Misconduct towards game officials (e.g., referees) is becoming more prevalent in our games. To draw attention to and help put a stop to this behavior, Youth Soccer Leagues in New Jersey, with the support of the New Jersey State Referee Committee, are introducing The Yellow Wristband Initiative for minor referees.
As a primary goal, The Yellow Wristband Initiative is aimed at increasing awareness about the presence of minor (e.g., under the age of 18) referees in our game. Through the initiative, minor referees can opt to receive yellow wristbands to wear on game day; therefore, a Referee wearing the yellow wristband is identified as a minor. We expect adults to show the encouragement and respect that the minor deserves as they learn their craft.
Along with this campaign, NJ Youth Soccer and Member Leagues pledge to implement the following sanctions to support minor referees:
- Immediately suspend a person for allegations of referee abuse and assault towards a minor, pending a hearing (similar to the US Soccer Referee Assault policy), and
- Doubling the minimum sanctions for a person found guilty of referee abuse/assault towards a minor.
ABUSE OF ANY OFFICIAL IS NOT TOLERATED – ESPECIALLY OUR MINOR-AGED OFFICIALS!
For our young referees to continue to grow, just as our players do, they must be able to officiate games without intimidation, fear, and/or abuse. It is EVERYONE’S responsibility – the Club, the coaches, other parents, etc., – to hold each other accountable and set the standard for acceptable behavior.
Clubs, leagues, and tournaments that wish to distribute wristbands may contact [email protected].
NJYS anticipates distributing this message to coaches (on or about 8/21) and registered families (on or about 8/30) to facilitate this education. We appreciate your assistance and attention in this initiative.
Remember: “Yelling is banned, when you see a yellow band.”