The ECSL season is only a month old and already were have had four incidents of referee abuse.

In two instances, the referees were physically abused and in two instances the referees were verbally abused.

Three of the four games were grassroots (no score) games.

Certain individuals (hopefully only a few team officials and parents) are clearly NOT respecting the decisions of our referees.

It seems that the Respect In Soccer educational course (if taken) and the completion of the team officials code of conduct forms are not enough to prevent disrespectful behaviour by some team officials.

The league has recorded who has completed the code of conduct forms.

However, the league has no knowledge of whether our team officials have taken (or have not taken) the Respect In Soccer course.

To that end I will be sending each club rep a list of their team officials and ask that they indicate who has taken the Respect In Soccer course.

If team officials continue to disrespect referees (publically dissenting their calls and challeging their decisions) the league will have no choice but to fine these non-compliant individuals. 

In light of what's been happening, the League will also be considering MANDATORY parent Respect In Soccer training before their son or daughter is allowed to register for the 2019 season.