Fair Play Rating

The USA Soccer League has requested that all referees assigned to league matches include a Soccer Fair Play rating on the game report for each team in the comment area. The rating system is described below.

Soccer Fair Play Ratings

Fair Play Rating

To receive a ranking of “5” -(Exemplary) Team displays excellent sportsmanship: All players cooperate fully with officials about rule interpretations and calls. Team displays respectful conduct towards the opposing team, officials, spectators and teammates (e.g retrieving balls after a foul, helping teammates and opponents to their feet). Regardless of score or game situation, team aims to create a positive atmosphere for all (e.g. complimenting and encouraging everyone involved with the game). Team does not intentionally run up the score if leading by a large margin. Team picks up after self (i.e. throwing away empty water/Gatorade bottles and organizing jerseys).

To receive a ranking of “4" – (Above Average) Team displays above average sportsmanship: All players respectfully address officials about rule interpretations and calls. Captain exhibits full control over him/herself, their team and fans. No team members engage in dangerous play or trash talking. Team members actively assist in getting games started on time (e.g. jerseys are checked out and all players are signed in and ready to start at scheduled game time). Team stays off the sidelines, and observes rules regarding proper substitution procedures (e.g. waiting for the referee’s recognition). Team makes an active effort to learn and comply with IM policy and game protocol. Players respond to official’s warnings and requests (e.g. backing up for free kicks the first time the official asks for yards). No rough penalties.

A fair play score between a 3 and 4 should be most common.

To receive a ranking of "3" – (Average) Every team starts each contest at a 3. Team displays average sportsmanship: Team engages in a limited amount of verbal complaints to officials, and some players may show minor dissension. The team captain exhibits control over teammates and him/herself. Opposing teams communicate with one another as long as it is not detrimental to the spirit of the game (e.g. Team members rarely engage in trash talking or taunting). Team members do not retaliate towards participants and/or spectators. No violent or malicious play. (Team with an average fair play score below a 3 is ineligible for the playoffs)

To receive a ranking of "2" – (Below Average and not eligible for playoffs) Team displays below average sportsmanship: Team consistently engages in verbal dissent of officials, opponents, teammates and spectators. The team captain exhibits little or no control over teammates, spectators and/or him/herself (e.g. kicking the ball out of frustration after a play or call). Team members consistently engage in rough play (e.g. multiple yellow cards, malicious fouls, and dramatization/faking injury). Team members engage in excessive trash talking that is offensive and disrespectful. Game gets out of hand to the point where IM staff may need to intervene.

To receive a ranking of "1" – (Unacceptable and not eligible for playoffs) Team displays poor sportsmanship and is completely uncooperative. Captain has no control over him/herself, teammates and/or spectators. Team creates an unsafe and hostile environment to the point where supervisor and/or officials have to step in and the stop the game (e.g. verbal and physical threats, punching, fighting). Other examples may include multiple red cards or joining in an altercation that has started (e.g. goalies, spectators, or other participants leaving their respective areas).