What minimum sanctions apply to misconduct against a match official?

The Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code (August 2024), section 4 "Misconduct Against Match Officials" of the sanctions schedule, sets these minimum sanctions where misconduct is directed at a match official. The Code defines a match official as the referee, assistant referees, fourth official, match commissioner, referee inspector/assessor, the person in charge of safety, and other persons appointed by Canada Soccer to assume responsibility in connection with a match.

Each minimum is stated as a number of matches "or appropriate period of time":

• Unsporting conduct (offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures): a six-match suspension.
• Intimidating or threatening a match official: a ten-match suspension.
• Assaulting a match official (elbowing, punching, kicking, spitting, hitting, biting and so on): a 15-match suspension.

Fines are as set by the competition regulations. The Code says the sanctions are "but not limited to" these minimums. In cases of alleged physical assault, attempted assault or threatening behaviour toward a game official, the accused is suspended from all soccer activities from the date of the alleged incident until a hearing has been held and the case decided.

Source: Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code August 2024, Definitions, sanctions schedule section 4 and Article XV (https://canadasoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2024-CSDC_Final_EN.pdf).