Friday, 8 February 2013

An open letter from S&H regarding Referees Abuse for all participating in Sunday Football




To Club Secretaries, Managers, Players, Spectators and all participants.


Referee abuse


At a joint meeting held recently with representatives of the County Football Association and Open Age Leagues, the issues surrounding the topic of Referee abuse was discussed.

The meeting was held as a result of increasing numbers of incidents where referees are either verbally or physically abused resulting in an increasing number of match officials choosing to stop their refereeing activities. The abuse is not limited to the field of play, but even occurs in public areas when the game has long finished. A similar concern was raised over the use of offensive and insulting language that is used and heard, even in public parks.

It was unanimously agreed by all at the meeting that this situation has to stop.

As a first step, it was agreed that this letter would be circulated to clubs so that all involved could be asked to refrain from any such actions and to modify their behaviour.

It was also well noted that this is not a situation which relates to the majority of participants, rather it is a small minority.  However, that small minority have a significant impact and action is required.

Therefore, club secretaries are being asked to ensure that the contents of this letter are circulated to all participants (this includes spectators etc.) so that they are aware of the concerns.  The message is;

  • DO NOT ABUSE THE REFEREE – EVEN IF YOU THINK HE HAS GOT THE DECISION WRONG

  • DO NOT SUPPORT COLLEAGUES WHO DO

  • DO NOT TOLERATE POOR BEHAVIOUR FROM SPECTATORS – IT’S YOUR CLUBS RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTROL PARTICIPANTS

  • DO NOT USE LANGUAGE THAT IS INAPPROPRIATE FOR A FOOTBALL FIELD.

. You should be aware that all referees will receive a letter reminding them of their responsibilities and by working together we aim to improve the standards and, above all, enjoyment of the game on our local leagues.

Very many thanks for your co-operation in this matter



Roger Reade
General Secretary
Sheffield & Hallamshire CFA

 

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