Referee Abuse Prevention

If you have experienced or witnessed referee misconduct, don’t stay silent. [Click here to submit a report] and help us uphold the integrity of the game. For urgent concerns, please contact Mark Sadler, State Referee Administrator (SRA@nhreferee.org) directly.

Together, we can create a safer and more respectful environment for referees in New Hampshire.

Protecting Our Officials, Upholding the Game

In alignment with U.S. Soccer’s Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9), misconduct toward referees can include verbal abuse, threats, physical intimidation, or any behavior that creates a hostile environment. This misconduct can occur at the match venue, during travel to or from a game, or at any time when directly related to an official’s duties in a U.S. Soccer-affiliated competition.

How to Report Misconduct

If you witness or experience misconduct toward a referee, we encourage you to submit a report through our Referee Abuse Report Form. Your report helps us take necessary action, ensuring the protection and well-being of referees across New Hampshire.

(Click on orange box to access reporting form)

Key details to include in your report:

✔ Game Date & Location – Where and when the incident occurred
✔ Teams Involved – If known, identify the teams playing
✔ Individuals Involved – Coach, player, spectator, or other party responsible
✔ Detailed Incident Description – Include what was said or done, including any profanity, threats, or discriminatory remarks. Please use EXACT phrasing.
✔ Supporting Evidence – Game Report (referees), photos, videos, or witness statements (if available)
✔ Your Contact Information – For follow-up if additional details are needed

Why Reporting Matters

Referees should not have to endure abuse while performing their duties. By reporting misconduct, you help:
🔹 Hold individuals accountable for unacceptable behavior
🔹 Improve game-day environments for referees, players, and spectators
🔹 Support enforcement of U.S. Soccer policies to protect officials

Referees play a critical role in the game—and they deserve a safe, respectful environment to do their job well.

The Respect the Call education videos are designed to support referees by clearly outlining expectations for behavior on the field and reinforcing when and how referees are empowered to take action.

These short videos walk through real match scenarios and help referees understand:

What emotional reactions are part of the game
When behavior crosses into dissent
When language or actions become offensive, abusive, or unsafe

This education is especially important for young referees and new officials, who may still be building confidence in match management. The videos reinforce a simple but critical message: referees are not expected to tolerate abuse, and they are supported to take appropriate action.

We encourage all referees to review the above videos as part of their ongoing development.

Additional videos are below and for more information on the Respect the Call Education Series, click here.