Match Official Abuse

Message to Clubs, Colleges, Schools and Universities.

Whilst we acknowledge and are thankful for the positive behaviour of the vast majority of players, coaches, Office holders, spectators and parents, unfortunately, a small minority are making things unpleasant and unenjoyable for our referee and other match official members. We work hard to recruit new referees. As you will know, there is a national shortage of referees and unfortunately, one of the reasons for losing referees from the game we all love is referee/Match Official Abuse. When we lose referees for this reason, every club, college, school and university suffers, as fixtures become more difficult to cover.

The Society has reluctantly decided that for subscriptions for season 2024/25, we will add a ‘Match Official Abuse’ supplement to the subscription of any club, college, school or university whose ‘Match Official Abuse’ record is poor.

Please ensure that everyone in your club etc is aware of this, so that we all work together to eradicate Match Official abuse.

Many thanks for your help in this matter and we hope you have an enjoyable season.

 

Barry Clark, Chairperson, Gloucester & District Referees’ Society.