Referee Guidance for addressing derogatory or discriminatory language/actions on Game Day. Click for a printable, sized-down version of the Game Day Referee Guidance for dealing with inappropriate language/actions.

Observed/Heard by Referee Crew

If a member of the referee crew witnesses or hears that a player or coach is being subject to derogatory or discriminatory language/actions, the incident should be addressed according to the IFAB Laws of the game.

Reported to Referee Crew

If a member of the referee crew did not hear or witness directly but a player or coach reports the incident to the referee, the Center Referee should implement the following steps:

• Stop the game, if necessary, or use stoppage in play.
• Send both teams to their respective technical areas.
• Gather the referee team.
• Bring both coaches together.
• Explain the situation to the best of your ability and understanding.
• Direct the coaches to resolve the issue immediately.
• Resume the game if issue is resolved
• If the coaches are uncooperative, or a resolution cannot be initiated or reached in a reasonable amount of time (resolution not to exceed 5 minutes), the referee will abandon the game immediately.

Document what happened in the Game Report section under:

Verbal/Physical/Sexual Misconduct

Center Referee reports should be detailed (including exact words or descriptions of actions), objective, and factual. 

Assistant referees are encouraged to add details in the General Comments section of their reports.

The CR will need to enter information for each Misconduct violation. There is the capability to add additional Misconduct violations if needed.

• Name (if known)
• Jersey # for a player - NA for coaches and spectators 
• Description of person who violated the Verbal/Physical/Sexual Misconduct Policy to help confirm identity
• Time in the game when the incident occurred

Derogatory Language and Discriminatory Actions include but are not limited to: 

• Discriminatory or derogatory words or actions based on race, skin color, ethnicity, nationality, social origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, language, or religion.
• Sexually explicit statements, sexual flirtations, advances, inappropriate touching, propositions, subtle pressure for sexual activity, comments, questions, jokes, or anecdotes.
• Jokes or gestures that include reference to race, skin color, ethnicity, nationality, social origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, language, or religion. 

There is also a text box for the CR to describe the misconduct in detail including the exact words spoken or actions seen or that were reported to you by a player or coach.

The BAYS Respect Committee will be notified when a Misconduct violation is submitted and they will work with the clubs to resolve the issue.