On March 1, 2025, the United States Soccer Federation officially updated its Policy on Referee Abuse Prevention (RAP), Policy 531-9, marking a crucial turning point in the ongoing effort to create a safer and more respectful environment for referees at all levels of the game.
Referee abuse has been steadily rising across the country. The data shows some rather shocking statistics.
- 90% of referees report that abuse has increased over the last five years.
- 60% of referees choose not to recertify due to consistent harassment and threats.
- In Tennessee, 60% of our 3,500 referees are minors, many of whom are also players, which significantly reduces referee availability on weekends.
These are more than just statistics. They reflect a growing crisis that significantly impacts the future of youth soccer.
The Message Is Clear: Enough Is Enough
Referees are not just facilitators of the game. They are mentors, teachers and role models. When they are harassed or threatened, especially young referees, it sends a dangerous message that disrespect and aggression are acceptable in youth sports. This is not the example we want to set in Tennessee nor on a national level.
The updated USSF RAP Policy aims to shift the culture. It strengthens accountability, emphasizes education and promotes more productive dialogue between clubs, coaches, parents and players. At Tennessee State Soccer Association, we are fully aligned with this mission.
Our state-specific policy clearly outlines expectations:
- Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their players and spectators.
- Clubs are expected to assist in the discipline of coaches and spectators when violations occur.
Real Consequences, Real Change
Already in Tennessee, two individuals (a coach and a parent) have each been suspended for 18 games due to a Level 3 violation of the updated RAP Policy. The original penalty was six games for a violation, but because the incident involved a minor, the punishment was multiplied by three. These consequences reflect the seriousness with which we are treating referee abuse in Tennessee.
“The issues across the soccer landscape have increased to a level that the United States Soccer Federation is raising the bar related to punishments,” said Hans Hobson, CEO of Tennessee State Soccer Association. “The behavior of our fans in some instances is out of control, and something needed to be done. We will do our best to support this new effort supported by the Federation.”
A Collective Responsibility
With 60,000 players across Tennessee, every weekend represents a chance to grow the game in a positive direction. But that growth is only sustainable if we create an environment where respect is non-negotiable and safety is a shared priority.
The new RAP Policy is not just about referees. It is about everyone involved with the game, be it coaches, players, clubs, parents or fans. Together, we have the opportunity to lead by example and foster a culture that values sportsmanship over hostility, and learning over conflict. Please join us in our mission to make Tennessee a national leader in changing the game for the better.
For more information on this new policy, please visit the Referee Abuse Prevention (RAP) page on our website.
To contact the Tennessee State Soccer Association, please call (615) 590-2200. Also make sure to follow us on social media!