Top Organizations in Youth Soccer Join Together to Protect Young Referees
In collaboration with various youth competitions, New Jersey Youth Soccer introduces The Yellow Wristband Initiative to combat misconduct towards minor referees, emphasizing respect and support.
To draw attention to and help stop misconduct toward referees and officials, New Jersey Youth Soccer and youth competitions throughout the state, with the support of the New Jersey State Referee Committee, are introducing The Yellow Wristband Initiative for minor referees.
What is the Goal?
Youth soccer leaders have introduced the Yellow Wristband Initiative to increase awareness and foster a more supportive environment for young referees. This program allows minor referees (under 18 years old) to wear a yellow wristband on game day, signaling to players, coaches, and spectators that they are still in the learning phase of their officiating journey. The initiative serves as a reminder for adults to demonstrate respect, encouragement, and patience toward young referees, helping to create a positive and educational atmosphere that ensures their development and retention in the game. 
This collaboration exists between NJ Youth Soccer, MLS Next, United Soccer League, 3M Soccer League, Central Jersey Futsal, EDP, Metro Youth Soccer League, Mid New Jersey Youth Soccer Association, Monmouth Ocean Soccer Association, Morris County Youth Soccer League, Northern Burlington Recreation Soccer League, Northern Counties Soccer Association, Ocean County Recreation Soccer, Rockaway Valley Soccer League, South Jersey Soccer League, South Jersey Girls Soccer League and Suburban Youth Soccer League.
“NJ Youth Soccer is thrilled to be working with various youth soccer leagues and organizations to develop The Yellow Wristband Initiative,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. “We are committed to our youth referee community and making their environment safe and conducive to learning.
“Supporting and developing referees at the youth levels is vital to the continuing growth of the game in our country,” said Luis Robles, Senior Manager of MLS NEXT and former New York Red Bulls goalkeeper. “MLS NEXT applauds the work of NJ Youth Soccer, as well as all the youth soccer leagues, and looks forward to joining in their efforts.”
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Why is this the right thing to do?
“We know the environment for referees is far from ideal,” said Dabby. “The last thing we want is the spectators making this job more difficult and this is one way to remind everyone that these referees are young and to help ensure their success.”
“I have a young son,” said Dabby, “All it takes is seeing your son on the field once being disrespected by a coach or spectator and you can see we need change.”
“The Yellow Wristband Initiative is an important effort towards creating a positive and supportive culture around our games,” said Jen Marcella, Executive Director of Leagues for EDP Soccer. “We value all referees in our league and prioritize having the safest environment possible for each of our participants.”
Along with this campaign, NJ Youth Soccer, its Member Leagues, and other participating youth organizations pledge to implement the following sanctions to support minor referees:
- Immediately suspend a person for allegations of referee abuse and assault towards a minor, pending a hearing (similar to the US Soccer Referee Assault Policy).
- Doubling the minimum sanctions for a person found guilty of referee abuse or assault towards a minor.
For our young referees to continue to grow, just as our players do, they must be able to officiate games without intimidation, fear, or abuse. It is EVERYONE’S responsibility – whether it be the Club, coaches, or parents – to hold each other accountable and set the standard for acceptable behavior.
We need to empower these young girls and boys who are willing to volunteer their time to help keep the youth soccer teams competing and therefore need to protect their wellbeing.
Remember: “Yelling is banned when you see a yellow band.”
Clubs, Leagues, and Tournaments are encouraged to distribute wristbands at their events. Those interested in doing so can contact NJ Youth Soccer at [email protected].
The Yellow Wristband Initiative is made possible via the U.S. Soccer Innovate to Grow Grant. Recognizing the vital role that its member organizations play in growing soccer across the country, U.S. Soccer established the Innovate to Grow (ITG) Fund in 2017 to help U.S. Soccer member organizations launch new and innovative programs designed to grow participation in their markets, providing up to $3 million of funding per year.
Since its inception, ITG has granted over $9.8 million in funding through 145 awards to U.S. Soccer members across the country and provided COVID-19 relief and recovery funds during 2020 and 2021.
“We are thrilled to see the progress that our members continue to make using the ITG grant,” said Cindy Cone, US Soccer President. “The work that NJYS and all of our members do continues to be invaluable as we strive to grow our game for all.”
To find out more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact them directly, please email [email protected]. Also, make sure to follow them on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
