In a move at least partially with the outlaw Canadian Soccer League in mind, the OSA clarified the penalties referees that officiate in non-sanctioned leagues will face.
The CSL is operating as an outlaw league in 2014 after failing to meet the financial requirements set-up for it by the CSA. It is working with an unrecognized group to provide basic personal injury liability insurance, but will face no accountability from a sanctioning body.
At least one game has been proven to have been fixed in the CSL in the past. There are allegations that the problem is widespread.
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Sources close to the situation have told CSN that the CSL has been telling referees that there would be no consequences for officiating games in that league this summer. The OSA has now made it clear that is not the case.
In a directly worded release, the OSA stressed that calling unsanctioned games will have severe penalties attached.
In addition to not receiving any protection from the OSA in disputes or assault situations, referees will be suspended.
A first offence will result in a 30-day suspension, a second will be between 3-6 months and a third suspension will be for between 1-2 years.
Effectively, the suspensions will keep any serious official away from the league. By being forced to use inexperienced officials, the CSL is now even more ripe for potential fixing.