Send Offs

Referee Abuse Prevention Referee Expectations

U.S. Soccer recently announced a new Referee Abuse Prevention (RAP) policy. 

• Defines levels of referee abuse
• Provides examples of referee abuse
• Minimum suspensions
• Reporting requirements (coming later in 2025)

USSoccer RAP Website

Referee Imposed Sanctions

• • • Non-Physical Level 1 = Verbal Taunting 
      • Do not ignore.   Address the first instance
      • As the situation warrants
        • Warn 
        • Caution
        • Send off 
    • Non-Physical Level 2 = Harassment / Intimidation
      • This is personal, provocative and public
      • SEND OFF
    • Non-Physical Level 3 = Verbal Taunting
      • SEND OFF
    • Non-Physical Level 4 = Verbal Taunting
      • SEND OFF
    • Physical Level 1 = Minor or slight touching
      • Do not ignore.   Address the first and every instance
      • As the situation warrants
        • Caution
        • SEND OFF
    • Physical Level 2 = Intentional Confrontation
      • SEND OFF
    • Physical Level 3 = Violent Conduct
      • SEND OFF