Amanda Leahy

When you read things like this it’s clear why there’s a shortage of referees! Message received from an U13s coach. ‘At the weekend we had our approved referee pull out at 8 am of the morning of the game due to ill health. As qualified coach of the home side I volunteered to ref the game. The opponents coaches were happy with this and I explained I wasn’t a qualified referee. From pretty much the first minute of the match the opposition parents shouted about every decision I made or didn’t. They swore at me, told me to sort my self out and just showed horrendous behaviour. Their linesman would flag for fouls which he thought, which I asked him to just flag for offsides and throw ins.. this enraged the parents and supporters of our opponents. During the second half I was called a f*$%$€g w*%#er. I went to my Coordinator and match delegate and said I would call the game off. I then walked over and told the team coaches.. all while the parents and their linesman shouted abuse and told me to get on with it. I then called the two captains together and told them what was happening and that I wouldn’t accept being shouted and abused for the match when if I hadn’t stepped in to ref no one would be playing a game of kids football .. All the kids were respectful and although I am sure didn’t always agree with my decision, I tried to explain why I had or hadn’t given a foul. No red or yellow cards just a competitive game ruined by parents and supporters screaming, swearing at a coach trying to lets kids play the game they love.’ Please remember to think about your behaviour towards referees when you are attending your children’s football matches this weekend or consider if your preference would be no game ! #norefnogame #teamgrassroots #GRF