Sadly, we have been made aware by the Berks & Bucks FA that there have been two very serious incidents involving the abuse of young referees reported to them in the last week. One was particularly serious, leaving a very young referee shaken and scared following a traumatic experience of extreme verbal abuse from a manager and spectators/parents.

The Berks & Bucks FA have asked ALL CLUBS to remind ALL COACHES, MANAGERS AND PARENTS that very often the referee is also still a child, very early into learning the role and developing and will make mistakes. If anyone feels that the referee is not up to standard, then we recommend that parents raise this with their Managers/Coaches who should contact their League and/or Berks & Bucks Referee Development Officer. Under no circumstances should anyone berate or belittle any referee, regardless of age, on or off the pitch.

We would like to remind everyone that without referees there is no game and the actions of some individuals are strongly affecting our ability to attract new referees into the game.

Thatcham Tornadoes actively encourages its players aged 14 and over to take their basic referee course; so one day, it could be your son or daughter refereeing a match and we do not want them (or any referee) face this sort of abuse.

Thatcham Tornadoes and Berks & Bucks FA will take serious disciplinary action against individuals if actions such as the above are reported to us.

Many thanks for your help and support in getting this message out to all supporters in the game.