Safeguarding

Reporting Child Abuse or Misconduct

Steps for reporting both Child Abuse and Misconduct/Prohibited Conduct are available on the MYSA website here - https://mayouthsoccer.org/reporting-child-abuse-and-misconduct/

All Adult Participants of Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association and their member organizations are mandated (mandatory) reporters of any known or suspected child abuse. Abuse does not need to be confirmed. Adult Participants should never seek to conduct their own investigations.

Respect the Call

Steps for reporting Referee Abuse are available on the MYSA website here - https://mayouthsoccer.org/referees/respect-the-call/

Effective March 1, 2025, US Soccer has introduced updates to Policy 531-9 applying to misconduct towards officials from registered participants (players, coaches, registered adults). This policy applies to all Mass Youth Soccer sanctioned play including intown and recreational level play.

Minimum penalties for misconduct towards referees have been increased significantly. Of note to the youth soccer community is a minor multiplier, which triples sanctions for incidents of misconduct towards minor referees.