As a referee, you’re on the frontline. But you’re never alone, because ending discrimination and abuse is everyone’s responsibility. Here’s everything you need to know about reporting unacceptable behaviour during your matches.
WATCH OUR NEW VIDEO
See how you’re supported as a referee. During the game. After the game. At all times. Get a helpful reminder of the steps you need to take if it happens during a game.
YOU ALWAYS HAVE ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE
There’s no need for confrontation. Just a clear need to identify and report discriminatory behaviour through a set procedure designed to protect you and get results.
In the event of discriminatory behaviour, here’s what you should do:
1. At a break in play, you should be made aware of the incident.
2. You must then report it to a relevant club representative.
3. Next, this representative should speak to the individual involved to stop the discriminatory abuse.
4. Then speak to the managers and captains of both sides to confirm the way forward.
5. You have the authority to take the players off the field until the discriminatory behaviour ends. If it doesn’t, you have the authority to abandon the game.
6. Following the game, you should report any incident to the relevant County FA, even if you didn’t personally witness the discriminatory abuse.
7. You can also contact Kick it Out by emailing report@kickitout.org or on the app.
DID YOU KNOW...
- Over 60% of reported discriminatory abuse lead to a charge.
- Referees have the power to abandon the match if it doesn’t stop.
We’re all taking the strongest stand against discriminatory behaviour, and we’re ensuring you are supported as a referee. Together, we can kick it out.
SIN BINS: ENCOURAGING RESPECT
Remember, a really effective way to deal with dissent is use of the sin bin, a 10-minute temporary dismissal from the pitch. Sin bins were introduced across all levels of grassroots football in 2019 to improve levels of respect and fair play in the game.
