No Ref No Game and Take 5
SWOAK Soccer stands behind all of our referees and will not tolerate bullying, harassment or abuse of any kind toward out referees from any stakeholder. All stakeholders must abide by the SWOAK Soccer Code of Conduct or the WLSL Code of Conduct at all times and on all premises, on which we play and they are subjet to the consequences if they fail to do so.
Match Official abuse is a common problem that can be felt across most sports at all levels, around the world. It is an issue that threatens the viability of our sport systems given games cannot take place without officiating. Moreover, recent data confirms that maltreatment is the number one factor affecting retention in soccer and that Match Officials are at increased risk for mental health challenges.
Unfortunately, soccer in Ontario is not immune to said problem which spiked following the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this growing issue, Ontario Soccer has embarked on a multi-year program surrounding Match Official Bullying and Harassment that will holistically address the problem through policy and discipline changes, and public/participant education. The program, currently underway, is being led by a marketing and awareness campaign called #NoRefNoGame.
Take 5
- Take 5 is a pilot program created by Ontario Soccer and used by SWOAK Soccer and the West London Soccer League.
- A leading reason why Match Officials do not enjoy their role is because of Spectator Behaviour. Spectators have the important role to encourage, support and cheer on their players. This becomes difficult when spectators display outward behaviours that are unacceptable on the field.
- Take 5 is an initiative that it initiated by the Match Official and specifically addresses the spectator behaviour, that goes above and beyond the acceptable, immediately in the moment.
- The goal is to help remind everyone how important their role is in supporting the development of players, coaches and Match Officials.
Phase 1: Warning
- The first time spectator behaviour crosses the acceptable threshold, the referee will pause the game. The Match Official will address the behaviour with the coaches, who will then directly address the team's spectators.
- No additional time is added for the warning stoppage.
- Play will be restarted according to the Laws of the Game.
Phase 2: Timeout
- The second time spectator behaviour crosses the acceptable threshold, the game is paused for 5 minutes. Once the 5 minutes has elapsed, play is restarted according to the Laws of the Game.
- No additional time is added for this stoppage. No activity is allowed on the field during this time.
- This is the stage where Take 5 takes its name.
Phase 3: Abandon
- The third time spectator behaviour crosses the acceptable threshold, the game is abandoned.
- The Match Officials will submit the necessary reports to the appropriate Governing Bodies, and if necessary, other authorities.
If you have feedback about your referee, please email us at swoaksoccer@gmail.com
SWOAK Soccer will not reverse the call of any Match Official. All situations brought to our attention will be used for teaching and educational purposes with our Match Officials.
