Save the Ref: Take up the whistle to stop crisis

Sep 17 2008 By Graham Britton

Mr Beaumont said people needed to realise if the problem continued and spreads to other areas, it could have a detrimental affect on the future of the sport.

And he believed respect had to be shown at the top level of football – in the Premier League and Coca-Cola divisions.

“This means whenever people put their televisions on to watch a match, they can see that respect is shown,” he explained.

“And, hopefully this will then filter down the various tiers of the game and be implemented at a grass roots stage.

“At the moment, unfortunately, this respect is not really shown in top-flight football and that doesn’t help.”

Mr Beaumont also feels club managers had a vital role to play.

“If his player is going and harassing an official all the time, the coach should be penalised in the form of amassing disciplinary points.

“For example, they could be given two points if one of his men gains a yellow card and three for a red.

“Then, if the manager collects around 15 points in a season, his managerial role should be taken away from him. The referees’ decision should always be final.”

Anyone wanting information on how to become a referee should contact the Referees Association on 01484 307266.