Soccer Officials Code of Conduct

Massachusetts Youth Soccer Soccer Officials Code of Conduct

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This Soccer Officials Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines that all match officials (Center Referee, Assistant Referee, Linespeople, 4th Official) shall follow in their participation in any Mass Youth Soccer sanctioned activity or events that include but are not limited to all league play, tournaments, and other matches:

1. I will always maintain the utmost respect for the game of soccer.
2. I will conduct myself honorably at all times and maintain the dignity of my position.
3. Barring any unforeseen circumstances (i.e. sickness, family emergency, act of G-d), I will always honor an accepted assignment or any other official appointment.
4. I will attend recertification classes to maintain my Referee License and optional training opportunities and clinics so as to maintain and improve my knowledge of the Laws of the Game, their proper interpretation, and their application.
5. I will always strive to achieve maximum team work with my fellow officials.
6. I will be loyal to my fellow officials and never knowingly promote criticism of them.
7. I will strive to maintain proper and appropriate physical condition.
8. I will control the players with professionalism and respect and do my best to keep the game fair and safe for all players.
9. I will always strive to conduct myself in a professional manner. I will refrain from indulging in arguments or name-calling with coaches.
10.I will not interact with any spectators other than what has been approved via the Mass Youth Soccer Zero Tolerance Policy. Any spectator issues I encounter I will address them with the appropriate coach.
11. I do hereby acknowledge my fellow referees' total authority over any matches over which they are duly assigned to officiate, and I pledge that I will never interfere with the carrying out of their prescribed duties, before, during, or after a match.
12. I understand that any criticism of fellow referees should be limited to constructive criticism in quiet, private referee-to-referee discussions, and then never within hearing distance of players, coaches, or spectators.
13. I will not make statements about any games except to clarify an interpretation of the Laws of the Game.
14. I acknowledge that if I am also a coach, player, or spectator, that my conduct towards, and my respect for, my fellow referee doing my game is more closely noticed by all concerned. I will, therefore, strive to set a very high standard of personal conduct under these circumstances to serve as an example to all.
15. I will not discriminate against nor take undue advantage of any individual group on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
16. I will not partake of any type of alcoholic beverage or narcotics, smoke or vape before or during any game assignment.
17. I consider it a privilege to be a part of the U.S. Soccer Federation and my actions will reflect credit upon that organization and its affiliates.
18. I will always faithfully carry out my duties and obligations as a soccer referee/official registered with the Mass Youth Soccer, Massachusetts State Referee Committee and U.S. Soccer.
19. As a USSF Certified Referee/Official, I understand that I may be sanctioned by the Massachusetts State Referee Committee and/or US Soccer to include being placed on probation, suspended, or refused referee registration, for significant or repetitive breaches of this Soccer Officials Code of Conduct or any of its provisions.