Code of Ethics
I. The Central Virginia Soccer Referee Association (CVSRA) is an organization of certified referees serving the officiating needs of soccer leagues in central Virginia. These leagues have empowered the CVSRA to provide officials who are independent, impartial, and responsible. In addition, as officials, we are responsible for promoting the development of soccer in our matches.
II. CVSRA officials are expected to demonstrate excellence in conduct and ability at each match in which they participate or observe. This covers the time from arrival until departure from the field. In preparation for officiating, one must devote time, thought, and study to the Laws of the Game and mechanics of refereeing
III. CVSRA officials are expected to follow these guidelines:
a. Report to the field ready to officiate at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the match. Officials must arrive early enough to conduct pre-game activities (field check, pre-game conference, etc.). Failure to arrive in time may result in a fine. Arrive on time; tardiness is subject to review/action by the Conduct Committee.
b. Wear the proper uniform. The proper uniform is as follows: USSF approved shirt, Officials should have and bring all approved uniforms to each game), black referee shorts; black socks with two white stripes or USSF approved logo. Three white striped socks may be worn for scholastic and collegiate competitions; black shoes (may have white manufacturer's logo) and the proper badge for the match. Hats, either billed or soft, may be worn to protect from sun burn and to provide warmth. In severe weather conditions, referees may wear additional protective clothing as long as the referee crew jerseys all match. All officials working a match are expected to wear the same style uniform, so bring all shirts with you to a match.
c. If the official knows prior to game time that he or she will not be able to perform his or her duties, they must notify the Assignor for that match by email, text or phone call to the CVSRA Hotline. If there is no answer, leave a message and try again if possible. A full explanation of why they cannot complete their assignment is expected.
d. Officiate the game; failure to show (no show) may result in a fine equal to the game fee. The Conduct Committee will give written notice of the fine via email. The official may submit a written excuse to the Conduct Committee, by email or by USPS mail postmarked within 7 days of notification. If the excuse is accepted, the fine will be rescinded.
e. Refrain, while they are a player, spectator, or coach at a game, from using loud, abusive, or destructive language in critiquing other officials. Such criticism from an official in or out of uniform is serious and damaging. All such incidents are subject to review/action by the Conduct Committee, which may levy a suspension and/or fine.
f. Refrain from abuse, verbal statement or physical act NOT resulting in bodily contact which implies or threatens physical harm to a player or team official, and assault, intentional act of physical violence at or upon a player or team official. Any such action will result in suspension from assignments and Conduct Committee review and sanctions.
g. Use of all tobacco products including e-cigarettes while on site during all referee assignments is strictly prohibited.
h. The consumption of alcohol or use of illegal drugs before or during a game is strictly prohibited.
Failure to comply results in immediate suspension and review/action by the Conduct Committee, which may recommend additional disciplinary action
i. Refrain from drinking alcohol while in uniform after departing an assigned match site.
j. Accept or reject assignments ASAP, but by the; accept by; date for sure. If the Official is unable to work a match that was accepted, contact the Assignor immediately using the turn back procedures listed below. Officials who cancel one assignment in order to work another will be fined the higher game fee.
k. Submit electronically the Official Match Record (OMR) using either Arbiter or CVSRA.com OMR match reporting, no later than 24 hours after the match or for adult amateur matches sanctioned by CVSA, no later than 10 a.m. of the morning following the match, if you are the center referee or the senior referee in a dual. Failure to file a prompt OMR may result in the loss of the game fee.
l. Submit a match report, to report sending off a player or coach, or cautioning a coach. You must report the players or coaches name, team, number, and offense within 24 hours of the game. Failure to follow these procedures may result in a $25 fine.
1. If a player of coach is sent off during a scholastic match the Scholastic Commissioner must be notified immediately following the conclusion of the match
2. If a player is sent off during a CVSA sponsored adult amateur match the Assignor and the CVSRA President must be notified immediately following the match and the match report, including any supplemental report from the Center Referee or Assistant Referees must be submitted using the CVSRA OMR system no later than 10 am the day following the match.
m. If as a player or coach, you are sent off (RED CARD) during any game, you are required to submit a written explanation via email or USPS mail within 7 days explaining your actions and events leading up to the send off. This shall be addressed to the CVSRA Conduct Committee Chairman and must give specific permission for the committee to make inquiries to other leagues / tournaments as needed concerning the events. Based on the severity, CVSRA reserves the right to limit matches until the Conduct Committee has completed its review of the incident and determines whether further sanction is appropriate. The Conduct Committee will act upon the written report and respond within 14 days time.
n. Report infringements of items D through M for review/action by the Conduct Committee
IV. CVSRA officials should consider the spirit of the Laws of The Game in cases where doubts or questions about interpretation of these guidelines exist.
V. CVSRA committee actions are reviewed by the Board of Directors. CVSRA members may question a committee action by filing a written appeal with the Board
VI. CVSRA members should strive to do their best on the field and to improve their skills
VII. CVSRA officials should act and think like professionals. Behavior and conduct influence public opinion about officials and the officiating profession
United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Code of Ethics for Referee
1. That I shall always maintain the utmost respect for the game of soccer.
2. That I will conduct myself honorably at all times and maintain the dignity of my position
3. That I shall always honor a contractual obligation.
4. That I will endeavor to attend local meetings and clinics so as to know the Laws of the Game and their proper interpretation.
5. That I will always strive to achieve maximum teamwork with my fellow referees.
6. That I shall be loyal to my fellow referees, and never knowingly promote criticism of them.
7. That I shall be in good physical condition so as to be in the right place at the right time.
8. That I will control the players effectively by being courteous and considerate without sacrificing firmness.
9. That I shall do my utmost to assist my fellow officials to better themselves and their work.
10. That I shall not make statements about any game except to clarify an interpretation of the Laws of the Game.
11. That I consider it a privilege to be a part of the United States Soccer Federation, and I will strive to make my actions reflect credit upon that organization and its affiliates.