2026 Update to the Zero Tolerance Policy:

US Soccer and North Texas Soccer have adopted new rules regarding referee abuse and the associated penalties.  USSF has updated their policy 531-9. PASO, being part of North Texas Soccer, is also obligated to administer this updated policy. A link to the USSF 531-9 Policy is provided at prospersoccer.com > Players & Parents > Zero Tolerance Policy, that defines specific non-physical and physical actions defining sanctions whether adult or minor.  Summary of the 531-9 below.  

Purpose of this Policy

The purpose of this policy is to make clear that verbal abuse or negative criticism of referees/players/coaches is unacceptable. This policy adopts basic standard sanctions for improper conduct.

Misconduct towards a referee means statements or physical acts directed toward a referee before, during, or after a match.  

This policy is not intended to imply that referees are always “right” and the spectator or coach is always “wrong”.  Just as players make mistakes during play, referees will make mistakes in officiating, particularly in the younger divisions where they are learning how to referee.   The structure of PASO’s referee program is much like our player program geared toward development.  Referees must receive positive support from coaches and spectators to continue to grow as an official.

Misconduct towards players, coaches and or spectators is unacceptable and sanctions will be issued to any person that is deemed in violation of this policy. 

It is never acceptable to abuse or criticize referees/players/coaches, verbally or otherwise, in any situation.  The Prosper Area Soccer Organization (PASO) will not tolerate any verbal or other abuse, or criticism of referee/player/coach by anyone.  

There are appropriate paths for coaches and spectators to share concerns about the quality of officiating and coaching. The PASO Board of Directors contact information can be found on the Board of Directors Page at prospersoccer.org.

 

Policy On Misconduct Towards a Referee/Player/Coach

Although abuse towards any referee will not be tolerated, any abuse towards a youth referee will result in more severe disciplinary sanctions by the PASO A&D (Appeals & Disciplinary) Committee.  

 A Coach or spectator may only communicate in a positive way with a referee.  The coach is responsible for ensuring all spectators associated with his/her team follow these guidelines relating to communication with a referee.  A coach/spectator may not express any disagreement or dissatisfaction with the officiating to the referee.  A coach/spectator may not, before, during, or after a game, discuss with a referee their critique of the referee’s performance, other than to thank and compliment the referee.

Any PASO Board Member or USSF-Certified PASO Referee present at the game shall, if necessary, intervene if any coach, spectator, or other adult is criticizing or abusing a referee/player/coach, verbally or otherwise and may take immediate appropriate action.  This may include directing the offender to leave the site, and/or suspending or terminating the game.

Any concerns about the quality of officiating of the referee must be addressed to the Referee Assignor, Head Referee, or PASO Board Member(s).  Any concerns regarding misconduct towards a player/coach from opposing players/coaches/spectators should be reported immediately to a Field Marshal, Head Referee, or PASO Board Member(s).

Anyone observing behavior not following these guidelines should immediately report the incident to the PASO Board Member on duty so that situation can be handled appropriately.  Please report to a RED Shirted referee and a PASO Board Member on Duty or Head referee will be contacted.

At the discretion of the Center Referee, Head Referee, Referee Mentor, or PASO Board Member(s), a warning may be given, but is not required, for a first-time violation of this policy.  The Center Referee, Head Referee, Referee Mentor, or PASO Board Member(s) who witness any abuse of a referee/player/coach may direct the offender(s) to leave the premises. The Police will be called for anyone who refuses to leave the premises.

Disciplinary Sanctions for Misconduct Towards a Referee/Player/Coach

Any Board Member, upon receipt of any reported abuse of a referee shall report the incident in writing and or electronic communication to the PASO A&D Committee Chair, who shall implement appropriate discipline before the next game if possible.

Please, refer to the USSF 531-9 Policy for specific sanctions to be applied unless modified upon review of the incident by the PASO A&D Chair and or Committee.  Certain level of non-physical and all levels of physical contact of referee Assault or Abuse will be turned over to NTSSA A&D Chair for further consideration and possible hearing.  

Any violation(s) of 531-9, will result in immediate and continuing suspension of the offending person(s) pending a thorough review which could include a hearing by PASO and or NTSSA. 

Discipline may include, but is not limited to, suspension for the season, suspension for multiple seasons, or lifetime coaching bans. Any suspension assessed against an individual under this section is in addition to and does not affect any other suspension and/or fine that may be imposed on the individual by NTSSA. 

These sanctions apply only to the discipline of spectators and coaches.  Sanctions necessary for any player will be dealt with using the Red Card Policy from the NTSSA Rules.

A plea of ignorance to this policy is not sufficient, and violators may expect appropriate action by the PASO Board of Directors.

These sanctions do not limit, prevent, or replace any voluntary or required report or referral of improper conduct, by an adult toward any child, or to any law enforcement or child protection agency.

Non-Physical Level 1 and Level 2 most likely will be handled by the decisions of PASO A&D Chairperson and or A&D Committee.  The A&D Committee will be comprised of: Vice President, A&D Chairperson, Chairperson of Referees, and League Director.  

Non-Physical Level 3 & 4 and ALL Physical Offenses will be reported to NTX, Coach and or Player will be suspended from all PASO related activities until further decision has been concluded by NTX and or PASO.  

PASO will track lower-level misconduct, including situations that negatively impact the player experience. Verbal warnings that warrant documentation will be followed by a written or electronic notice (e.g., email) that records the date, time, field, and reason for the warning. Accumulating multiple warnings during a season may result in disciplinary action or sanctions.

This may involve sideline behavior, interactions with referees, repeated complaints, or conduct that stops short of a formal disciplinary action but still creates an unhealthy environment. Not withstanding incidents vary and may progress to a more formal process. 

Procedure for Filing Appeals – redacted, please refer to Bylaws Article IX for full detailed procedures

All appeals to the Organization must be submitted in writing and received within five (5) days of the appealed decision. A $50.00 fee (cash or cashier's check) shall accompany all appeals. If the Committee upholds the appeal, the fee will be returned. If it is denied, the fee will be forfeited to the treasury of this Organization. 

 

Adopted 6/14/2026