RESPECT!
RESPECT PROGRAM
"Respect is the collective responsibility of everyone in soccer to create a fair, safe and enjoyable environment in which the game can take place. It is the
behavioral code for soccer.
Respect is The US Referee Connection (USRC) program to address unacceptable behavior in soccer– on and off the pitch. Respect is a continuous
program, not a one-time initiative. On average, thousands of referees quit soccer every year because of the abuse they receive from players and
from the sidelines. Lots of children also quit soccer because of the attitude and actions of over-enthusiastic and pushy parents.
In response, The USRC Respect program provides a series of tools for leagues, clubs, coaches, referees, players and parents from grassroots to elite
soccer to ensure a safe, positive environment in which to enjoy the game. These tools include agreed codes of conduct, in-service training for Referees,
Respect club package, designated spectator areas and ensuring captains work with referees to manage player behavior.
The USRC has also launched a free online Respect Parent Guide to highlight examples of poor behavior and, more importantly, how it can be improved."
For additional materials and videos http://www.usrefereeconnection.com/#!respect-campaign/c175o
.
RESPECT is also being used in Europe at many levels of play. The link to the RESPECT PROGRAM information and codes of conduct may be
accessed at the following link:
http://www.usrefereeconnection.com/#!What is Respect/c1f0z
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) has committed to this program. The Grand Valley Soccer Officials Association (GVSOA) and the Grand Valley Soccer Association (GVSA) believe this program is a focused, positive means to address similar, local concerns. The specifics will be released for implementation with players, parents, coaches and referees with the Spring, 2013 season. All parties must know the codes of conduct, and sign a pledge to follow and encourage others to promote those codes.
The link to The Code of Conduct for Match Officials follows. ALL REFEREES officiating in GVSA must know and adhere to this Code of Conduct. Please read, understand and implement the match officials' code. Parents, players and team officials also have their own codes of conduct to follow. Yes, the codes do overlap in many respects.
Referees must sign The Code of Conduct for Match Officials and send it to GVSOA. It remains in effect as long as the referee's membership in GVSOA is uninterrupted and the referee remains in good standing. If the referee notifies GVSOA in writing that The Code will not be complied with, the referee is deemed to no longer be in good standing with GVSOA and therefore cannot be assigned (or remain assigned) to GVSA league games.
Coaches, parents and players also have to sign their respective Codes of Conduct. This is the final step in a league-wide effort to eliminate unacceptable behavior on and off the pitch. Links to those Codes of Conduct follow.
The link to The Code of Conduct for Match Officials follows. ALL REFEREES officiating in GVSA must know and adhere to this Code of Conduct. Please read, understand and implement the match officials' code. Parents, players and team officials also have their own codes of conduct to follow. Yes, the codes do overlap in many respects.
Referees must sign The Code of Conduct for Match Officials and send it to GVSOA. It remains in effect as long as the referee's membership in GVSOA is uninterrupted and the referee remains in good standing. If the referee notifies GVSOA in writing that The Code will not be complied with, the referee is deemed to no longer be in good standing with GVSOA and therefore cannot be assigned (or remain assigned) to GVSA league games.
Coaches, parents and players also have to sign their respective Codes of Conduct. This is the final step in a league-wide effort to eliminate unacceptable behavior on and off the pitch. Links to those Codes of Conduct follow.
| gvsa_respect_conduct_code_for_match_officials.pdf |
| gvsa_respect_conduct_code_-_player_and_family_final.pdf |
| gvsa_respect_conduct_code_-_coach_final.pdf |
| gvsa_respect_conduct_code_-_club_final.pdf |