Twin County Soccer Joins Respect-the-Ref Campaign

Parents/Players/Fans & Coaches,

Twin County Soccer is proud to join New Jersey Youth Soccer, US Youth Soccer and 15 additional state associations to launch a 2023-2024 Respect-The-Ref Campaign targeted at improving sideline etiquette from spectators and coaches. Led by Indiana Soccer, a video was created to provide education and improve awareness around this critical topic.

This education opportunity comes at a time when NJ Youth Soccer, and others across the country, are witnessing an alarming trend of referee abuse and assault. Per US Soccer policy, referee abuse results in a minimum suspension of three (3) games, and referee assault results in a minimum suspension of six (6) months. Those sanctions are significantly increased when the victim is a minor.

While the game continues on an incredible growth spurt, there has been a significantly alarming reduction in the number of available referees, the majority being young players who also enjoy officiating the game. High attrition rates have been due to a variety of factors such as the Covid pandemic and commitments to other activities. However, there has also been another concerning trend that has contributed to the recent exodus of available referees.

Indiana Soccer led a research effort and surveyed every referee who stepped down from officiating in their state, and the topic that continues to dominate the resignation conversation is the negative sideline etiquette from spectators and coaches. There is a common belief that as long as the negative sideline behavior from spectators and coaches increases, the game will continue to see an alarming rate of officials stepping away from the game. Without the officials, the game cannot be played. And without playing the game, our athletes cannot have fun.

Lastly, we remind everyone once again that matches cannot be played without the hard work of referees, and we must all do our part to create a safe, friendly and fully inclusive soccer environment for our youth players to enjoy the game.

If you wish to help the referee shortage, by becoming a referee or encouraging your player to become a referee, visit njrefs.com "becoming a referee" page to find out more!

Thank you for your continued support of youth soccer.

Best Regards,
Paul Pallante
President | Registrar | Coach
Twin County Soccer |twincountysoccer.org
"The Home of Brick Soccer...Simply the Best!"