Importance of Referees

Soccer is a game of passion, but that passion has increasingly translated into vitriol aimed at match officials, threatening the integrity and sustainability of the sport at all levels.

The importance of respecting referees

Referees are human, and like all humans, they are not infallible. Respecting them is not about blindly agreeing with every decision, but about recognizing their essential role and humanity.

Models sportsmanship: Players, coaches, and parents who treat referees with respect demonstrate valuable lessons in sportsmanship, integrity, and emotional control. This behavior, particularly in youth soccer, sets a positive example for young players and contributes to a healthy competitive environment.

Keeps focus on the game: Haranguing officials is a distraction that shifts focus away from the game itself and onto the uncontrollable aspects of officiating. Instead, players should concentrate on their own performance, and coaches should focus on instructing their team.

Promotes empathy: When adults treat officials, many of whom are young people, with the same grace and patience they would extend to new players, it fosters empathy and understanding. Spectators who "walk a mile in their shoes" by officiating a practice scrimmage often gain a greater appreciation for the difficulty of the job.

Ensures game integrity: Referees are the neutral enforcers of the Laws of the Game, and their role is to ensure fair and safe play. Respectful treatment helps them perform their duties to the best of their ability, maintaining the integrity and structure of the match.

Consequences of treating referees poorly

The immediate consequence of yelling at a referee is that the referee may no longer make 50/50 calls in favor of the team that they feel is abusing them as referees, which as we have seen, means they do NOT call the penalty kicks in our favor.

The immediate effect on the players, because sideline people yell bad things at the referee, is that the players no longer focus on winning the game. Instead, they focus on the “bad” call(s) the referee made, on the unfairness of the game and eventually on the fact that because of the bad refereeing they CAN’T win the game. Any chance the team had to rally or make a comeback is taken away because of a negative mind set of the sideline people.

Referee attrition and shortage: Abuse is a leading cause of referee attrition, with many officials—especially young, new referees—leaving the sport after just a few seasons.

Toxic environment: The constant yelling, harassment, and berating from players, coaches, and parents create a toxic and hostile game environment.

Reduces officiating quality: As the supply of qualified officials dwindles, less experienced or trained individuals are left to officiate more significant matches. This can compromise the quality and safety of games at all levels.

Psychological and emotional harm: Referees are susceptible to the psychological and emotional impacts of consistent abuse, which goes far beyond temporary frustration.

Loss of confidence: Public criticism and belittling from adults, particularly when directed at young officials, can shatter confidence and negatively affect their performance.

Normalized abuse: Over time, some officials may normalize the abuse they experience, but this can mask the significant mental and emotional toll it takes.

Erodes sportsmanship: When players see coaches and parents yelling at officials, it teaches them that it is acceptable to disrespect authority and blame others for their own shortcomings.

Degrades the game environment: Hostility toward referees detracts from the enjoyment of the game for everyone involved, creating a negative atmosphere.

Escalates confrontation: Aggressive conduct can escalate into more serious non-physical and physical offenses, leading to on-field disruptions, suspensions, or even legal action. Major soccer organizations like U.S. Soccer have enacted stricter policies with clear consequences, including suspensions and bans, to combat abuse.

Conclusion

Soccer is the only sport where “bad” calls are part of the structure of the game. As a spectator, if you can’t keep your passion in check, then maybe soccer is not for you nor your child. Maybe chess is more your speed, where there are no referees.

The respect shown to soccer referees is a direct reflection of the values of the players, coaches, parents, and fans. While a single controversial call may sting, the collective and sustained mistreatment of officials has a cascading, detrimental effect on the entire sport. By valuing and respecting referees, the soccer community can create a positive and safe environment that fosters sportsmanship, encourages new officials, and preserves the integrity of the beautiful game for future generations.