How a Montreal soccer association is changing the culture of refereeing

Referees at lower levels and even in children's sports face significant abuse from parents and spectators, leading some to quit. The Concordia Regional Soccer Association of Montreal is addressing this issue by implementing measures such as marshals to encourage civility and body cameras for referees. Marco Pantanela, a director of refereeing at the association, shared his experience as a referee since 2002, starting as a side job while completing studies and falling in love with the application of rules and ensuring fair play. However, he has also faced abuse throughout his career. The association, which operates on Montreal's island and has about 13,000 members, aims to create a more respectful environment for all involved in soccer.

The culture of sports, particularly towards referees, can lead to abusive behavior from spectators, coaches, and parents, regardless of the level of the game. This issue is especially concerning for young and inexperienced referees who may not feel confident enough to use the tools available to them to manage abusive behavior. To address this issue, a pilot project called "refereeing martial" was launched, where field marshals are responsible for maintaining proper behavior towards referees and have the power to stop a game if necessary. This initiative aims to protect young referees and ensure their safety while officiating. The root cause of abusive behavior is often an emotional reaction to perceived injustice, and most people exhibiting such behavior are not inherently bad. However, it's essential to recognize and address this issue to create a more positive and respectful sports environment for all involved.

Effective communication and intervention are crucial in addressing inappropriate behavior from parents during youth sports events. Referees are often told to address coaches regarding spectator misconduct, but if coaches lack the courage to handle the situation, it can escalate. Other parents may also hesitate to intervene due to fear of retaliation or becoming a target themselves. This can result in a visceral response from those involved, leading to a shocking realization of one's actions after the fact. Having a designated authority figure or system in place to address parental misconduct can help prevent these situations from escalating and ensure a positive experience for all involved.