Referee Abuse Policy

We know soccer is a game where referees, coaches, and players make errors on a regular basis. Mistakes are part of the game. Recognizing the inevitability of mistakes, it is vital the adults: the referees, coaches, and parents, provide the players a positive example of how to behave properly within and around the game.  

AKFC has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to berating or threatening officials, violation of which can lead to dismissal from the club entirely, for the whole family including any siblings, without refund.  Sadly, each and every year there are a handful of parents & coaches whose game-day conduct leads to bans for themselves and their children.  Below is a summary of the club's zero tolerance policy on referee abuse: 

Each coach, player, and spectator do their best to support the Referee and assistant Referees. 

Coaches, players, and sideline spectators may NOT address any member of the Referee crew during play except for:

Responding to a Referee-initiated communication

Making a request for substitutions

Pointing out emergencies or safety issues, such as an injured player on the field

Only coaches and team captains may request clarification of a call, provided the request is courteous and non-argumentative

Abusive and obscene language, violent play, violent conduct, fighting, and other behavior detrimental to the game will not be tolerated.

A Referee may caution or send off any coach, assistant coach, or spectators for his/her failure to abide by this Zero-Tolerance Policy.  

This includes cautioning or sending off a coach or assistant coach for failure to control spectator or player behavior on their team

If a coach is sent off of a match and no assistant coach is available, the match cannot continue

A referee can, at their sole discretion, refuse to continue a match until disruptive behavior is resolved to their satisfaction