Whitecaps London provides clear referee information to ensure games are safe, fair, and enjoyable for all participant
The Referee Information section supports the officials who help make every Whitecaps London match safe, fair, and enjoyable, while also guiding teams, parents, and spectators on how to engage with referees in a respectful and constructive way. It brings together essential information for referees currently working with the club, those interested in becoming involved, and families seeking clarity on match-day roles, expectations, and procedures.
This section is grounded in the club’s core policies—including the Code of Conduct, Harassment Policy, Equity and Inclusion Policy, and Zero Tolerance Policy—which clearly define standards of behaviour toward referees at all age levels. It reinforces that officials are not opponents, but partners in development, and that abuse, intimidation, or disrespect toward referees has no place in the game.
Referee Information also connects to Ontario Soccer and district-level systems for certification, assignment, and reporting, helping families understand how officials are trained, appointed, and supported. Match-day decisions around safety, emergencies, and weather are guided by written club policies, ensuring consistency and accountability. Together, these elements reflect Whitecaps London’s commitment to creating an environment where referees feel supported, players feel protected, and the game is played with integrity.
Day-to-day responsibility for referees sits with the local referee assignors and district referee coordinators, working in partnership with Whitecaps London’s club leadership and technical staff to ensure appropriate coverage and consistent standards at home games, festivals, and tournaments. Club executives and policy leads make sure that expectations around respect for match officials are clearly communicated through codes of conduct, team meetings, and registration information, while coaches are expected to set the tone on the sidelines by modeling calm, respectful communication and guiding parents to do the same. When issues arise, documented procedures in the club’s harassment, discipline, and incident-reporting policies help referees and team officials know what steps to take and whom to contact, offering a transparent process that protects everyone involved. By aligning referee support with its wider Long-Term Player Development and safe sport frameworks, Whitecaps London works to create a culture where officials feel valued, young referees can grow in confidence, and players learn to see referees as partners in the game rather than opponents, strengthening the club community as a whole.
