{"id":7398,"date":"2025-09-16T11:12:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T15:12:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsengine-develop.go-vip.net\/epysa\/?page_id=7398"},"modified":"2025-10-20T12:14:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T16:14:06","slug":"green-badge-initiative","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sportsengine-develop.go-vip.net\/epysa\/green-badge-initiative\/","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Green Badge Initiative<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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RESPECT THE CALL: FOR EVERY REFEREE<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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As part of a nationwide effort to create a more respectful and supportive environment for referees, U.S. Soccer is introducing the Green Referee Badge<\/strong> beginning with the 2025\u20132026 season. This new badge, worn by all certified referees under the age of 18, is a key element of U.S. Soccer’s ongoing #RespectTheCall<\/strong> campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every referee deserves a safe place to work. #RespectTheCall is a movement for all officials<\/strong>\u2014from grassroots to the professional level. The Green Badge is one way of strengthening that culture by helping protect our most vulnerable referees: youth referees, who also make up the largest portion of our referee community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Why the Green Badge?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Young referees are often the most exposed to sideline pressure and verbal abuse. By providing a clear visual cue that an official is a minor, the Green Badge reminds players, coaches, and spectators to show patience, encouragement, and respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If U.S. Soccer is to develop and retain referees who can perform at the highest levels, it must begin by protecting and supporting them at the grassroots level. The Green Badge creates safer spaces for young referees to learn, gain confidence, and stay connected to the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What You Need to Know<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n