Attention Referees: Counterfeit Badges in Circulation

It has been brought to the Canadian Soccer Association’s attention that its official Referee Badge has been reproduced illegally and is being distributed for profit. These counterfeit badges do not comply with the Association’s 2009 Branding Guidelines and are not permitted to be worn by registered referees.

To determine if your badge is authentic, judge your badge against the correct Canadian Soccer Association logo. If the font is noticeably incorrect, the bottom portion of the ‘ball’ is stitched differently and has a raised texture, then your badge is most likely a counterfeit.

Also, please be reminded that the Canadian Soccer Association Referee Badge is to be worn only on the left breast pocket of the Referee Uniform or blazer. The Association Referee Badge or Canadian Soccer Association logo is not to be applied to any other surface, including but not limited to tracksuits, hats, bags unless authorized by the Canadian Soccer Association.

As per the Association’s 2009 Branding Guidelines, “usage of the Canadian Soccer Association logo is restricted to those obtaining express written consent from the Canadian Soccer Association. This is not done in order to discourage usage, but to ensure longevity and proper recognition of this representation of the Canadian Soccer Association in a professional manner.”