To draw attention to and help put a stop to misconduct towards referees and officials, New Jersey Youth Soccer and youth competitions throughout the state, with the support of the New Jersey State Referee Committee, are introducing The Yellow Wristband Initiative for minor referees.
“NJ Youth Soccer is thrilled to be working with a variety of youth soccer leagues and organizations to develop The Yellow Wristband Initiative,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. “We are committed to our youth referee community and making their environment safe and conducive to learning.”
This collaboration exists between NJ Youth Soccer, MLS NEXT, United Soccer League, 3M Soccer League, Central Jersey Futsal, EDP Soccer, Metro Youth Soccer League, Mid New Jersey Youth Soccer Association, Monmouth Ocean Soccer Association, Morris County Youth Soccer League, Northern Burlington Recreation Soccer League, Northern Counties Soccer Association, Ocean County Recreation Soccer, Rockaway Valley Soccer League, South Jersey Soccer League, South Jersey Girls Soccer League and Suburban Youth Soccer League.
“Supporting and developing referees at the youth levels is vital to the continuing growth of the game in our country,” said Luis Robles, Senior Manager of MLS NEXT and former New York Red Bulls goalkeeper. “MLS NEXT applauds the work of NJ Youth Soccer, as well as all the youth soccer leagues, and looks forward to joining in their efforts.”
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. The expectation is that all adults will show the encouragement and respect that minor referees deserve as they learn their craft.
“The Yellow Wristband Initiative is an important effort towards creating a positive and supportive culture around our games,” said Jen Marcella, Executive Director of Leagues for EDP Soccer. “We value all referees in our league and prioritize having the safest environment possible for each of our participants.”
Along with this campaign, NJ Youth Soccer, its Member Leagues and other participating youth organizations 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).
- Doubling the minimum sanctions for a person found guilty of referee abuse or assault towards a minor.
For our young referees to continue to grow, just as our players do, they must be able to officiate games without intimidation, fear or abuse. It is EVERYONE’S responsibility – whether it be the Club, coaches or parents – to hold each other accountable and set the standard for acceptable behavior. Clubs, Leagues and Tournaments are encouraged to distribute wristbands at their events, and those interested in doing so can contact NJ Youth Soccer at communications@njyouthsoccer.com.
Remember: “Yelling is banned when you see a yellow band.”
The Yellow Wristband Initiative is made possible via the U.S. Soccer Innovate to Grow Grant. Recognizing the vital role that its member organizations play in the growth of soccer across the country, U.S. Soccer established the Innovate to Grow (ITG) Fund in 2017 to help U.S. Soccer member organizations launch new and innovative programs designed to grow participation in their markets, providing up to $3million of funding total per year. Since its inception, ITG has granted over $9.8 million in funding through 145 awards to U.S. Soccer members across the country, as well as provide COVID-19 relief and recovery funds during 2020 and 2021.
“We are thrilled to see the progress that our members continue to make using the ITG grant,” said Cindy Cone, US Soccer President. “The work that NJYS and all of our members do continues to be invaluable as we strive to grow our game for all.”
To find out more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer