Referee abuse has become an alarming issue across Canadian soccer, drawing national attention and prompting urgent action. This page highlights key incidents covered in the media to raise awareness and advocate for respect and protection of match officials at all levels.
Interviews and Commentary
The mental health costs of referee abuse in sports – October 2024
Sport Information Resource Centre
Ontario Soccer’s CEO highlighted the mental health toll of referee abuse, describing it as a “crisis” and advocating for measures like body cameras and stricter enforcement to protect officials.
Ontario Soccer is introducing body cameras to curb ref abuse, but some say culture change starts with adults – June 2023
CBC Radio
Referees adopt body cameras to confront abuse – May 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
Concordia Regional Soccer Association hires marshals to combat violence against referees in Montreal – August 2024
The Concordia Regional Soccer Association hired field marshals to monitor games and prevent abuse directed at referees, coaches, and players, following a series of concerning incidents.
Ontario soccer referees to wear body cameras to combat increase in abuse – May 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 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 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 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