AYSO is premised on putting the kids first. Games are about the kids, not the adults. Each game is the opportunity to put core values at the forefront, including “Good Sportsmanship” and “Player Development.”

When the adults at a game lose the focus on the kids and coaches and parents yell at or disparage our volunteer referees, it not only fails to model Good Sportsmanship, but it also interferes with Player Development. The kids notice what their coaches and parents are doing, and instead of focusing on playing the game and having fun, the kids also turn their attention to complaining about the referee. Everyone suffers.

A simple slogan can help explain the policy: “Referees ref, Coaches coach, and Parents cheer.”

We at AYSO 1603 will follow the US Soccer Referee Abuse Policy. For more information, visit www.ussoccer.com/rap