THE next generation of football referees are to be better protected following the launch of a ‘Get Tough’ policy to tackle anyone who abuses, insults or intimidates match officials.
North Riding County Football Association (NRCFA) has developed a series of initiatives to support referees including a ban of up to ten years for offenders, the introduction of a 24hr referee hotline, mentors and education programmes for local clubs.
The organisation launched an investigation in September 2015 after teenage referee Emily Dyke faced a barrage of abuse while in charge of games.
The Guisborough teenager was called a “f****** disgrace” and told “you don’t know what you’re f****** doing” when she did not give a goal when a shot hit the bar and went, but not as far as she could tell, over the line.
Emily Dyke's heartfelt plea back in 2015 after suffering verbal abuse while referreing matches
As a result, a number of initiatives were launched to tackle the problem and now the NRCFA is leading the way in referee development.
Chairman Len Scott said: “Our recent referee development programme has been very successful and we are determined to protect this. While we hear of problems nationally, we’re proud to see North Riding FA buck this trend and we will not stand for anyone misbehaving towards our match officials.”
As well as a a potential ten-year ban for offenders who assault match officials, other sanctions include six month bans with £150 fines for those guilty of being abusive or threatening to referees.
Referee development officer Ross Joyce said: “Refereeing 22 players on a field can be a lonely position to be in and as a result North Riding has decided to offer our match officials increased support. We are seeing great progress in the county’s referees and we are determined to do everything we can to see that continue.”
There has been a slight increase in reports of poor behaviour towards match officials in the past year, something North Riding FA is determined to reduce.
Young referees undertaking the ongoing FA Referee course in Middlesbrough
John Campbell, chairman of North Riding’s referee committee added: “The County FA expects to make over 300 unannounced visits to grassroots games in the next year. Observations will be made on behaviour towards referees as we strive to set a standard for all players, club officials and spectators to follow. We do not want to see trends being reported elsewhere develop here.”
The NRCFA looks after from Middlesbrough to Scarborough and including York.
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