Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

Regulations For Referees

Throughout this text, the term 'referee' also refers to line officials.

A person wishing to register as a referee must be examined and classified in accordance with the standards published in the Referee Development Manual.

No person shall act as a referee in any competition under the jurisdiction of The Canadian Soccer Association who is not on the official list of an affiliated Provincial Soccer Association. If, for some unforeseen circumstances a referee is unable to act, teams may agree on some other person who is willing to act in the emergency.

All persons wishing to be placed on the Official List of Referees shall make application as prescribed by the Provincial Association. If in order, the name of the applicant shall be placed on the official list in the classification for which s/he is qualified. All F.I.F.A. Referees, F.I.F.A. Line Officials and National Referees shall pay an annual registration fee, which shall be forwarded to this Association by the Provincial Association. The fees together with a complete list of the names and addresses of all referees on their official list must reach this Association no later than July 31st annually. The Provincial Association may assess such additional fees as they deem necessary.

The Association will forward to the respective provincial/territorial Association in Membership, copies of the most recent edition of the F.I.F.A. Laws of the Game equal to the number of referees on the official list in that province/territory. The provincial/territorial Association in Membership shall indicate the language of same. Copies of all F.I.F.A. Circulars related to matters of refereeing, shall be forwarded to the provincial/territorial Association in Membership, for distribution to referees on the official list in that province/territory.

Provincial Associations may re-examine or re-classify any registered referee at its discretion, and may also remove a referee from its Official List of Referees for just cause.

Associations, leagues or competitions under the jurisdiction of an affiliated Member may appoint referees to their own games, provided the appointments are from an official list.

Appointments made by this Association shall take precedence over all others, save those made directly by FIFA or CONCACAF.

A registered player who is also on an Official List of Referees shall not officiate in any league or competition in which the players team is entered.

Associations, leagues or competitions shall pay such fees to game officials as are approved by the Provincial or District Associations under whose jurisdiction the games are played. It is an offence for an official to ask for or receive more than the set rates.

The referee shall decide on the fitness of the ground and his/her decision shall be final.

The referee must, within twenty-four (24) hours of the conclusion of the game at which s/he officiated, or such other time as may be stipulated in the rules of the competition, forward to the appointing body a written report containing the result of the game and detail any misconduct.

All referees shall comply with the Code of Ethics for Canadian Referees. A complaint against a referee shall be made in writing to the province of registration. In case of a FIFA or National Referee it shall be referred to the Canadian Soccer Association Referee Committee.

All referees shall be under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Association, in whose territory they operate or are registered unless otherwise stipulated.

All Provincial Associations shall implement the regulations and standards for referees as set by The Canadian Soccer Association Referee Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.

Code of Ethics for Referees

The Canadian Soccer Association is aware of its responsibility towards referees and having granted certain privileges to referees, it is obliged to ensure such individuals realize and respect their responsibilities and duties towards The Association and the game.

A Canadian referee shall:

Conduct himself/herself with dignity both on and off the field of play and shall by his/her example endeavor to inspire the true principles of Fair Play and earn the respect of those s/he serves.

Not cause The Association to become involved in any controversial matters and shall abide by the rules and regulations of the jurisdiction in which s/he officiates.

Adhere to all national standards and directives.

Always be neat in appearance and maintain a high level of physical and mental fitness.

Study the Laws of the Game and be aware of and enforce all said laws and changes.

Perform his/her designated responsibilities, including attending organized clinics, meetings, lectures, etc., and assist other referees to upgrade and improve their standard of officiating, instructing and assessing.

Adhere to the Canadian Soccer Association anti-doping policy as detailed in the C.S.A. Constitution and Administrative Guide.

Honor any appointments made for and accepted by him/her unless unable to do so by virtue of illness or personal emergency.

Not publicly criticize other referees or any soccer association, nor shall s/he make any statements to the media related to any game in which s/he was involved.

Not make any public statement to the media (newspaper, television, radio, etc.) relating to any game in which s/he officiated or the performance of the players or other officials.

Be subject to disciplinary action for not complying with this Code of Ethics for Referees.

General Regulations

Referees and Line Officials must comply with all provincial/territorial regulations relating to officials; with the Code of Ethics as well as with the regulations contained in The Canadian Soccer Association Referee Program Manual.