Hello District League Members,

The first month and a half of district league competition has produced some deeply concerning trends that require immediate action from clubs. Our inboxes and discipline proceedings are filled with complaints and reports regarding spectators and team officials detailing outlandish behaviour including but not limited to:

-          abusive conduct (verbal and physical)

-          screaming and swearing

-          racialized remarks

-          mocking/belittling youth referees

-          mocking/belittling players (as young as U8!)

-          spectator intimidation tactics towards other spectators

-          encouragement of ‘dirty’ play

-          disruption of matches requiring stoppages in play

-          refusal to view the match from the spectator side of the pitch

-          parents approaching/questioning/obscene gesturing towards match officials during and post-match

-          parents entering the field of play

Clubs are responsible for their spectator’s behaviour and can therefore be subject to heavy discipline fines for their conduct and in addition, game abandonment.  We encourage clubs to implement policies identifying that spectators/teams shall be responsible for discipline fines as a result of their conduct.

Referee, player and team official abuse will not be tolerated for any reason. If the current level of spectator conduct persists the district will consider implementing the following:

-          Mandatory parent completion of ‘Respect in Sport – Parent’ for repeat offending teams

-          Banning of spectator attendance for specific teams or divisions

Southwest Soccer has increased our at-field presence and will be appointing matches strategically with our League Assistant to monitor and report on standards and conduct.  We are requesting that clubs do their part and act immediately to address team officials and parent groups for improvement. Conduct of this nature has been witnessed in all divisions but the U16 Boys division is our worst offender and must see improvement ASAP.

There is no place in Southwest Soccer for this type of conduct.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to a more positive soccer experience for the remainder of Outdoor 2025.