IDAHO STATE SOCCER ASSOCIATION RULES ABOUT REFEREE MISTREATMENT
MISCONDUCT TOWARD GAME OFFICIALS
SECTION 1. Misconduct against referees may occur before, during and after the match, including travel to and from the match. Misconduct may occur also at times when directly related to duties of a game official as a referee.
SECTION 2. WHO IS A REFEREE? All currently registered USSF referee, linemen, 4th official or others duly appointed to assist the officiating in a match; any non-licensed, non-registered person serving in and emergency capacity as a referee; and any club linesman.
SECTION 3. WHAT IS AN ASSAULT? Referee assault is an intentional act of physical violence upon a referee, includes but is not limited to the following acts committed upon a referee; hitting, kicking, punching, choking, spitting at or on, grabbing or bodily running into a referee; 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, et.
SECTION 4. WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR AN ASSAULT ON A REFEREE? The player, coach, manager or official committing the referee assault is automatically suspended for at least one (1) year from the time of the assault, unless serious injuries are inflicted, then the minimum suspension period will be at least (5) five years. The State Association cannot shorten the minimum periods of suspension but can provide for longer periods of suspension.
SECTION 5. WHAT IS AN ABUSE? Referee abuse is a verbal statement or physical act which implies of 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; spewing any beverage on a referee’s personal property, or verbally threatening a referee. Such verbal threats are remarks that carry the implied or direct threat of physical harm, i.e. “ I’ll get you after the game”, or “ you won’t get out of here in on piece”.
SECTION 6. WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR ABUSE? The minimum suspension period for referee abuse shall be at least three (3) scheduled matches. Of course the State Association can provide for longer periods when circumstances warrant.
MISCONDUCT TOWARD PLAYERS, ADMINISTRATORS, OFFICIALS, LEAGUES, ETC.—The intent is to insure that the game of soccer is enjoyed by all that choose to participate in a civilized and gentlemanly manner and that the principles of fair play and good sportsmanship prevail.
SECTION 1. Individuals that bring the game into disrepute and cause other problems for players, teams, leagues, or the Association can be sanctioned.
SECTION 2. Teams that bring the game into disrepute and cause other problems for teams, leagues or the Association can be sanctioned.
SECTION 3. Leagues and affiliate associations that bring the game into disrepute and cause other problems for the Association can be sanctioned.
SECTION 4. Types of problems that can be sanctioned include but are not limited to the following: fighting, intimidation, bench clearing, failure to pay dues or fines, excessive forfeiture of games (excessive is three (3) or more games in a season) , failure to comply with previous sanctions, failure to comply with league and Association rules, Federation policy, etc.
SECTION 5. Sanctions can include but are not limited to the following: suspension from playing in a determined game or number of games, forfeiture of game or number of games, fines ranging from the amount of the registration to one hundred times the registration fees, setting and collecting bonds from individuals, players, teams, leagues and affiliates, exclusion from participating in the Association for a determined number of games, days, months, years or for life, etc.
Striking a referee will result in a minimum one-year suspension and a minimum $500.00 fine. Players understand that they may face stiffer penalties from the State Association. USSF Referee Abuse Policies (see Policy 531-9).
All disciplinary matters are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Disciplinary and Executive Board have the right to adjust any penalty as they see fit.