Top Organizations in Youth Soccer Join Together to Protect Young Referees
New Jersey Youth Soccer, in collaboration with various youth competitions, introduces The Yellow Wristband Initiative to combat misconduct towards minor referees, emphasizing respect and support.
To draw attention to and help put a stop to misconduct towards referees and officials, New Jersey Youth Soccer and youth competitions throughout the state, with the support of the New Jersey State Referee Committee, are introducing The Yellow Wristband Initiative for minor referees.
This collaboration exists between NJ Youth Soccer, MLS Next, United Soccer League, 3M Soccer League, Central Jersey Futsal, EDP, Metro Youth Soccer League, Mid New Jersey Youth Soccer Association, Monmouth Ocean Soccer Association, Morris County Youth Soccer League, Northern Burlington Recreation Soccer League, Northern Counties Soccer Association, Ocean County Recreation Soccer, Rockaway Valley Soccer League, South Jersey Soccer League, South Jersey Girls Soccer League and Suburban Youth Soccer League.
As a primary goal, The Yellow Wristband Initiative is aimed at increasing awareness about the presence of minor (e.g. under the age of 18) referees in our game. Through the initiative, minor referees can opt to receive yellow wristbands to wear on game day. Therefore, a referee wearing the yellow wristband is identified as a minor. The expectation is that all adults will show the encouragement and respect that minor referees deserve as they learn their craft.
“NJ Youth Soccer is thrilled to be working with a variety of youth soccer leagues and organizations to develop The Yellow Wristband Initiative,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. “We are committed to our youth referee community and making their environment safe and conducive to learning.
“Supporting and developing referees at the youth levels is vital to the continuing growth of the game in our country,” said Luis Robles, Senior Manager of MLS NEXT and former New York Red Bulls goalkeeper. “MLS NEXT applauds the work of NJ Youth Soccer, as well as all the youth soccer leagues, and looks forward to joining in their efforts.”
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Why is this the right thing to do?
“We know the environment for referees is far from ideal,” said Dabby. “The last thing we want is the spectators making this job more difficult and this is one way to remind everyone that these referees are young and to help ensure their success.”
“I have a young son,” said Dabby, “All it takes is seeing your son on the field one time being disrespected by a coach or spectator and you can see we need change.”
“The Yellow Wristband Initiative is an important effort towards creating a positive and supportive culture around our games,” said Jen Marcella, Executive Director of Leagues for EDP Soccer. “We value all referees in our league and prioritize having the safest environment possible for each of our participants.”
Along with this campaign, NJ Youth Soccer, its Member Leagues, and other participating youth organizations pledge to implement the following sanctions to support minor referees:
- Immediately suspend a person for allegations of referee abuse and assault towards a minor, pending a hearing (similar to the US Soccer Referee Assault Policy).
- Doubling the minimum sanctions for a person found guilty of referee abuse or assault towards a minor.
For our young referees to continue to grow, just as our players do, they must be able to officiate games without intimidation, fear, or abuse. It is EVERYONE’S responsibility – whether it be the Club, coaches, or parents – to hold each other accountable and set the standard for acceptable behavior.
We need to empower these young girls and boys who are willing to volunteer their time to help keep the youth soccer teams competing and therefore need to protect their wellbeing.
Remember: “Yelling is banned when you see a yellow band.”
Clubs, Leagues and Tournaments are encouraged to distribute wristbands at their events, and those interested in doing so can contact NJ Youth Soccer at communications@njyouthsoccer.com.
The Yellow Wristband Initiative is made possible via the U.S. Soccer Innovate to Grow Grant. Recognizing the vital role that its member organizations play in the growth of soccer across the country, U.S. Soccer established the Innovate to Grow (ITG) Fund in 2017 to help U.S. Soccer member organizations launch new and innovative programs designed to grow participation in their markets, providing up to $3 million of funding total per year.
Since its inception, ITG has granted over $9.8 million in funding through 145 awards to U.S. Soccer members across the country, as well as providing COVID-19 relief and recovery funds during 2020 and 2021.
“We are thrilled to see the progress that our members continue to make using the ITG grant,” said Cindy Cone, US Soccer President. “The work that NJYS and all of our members do continues to be invaluable as we strive to grow our game for all.”
To find out more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact them directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also, make sure to follow them on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
