27 February 2025
We all know there is a significant shortage for referees nationwide, meaning games are delayed or rescheduled on a weekly basis as we have seen over social media. In my role as fixture & referee Secretary (amongst other roles), I have a great team of people who are willing to cross that line to get games on every week. It has been brought to my attention that in recent weeks, these people have become the target of derogatory comments for their decisions made during a game & I need this to stop. Without these people stepping up to take the games, your children would not be playing football. The comments made this weekend, were aimed towards a child (under 18) again. Think about it this way - who would want to go into a job where you're insulted, abused & in some cases, assaulted? I'm sure you wouldn't put up with this, so why should they? Referees makes mistakes & don't always get the decisions, neither do the professionals with VAR. You wouldn't aim abusive comments towards your child or another player if they made a mistake. Every time a referee officiates, they are learning, just like all our coaches and players are. Shouting at them won't change the referees' decision. It will just make them think twice about stepping on a pitch again, which in the last few years, has occurred on more than one occasion. Leagues across the country are crying out for referees, so just think; you’re the role models to these players, they always look up to adults so why not teach them respect & how to behave? These skills they learn won't just stay on the pitch, they will also take them into their futures. Should I hear of this occurring again in the future, I will be suggesting to the club that these people (and children) are removed from the club. Your coaches are all volunteers, they give up their time for free, to provide safe environments for your children to learn. Please think again before you speak in future. We as a club are continuously striving to be the best in the area, working hard behind the scenes to be at the forefront of everything we do. We need your support to help us. Kind regards, Simon Hagerty Vice Secretary Linthwaite Football Club