In March 2025, U.S. Soccer's updated Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9) takes effect. This policy update includes clearer definitions for physical and non-physical abuse - as well as stronger suspensions for reported referee abuse.

Information about this policy update can be found at njyouthsoccer.com/rap. New Jersey Youth Soccer will share this information with coaches and players. We ask you to ensure your soccer community is aware of these changes.

Referee Abuse Prevention Toolkit

Below is a toolkit with information about the updates to RAP Policy 531-9.

How to Support the Policy Update

Here's what you can expect and steps you can take to support referees and to make sure your players, coaches, and referees to make sure everyone is prepared for when the updated policy comes into effect in March 2025:

1. Share resources from the RAP Policy Toolkit with your community:

We recommend sharing these touch points across several different emails to ensure regular communication an a maximal engagement.

2. Make sure everybody is aware of the March 2025 effective date:

Make sure your community is ready for March 2025 when this policy and these suspensions go into effect.

3. Continue to check your email as we provide updates on reporting procedures - and share additional assets:

We will be continuing to share additional details about the updated policy - as well as additional assets to share with your audience.

4. Please continue to use your current reporting structure.

U.S. Soccer will be providing updated reporting procedure as part of Phase 3 of the policy update.

Thank you for supporting New Jersey Youth Soccer and for doing your part to protect referees from abuse and behaviors that have no place in our game.