Cal North to introduce the "CAPTA1NS FIRST" campaign during 2024-2025 State Cup

DANVILLE, Calif.  - Cal North is excited to be the first US Youth Soccer state association to introduce the
CAPTA1NS FIRST campaign starting this weekend at the 2024-2025 Cal North State Cup for U9-U12 age groups. 

The CAPTA1NS FIRST campaign will focus on Captain-Only Communication between referees and team captains. Only team captains may speak with referees, and only to respectfully request rule clarifications. This applies to on-field discussions and excludes any other form of commentary, criticism, or feedback. The Captains of the team are leaders selected by their coaches & peers. 

With the CAPTA1NS FIRST campaign we will accomplish: 

• Zero Tolerance for Referee Interference
  • All coaches, players, and spectators are prohibited from addressing referees during or after the game, except in the cases outlined below.
• Captain-Only Communication
  • Only team captains may speak with referees and only to respectfully request rule clarifications. This applies to on-field discussions and excludes any other form of commentary, criticism, or feedback.
• Coaches’ Limited Role
  • Coaches may only ask questions before the game or raise urgent safety concerns during the game. Post-game discussions with referees are prohibited. Any feedback must be submitted to the Cal North Cup Committee.
• Spectator Conduct
  • Spectators are not allowed to address referees, players, or opposing coaches. All concerns must be directed to the team’s coach after the game.
• Disciplinary Measures
  • Violations of this rule may result in ejections and additional disciplinary actions.
  • The “Captains First” initiative aims to foster mutual respect and empower team captains as leaders while ensuring referees can officiate games without undue interference. 

Cal North will provide teams with two(2) captains' armbands at check-in to help identify the captains on the field.

We are aiming to provide a safe and thriving environment for the referees, players, coaches and families that will be attending the Cal North State Cup.

Supporting Partners

We would like to thank Stanford Medicine Children's Health,  Dick's Sporting Goods and Prime Hydration for being supportive partners of Cal North.

Follow Cal North @calnorthsoccer on all social media platforms for coverage of the event.