OSA - Code of Conduct

To ensure a safe environment for all Soccer participants, referees have been given special responsibilities and are therefore expected to act with professionalism and courtesy at all times. There is an OSA Board approved "Code of Conduct" for Ontario Referees contained in the following document:
1.1	Game officials having certain privileges through and by The Association, with respect to the game, shall realize and respect their responsibilities and duties to The Association and the game. The Association endorses the Canadian Soccer Association's "Code of Ethics" for Game Officials. Specifically Game Officials shall:
	a)	Conduct themselves with dignity both on and off the field of play and shall, by example, endeavour to inspire the true principles of fair play and earn the respect of those whom they serve;
	b)	Not cause The Association to become involved in any controversial matters and shall abide by the rules and regulations of the jurisdiction in which they officiate;
	c)	Adhere to all standards and directives;
	d)	Always be neat in appearance and maintain a high level of physical and mental fitness;
	e)	Study the Laws of the game and be aware of all changes, and shall enforce all said Laws and changes;
	f)	Perform their designated responsibilities, including attending organized clinics and lectures, etc., and shall assist their colleagues in upgrading and improving their standards of officiating, instructing and assessing;
	g)	Honour any appointments made for and accepted by them unless unable to do so by virtue of illness or personal emergency;
	h)	Not publicly criticize other officials or any soccer association nor shall they make any statements to the media related to any game in which they were involved;
	i)	Be subject to disciplinary action for not complying with this Code of Conduct.

The Canadian Soccer Association is aware of its responsibilities toward its referees and, having granted certain privileges to referees, it is obliged to ensure such individuals realize and respect their responsibilities and duties.

Specifically, a Canadian referee shall:

1. Conduct himself/herself with dignity on and off the field of play at all times and shall, by personal example, endeavour to inspire the true principles of fair play and to earn the respect of those whom he/she serves.

2. Not cause The Canadian Soccer Association to become involved in any controversial matters and shall abide by the rules and regulations of the jurisdiction in which he/she officiates.

3. Adhere to all national standards and directives.

4. Always be neat in appearance and maintain a high level of physical and mental fitness.

5. Study the Laws of the Game and be aware of all changes, and shall enforce all said laws and changes.

6. Perform his/her designated responsibilities, including attending organized clinics and lectures, etc., and shall assist his/her fellow referees to upgrade and raise their standard of officiating.

7. Honour any appointments made for and accepted by him/her unless unable to do so by virtue of illness or personal emergency.

8. Not publicly criticize other referees or any soccer association.

9. Not make any public statement to the media (newspaper, TV, radio, etc.,) relating to any game officiated by him/her or regarding the quality of the match or the performance of the teams and their players.

10. Follow the correct lines of communication to the CSA Referee Committee which shall be through the Provincial/Territorial Soccer Association where he/she is registered.

A Canadian referee shall be subject to disciplinary action should he/she not comply with this Code of Ethics.