NISOA Policy Statements
Assault on the Referee
The National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association considers an assault upon any of its member referees a matter of great concern. The safety and rights of the individual( s) must be protected at all times. The NISOA recognizes that the responsibility for them is shared by the participating schools, the participating teams, players and officials, the local NISOA Chapter and the NISOA. The following principles summarize the NISOA policy and guidelines concerning an assault upon the referee( s):
Assault by team player( s), coach( es) or school representative( s) on officials A. The NISOA Chapter assigned to officiate for an institution is encouraged to negotiate an agreement with that institution, prior to the start of any seasonal year, which mandates the protection from physical assault which that institution will be responsible for providing. In the event that a referee is assaulted the Local NISOA Chapter is expected to assist the referee in all follow-up actions to the fullest extent possible.
B. Each institution must provide as much physical security for the referees as is necessary. It is reasonable to expect that each institution consider providing: I. Security personnel at home matches; II. Specific action guidelines to its security personnel, staff and team officials in the event an assault on a referee by players or spectators during or after any match;
III. The security of referee( s) at the dressing areas, going to and from the field, and while on the premises of the institution.
Assault by specatators A. The NISOA Chapter assigned to officiate for an institution is encouraged to negotiate an agreement with that institution, prior to the start of any seasonal year, which mandates the protection from physical assault by spectators which that institution will be responsible for providing. NISOA recognizes that soccer is, to a large extent, a spectator sport and would not wish to see spectators denied the opportunity to enjoy intercollegiate soccer competitions.
B. Spectator control is a responsibility of the home institution.
C. All reasonable and prudent measures must be instituted. It is reasonable to expect each institution to consider: I. Security personnel at its home matches; II. Limits to the field area accessible to spectators during play; III. Specific action guidelines for security personnel, team officials and staff in the event of an assault on a referee by spectators; IV. The security of the referee( s) at the dressing areas, going to and from the field and while on the premises of the institution.
C. The coach of each institution’ s team and any institutional representative present at a match is expected to act in a responsible manner whenever a physical assault either occurs or appears imminent.
D. NISOA referee( s) are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times before, during and after game assignments at any institution. While it is within the spirit of the game that referees do not attempt to retaliate when assaulted, it is a basic right of each individual referee to pursue civil and criminal prosecution. The referee must exercise the discretionary powers provided by the rules to decide whether a game should begin or restart after disturbances. Each referee, if assaulted, should seek the protection afforded by the home institution.
2026 College Soccer Almanac | 123