physical, or discriminatory behavior toward referees is strictly prohibited. This includes taunting, intimidation, threats, offensive language, or any form of physical contact.