How do I report serious misconduct, and what if I am abused?

Reporting: Law 6 (2026/27) says the on-field match officials must submit a report to the appropriate authorities on any serious misconduct or other incident that occurred out of the view of the referee and the other match officials, and must advise the referee and the other match officials that a report is being made. Under the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code (August 2024), other match officials appointed to a game report on infringements they observed, in writing, to the Match Commissioner where appointed or as the competition regulations say. Anyone may also file a written report with discipline@canadasoccer.com.

If you are abused: assistant referees are match officials under the Code, so the minimum sanctions for misconduct against match officials apply: six matches for offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures, ten for intimidating or threatening, and 15 for assault (or an appropriate period of time). Clubs and leagues must take all precautions to prevent players, officials and spectators from threatening or assaulting anyone at games, especially the referee and assistant referees, and are expected to provide security. The accused is suspended from all soccer activities from the date of an alleged assault, attempted assault or threat until a hearing is held and the case decided.

Sources: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 6; Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code August 2024 (https://canadasoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2024-CSDC_Final_EN.pdf).