Referee Abuse Prevention (RAP)

Zero Tolerance for Abuse

  • Applies to coaches, players, spectators, and team officials
  • Covers physical and non-physical abuse, including sarcasm and intimidation

Coach Communication Rules

  • Only players may speak to referees during/after games
  • Coaches may speak only to:
  • Respond to referee-initiated conversation
  • Report safety/emergency issues
  • Request substitutions
  • Clarify restart type or time remaining
  • No disputing calls or remarks about officiating

Penalties & Enforcement

  • Minimum penalties increased
  • Triple sanctions for misconduct toward minor referees
  • Suspensions apply across all teams and leagues
  • Repeat offenses can lead to lifetime bans


Your Role as a Coach

  • Model respectful behavior
  • Educate your team on conduct
  • Create a safe and respectful game environment


Reporting & Feedback

  • Coaches can submit post-game feedback via BAYS portal
  • Spectators must route concerns through coaches
  • Violations reviewed by RAP Committees




Pre-Game Sportsmanship Statement

Mass Youth Soccer and BAYS require that the Sportsmanship Statement listed below be read prior to ALL games. This REPLACES the post-game handshake line. There were too many unfortunate incidents when teams interacted after heated games so the intention is to avoid that post-game interaction. It is the responsibility of the HOME team coaches to ensure that the process is followed and the statement is read.


Procedure

After all pre-game activities are complete, both teams and the referee crew will line up at the Half Way Line of the Coaches Sideline. Led by officials, all players and coaches will walk across the field and line up facing spectators, 5 yard from the sideline.


The Sportsmanship Statement will be read by a representative of the Home team to all coaches, players and spectators.

Following the reading of the script, players will perform a pre-game handshake. (Home team to walk down the line of Away Team). After the pre-game handshake, all players and coaches will return to benches and starting players will assume positions on the field of play.

 


Sportsmanship Statement

All participants deserve the right to play in an environment free from negative and distracting behavior.

Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated, the game may be stopped and sanctions applied for violations of policy or codes of conduct. 

Please enjoy the game and do your part to create a positive soccer experience for all. 

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