Dear Club Secretaries and Managers

I hope all of you had a safe and joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. Unfortunately this is not a festive message!

Some of you may have seen on our website recently the partial outcome of a disciplinary hearing, which was called as a result of a mini-soccer match having to be abandoned by a junior referee, due to the failure of club officials adhering to a referee’s request.

Unfortunately this is not an isolated case and on information received from the County Office approximately 28 youth games have had to be abandoned, not due to weather conditions, but due to supporters and club officials constant barracking of officials and to my dismay players also, regardless of age. The only grace is that this only relates to the minority.

Referees of all ages are here to enjoy the game they love and to ensure the laws of the game are upheld. Referees do not leave their homes to face a constant barrage of abuse. If as a club you are not satisfied with the performance of the official, procedures are in place to be followed.

As the Referee Secretary and I also speak for the League Committee we will ensure any referee, who is subjected to unwarranted attention and abuse, will receive our full support. In addition to this, any penalty sanctioned by the County, will be added to by the league. If an offence is caused by a Charter Standard Club, please be advised your status could be revoked.

It is unfortunate that I have had to write such a letter, but the Committee and I feel this is necessary in view of the ongoing problems.

I wish you all the best for the rest of the season.

Nigel Walker

Referee Secretary