Interviews and Commentary
Ontario Soccer is introducing body cameras to curb ref abuse, but some say culture change starts with adults – June 1, 2023
CBC Radio
Referees adopt body cameras to confront abuse – May 31, 2023
The Current with Matt Galloway
Referees will wear body cameras as part of an Ontario Soccer pilot program to protect them from abusive parents, coaches and players.
Dr. Vaillancourt speaks with Matt Galloway about “what’s behind the aggression, and its mental health impact on and off the pitch.”
News
Ontario soccer referees to wear body cameras to combat increase in abuse – May 29, 2023
Ontario referees will be outfitted with body cameras this summer in an effort to stop aggressive abuse at soccer games across the province.
“Last year we had a 16-year-old female official assaulted in a parking lot by angry parents,” Johnny Misley, president of Ontario Soccer, said on Monday.
Why Did the Umpire Quit Little League? Nasty Parents – May 4, 2023
Spectator abuse of officials has long been an epidemic across youth sports. One New Jersey Little League launched a creative deterrent.
Refsupportuk Twitter – March 14, 2023
An image of a referee in the UK being verbally abused by a spectator. In the caption, a quote from the referee explains the image: “During the game I flagged to the referee, that the ball had gone out of play for a goal kick, the gentleman in the picture didn’t agree with my decision. He called me a f—ing fat slag, and that he was going to bounce me up and down the f—ing football pitch. I never heard back from The FA”.
GTA soccer community mourns referee Edwin Alvarado, shot dead trying to de-escalate on-field scuffle – October 17, 2022
Alvarado was described as “a great human being who dedicated his life to his personal and sports growth, as well as his daughters and many other athletes.” He was one of three people shot inside La Liga Sports Complex on October 9, 2022.
“No one should ever have to go to a game and face violence in any way. We absolutely condemn in the strongest words possible this deplorable and cowardly act.” – Futsal Canada