There is a critical shortage of referees for our leagues, putting league play at risk.

Data tells us that the main reason why young referees leave the game is the behaviour of adults towards them. At meetings held recently with Technical Directors of the EOSL Clubs, the topic of referee abuse was discussed. It was unanimously agreed at the meeting that abuse of referees has to stop.

We are jointly calling on all coaches, parents and other spectators to STOP abusing referees.

Every parent signs a code of conduct agreement when they register their child for the season. Clubs have been asked to sanction every parent who is found to have abused a referee.