What do I do if a spectator or coach abuses the referee or an assistant referee?
Rule- Victoria
- Football Victoria
- Community football
- Ground marshals
- All age groups
- 2026
- Volunteers
The 2026 handbook sets out this process for disrespectful or negative behaviour towards a referee or assistant referee:
- Respectfully ask the person or group to stop, reminding them that criticism or strong questioning of referees is not allowed.
- If it continues, instruct them to cease immediately. If possible at this point, try to get another parent to start videoing the behaviour on their phone.
- If the person is not the team coach, involve the team coach to help end it. If it is the coach, ask their Team Manager or the visiting Ground Marshal to assist.
- If it continues, expel the person or group from the ground immediately. The carpark is the closest they are allowed to be.
- If they refuse a reasonable instruction, respectfully tell the referee the game is to be postponed until they comply. If they still refuse, the referee may immediately abandon the fixture. Do not engage further: collect playing equipment such as match balls and leave with the referee.
- Report the misconduct, including disputes and foul and abusive language, on the Incident Report Form.
Added 24 Oct 2026