Delaware Youth Soccer Association and Delaware State Referee Association

Zero Tolerance Policy

Beginning April 1st, 2023, DYSA will enforce a ZERO TOLERANCE policy to address inappropriate behavior and interactions towards referees. Any coach, player, parent, or spectator at the field who violates this policy towards a referee will be subject to sanctions, including suspensions and fines. Under this policy, member clubs and coaches will be responsible for the behavior of their players, coaches, parents and spectators. Parents and spectators are encouraged to cheer for their team's players and their teammates. However, at no time does their role cross over to being a referee mentor or educator, regardless of their knowledge or understanding of the game. That role belongs to the State Referee Committee who has established communication channels with member clubs and their administrators. See below for examples of the behaviors/things that this policy will address and sanction: 

Telling the referee: 

• To call the game 
• To keep the kids safe 
• To call it both ways 
• That they are terrible 
• That you are going to file a complaint 
• Fighting 
• Verbal threats  

There will be zero tolerance for any personal, public, or provocative remarks directed towards referees.

THERE ARE NO EXCUSES. 

If a referee files a report after a game and it indicates any referee abuse/assault, then the club will be automatically fined through DYSA. The fines will increase for repeat offenses. 

• 1^st report of abuse - $150 
• 2^nd report of abuse - $200 
• 3^rd report of abuse - $300 

Reports of abuse are from Aug 1 to July 31. 

There will not be an appeal process through any of these fines/reports. The FDSI will evaluate all reports and will set up a meeting with either the club or the coach if needed.