Stress fair and sensible play.

Stress the importance of teamwork.

Applaud good plays by both teams.

Cheer for your child. The coach will coach, and the referee will ref.

Respect others and let them do their job.

Respect the coach’s decisions and abilities.

Do not shout personal instructions to your child from the sideline.

Do not force your child to decide between you and their coach.

Remember that coaches and administrators are volunteers.

A "thank you” goes a long way.

Accept the decisions of the officials with good grace.

Take time to learn the rules of the game.

You are your child's greatest role model!

ABUSE

A verbal statement or physical act not resulting in bodily contact which implies or threatens harm to a referee or the referee's property or equipment. Included, but not limited to, the following acts: Using foul or abusive language, spilling any beverage on a referee's property or verbally threatening a referee, verbal threats or remarks that carry implied or direct threats of physical harm.

ASSAULT

An intentional act of physical violence directed to or upon a referee such as: HITTING, KICKING, PUNCHING, SPITTING, GRABBING, RUNNING INTO, KICKING OR THROWING OBJECTS, DAMAGE TO A REFEREE'S EQUIPMENT OR PERSONAL PROPERTY.

POLICY

All coaches, assistant coaches, players, and spectators shall support the referee. Failure to do so will undermine the referee’s authority and has the potential of creating a hostile environment for the players, the referee, and all the other participants and spectators. Consequently, NUUSC has adopted and modified the following rules.

Coaches and Assistant Coaches are to refrain from interacting with the referee crew before, during, or after the game, with the exception of the following: Coaches may ask questions before the game that directly involve the game, coaches may participate in game-related ceremonies, coaches may call for substitutions, coaches may point out emergencies during the game, coaches may respond to the referee if addressed.

Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Players, and Spectators shall not engage in any of the following behaviors before, during, or after the game:  Disputing calls, remarks to watch certain players or attend to rough play, yelling at the referee; criticism, sarcasm, harassment or intimidation; ask the referee for his or her name, feedback of any kind during or after the game

ASSAULT

Spectators, coaches, and assistant coaches that commit assault towards a referee or assistant referee shall be suspended from all games, practices, and sanctioned events for a period of three years. In addition, NUUSC will seek to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. 

ENFORCEMENT

All MYSA/SMSL board members, New Ulm United Soccer Club board members, certified referees, referee assignors, and other persons appointed by the NUUSC Board of Directors have the authority to remove any person or party from the immediate area that is in violation of this policy. 

Violators are subject to further disciplinary action by the NUUSC Board of Directors or Review Committee. Disciplinary action may include suspension from one or more games.

If coaches or spectators have questions regarding particular calls, rules, or a referee, or wish to give feedback regarding a referee, please contact the New Ulm United Soccer Club Referee Assignor for the game in question.