August 24 – A Football Association of Wales (FAW) survey has revealed that one in four match officials has suffered physical abuse.
Of the 282 respondents to the FAW survey, 88% said they had also been verbally abused.
The association says officials are walking away from football because of the “negative behaviour”. As a result, there are not enough officials to cover every grassroots game.
The FAW is taking action in response, with a sin-bin trial and a new reporting scheme to combat abuse of match officials. Referees aged under 18 will wear yellow armbands in Wales to show they are juniors.
The FAW says many match officials are “making the unfortunate decision to not continue refereeing” as a result of abuse.
“Referees taking the decision to leave the game has an incredibly detrimental impact on the whole of Welsh football, as there are currently not enough active referees to provide a match official at every grassroots game in Wales.”
The sin-bin trial aims to “reduce dissent towards match officials”, who have been given guidance on how to report any additional misconduct.
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