RESPECT THE GAME OFFICIALS
NO REF, NO GAME!
Match Official abuse is a common problem that can be felt across most sports at all levels, around the world. It is an issue that threatens the viability of our sport systems given games cannot take place without officiating. Moreover, recent data confirms that maltreatment is the number one factor affecting retention in soccer and that Match Officials are at increased risk for mental health challenges.
Unfortunately, soccer in Ontario is not immune to said problem which spiked following the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this growing issue, Ontario Soccer has embarked on a multi-year program surrounding Match Official Bullying and Harassment that will holistically address the problem through policy and discipline changes, and public/participant education. The program, currently underway, is being led by a marketing and awareness campaign called #NoRefNoGame.
WE CAN ALL DO OUR PART
Although we cannot control the behaviour of others, we can always do our part to ensure a) our children and enjoying the game for what is intended to be…
a) FUN and healthy competition
b) parents are enjoying their children enjoying themselves
c) everyone enjoying the beautiful game.
Players, coaches and parents may not always agree with the officiating, BUT that is the person assigned to maintain a level of discipline and organization within the game, and should be respected.
The game official a person to respect, that game official could be a youth at their first part-time job, someone’s father or mother or a grandparent offering their time to ensure our children can enjoy the game in an organized manner.
