Code of Conduct

Referees Code of Conduct

The North American Futsal Federation is committed to creating and upholding traditions of excellence through futsal, focusing on responsibility and accountability. Everyone involved in the sport of futsal is responsible for his or her own behavior whether on the court, the bench, the stand or in the bleachers.

The primary role of the referee is to assure opportunity of fair play for all participants. The referee serves as an arbitrator who controls the tone of the match by demonstrating an attitude of impartiality and creating a positive environment for competition. It is the responsibility of the referee to provide judgments that are within the spirit and intent of the rules, maintain the quality of the competitive experience, apply control measures where they are called for and protect the health and welfare of each participant. A referee’s decision is free from bias and is based on a thorough knowledge of the rules and officiating techniques used within the North American Futsal Federation.

The referee plays a significant role for the North American Futsal Federation in competitive athletic contests. The referee represents the ultimate integrity of any competition. Through actions on and off the court, each official must earn the respect and confidence of players, coaches, and others. Confidence and respect are not earned by works, but by unquestioned honesty, unbiased integrity, demonstrated ability, obvious devotion to and a full understanding of futsal as a whole – by rule and in spirit.

Official’s Code of Conduct

• As a member of the Referees Division of the North American Futsal Federation, I assure my conduct will be exemplary and above reproach, both on and off the court. I will not act in a manner contrary to normal acceptable behavior, nor will I place the reputation of the North American Futsal Federation or its refereeing corps in jeopardy. I am mindful that the majority of the North American Futsal Federation work is with and involves players and other referees that are under the age of 18.

In addition, I will:

• Adhere to all rules, policies and procedures of the SafeSport Program.
• Maintain a professional attitude, comportment, and appearance during all assignments.
• Take control of my own health and safety by complying with or exceeding all public health guidelines as required by the State in which I work/referee in, and the North American Futsal Federation.
• Maintain responsible association with the North American Futsal Federation, and its national programs and member organizations.
• Devote time, thought and study to the rules, procedures, and mechanics of the sport of futsal in order to carry out my referee assignment effectively.
• Display knowledgeable, impartial, consistent, and courteous referee behavior.
• Refrain from consuming alcohol or using marijuana within 12 hours of an officiating assignment.
• Refrain from consuming any tobacco (includes vaping and e-cigarettes), illegal drugs, marijuana products or alcohol at the event venue(s) of any North American Futsal Federation sanctioned event.
• Remain within the limits of the law, at all times, with regard to the use of legal substances. I will abstain from any illegal substance use.
• Enforce Code of Conduct regulations, on and off the court, as authorized by the North American Futsal Federation policies.
• Encourage and support other officiating personnel in promoting referee team unity and rapport.
• Accept rating and training feedback positively so as to improve my ability as an official

I agree to comply with the Referees Code of Conduct. If I disagree with any portion of the Referees’ Code of Conduct, I will not mark myself as available to work in the referee’s assignment program. I understand that violations of this policy may result in removal from further work opportunity and/or disciplinary action in accordance with the North American Futsal Federation Due Process Policy.