As many of you would have seen in the news, last weekend there was a sickening incident where an assistant referee was attacked by a suspended player during a football game.

As a result, the Board of NWSF have decided to hold a Referee Appreciation Round this weekend as a way of showing solidarity with, and in respect for, referees. All Saints fully supports this initiative.

There are many ways in we can show our solidarity – by performing a round of applause at the centre circle for the referees prior to kick-off, forming a guard of honour & applauding the referees as they enter the field, or by simply shaking hands with referees and thanking them for their time and contribution or any other way in which individual teams feel are appropriate.

It is all our responsibility to ensure that players, coaches, managers and supporters respect the referees. We acknowledge that referees may make mistakes, but we cannot call into question their integrity, abuse or belittle them. We need to be grateful for the important and challenging role they play in our game.

As a club, we need to lead by example and call out poor behaviour when we see it.

Remember, this is just a game, run by volunteers and that the referees are human!

Thanks

Euan

Thanks

Euan