NWSL’s poor refereeing and dangerous play criticized, but no quick fixes in sight

Kris Ward is measured when speaking to the media. Last week, however, he hit a tipping point. The Washington Spirit head coach spent much of his media availability voicing frustrations about the state of refereeing in the National Women’s Soccer League, and the league’s lack of accountability and communication around it.

“It’s absolute madness,” Ward said in a lengthy rant Wednesday. “It is so beyond the pale.”

Washington’s 1-1 draw against the Portland Thorns was perhaps the best game of the season thus far and from the outside, it did not seem overly physical — at least not by the NWSL’s typical standard. Ward, however, believed his players had been failed on multiple occasions this season, leading to injuries. Ultimately, he said, it wasn’t only hurting the players, but the NWSL as a whole.

“If you want to have talented players on the field — which, people tune in to watch Ashley Sanchez,” Ward said. “… People tune in to watch Trinity Rodman. If you’re not going to do your job in protecting them, that’s not going to be the case and you’re going to get less exciting players on the field, and people aren’t going to want to watch.

“So, the league, at some point, has to make a decision as to what they want to do. Because this is what continues to happen. It is so frustrating to watch it time and time and time again, and listen to the absolute nonsense that comes back from them.”

NWSL coaches have complained about refereeing for years, and now the problem appears to be at an impasse. Ward’s reference to “the league” is also notable: while referees shoulder the burden of a high-profile missed call, the root of the issue is more systemic.

Improving the standard of refereeing requires investment from the NWSL, further referee training and better working conditions. It also requires several parties to come together regarding those solutions. Historically, investment from the league, particularly in this category, has been a challenge.

The NWSL sources its…