At PAYSL, we foster a culture of respect and deference to our referees. Many of our referees are minors, or young adults, who are still learning how to be a referee. But regardless, during the game, the referee is in charge, and spectators are there to observe and support only.

• Players should accept referee calls and judgments without complaint or protest. They should shake hands with refs after every game.

• Parents do not communicate with referees. Yelling at refs is not tolerated! Any concerns or complaints during a match should be handled by Coaches and Team Managers.

• Parents are not allowed to complain, talk, discuss calls with referees after the game.

• Coaches should communicate respectfully with referees, and should escalate with the Head of Referees for the league as needed.

  • For Home games, our Referee Assignor is, Floyd Melton at refs@paysl.org

• During Home Games, if a referee needs support, or if there are issues with a referee, the Coach or Team Manager should find the Officer-on Duty in the bright blue polo shirt.

The Officer on Duty will need to occasionally step in to support a referee with parents or players. This is rare, but our referees should know that there's someone there who will support them if they need help managing a game. That could include helping enforce an ejection of a person from the fields; or just cautioning a parent to change behavior before they're ejected.

Referee Abuse Prevention Policy

US Soccer has updated guidelines regarding Referee Abuse starting March 2025