2024-25 will see Oxfordshire FA roll-out our pioneering new app for grassroots referees, which makes reporting incidents quicker and easier for our matchday officials.

Last season, the app enjoyed a successful pilot campaign, as it was utilised by referees officiating in the Oxfordshire Youth Football League.

However, in the wider game across the county, we saw an increase in reports of inappropriate behaviour and language from coaches and spectators towards referees. Sadly, this appeared significant towards younger referees in particular, and is something that needs to be addressed across the board.

In youth football, we have a number of young referees learning their trade. Respecting them should be a major priority for all managers, coaches, players and parents. 

However, we have become aware that there are a number who feel it is acceptable to verbally abuse these young people developing in the game – and it is not. A referee will not abuse a player, a parent, or a coach – and yet, sadly, the opposite happens too often.

This must change.

There has been a lot of anecdotal evidence of teams regularly being accused of poor practice or worse, but more factual evidence is needed to support the eradication of this unacceptable behaviour.

Introducing our Referee App

Andrew Raisbeck, an Oxfordshire FA Respect Champion and referee, has produced a simple app, which makes reporting incidents much easier for match officials. Accessible on both Apple and Android devices, the app will be available from September.

Reports filed through the app will allow Oxfordshire FA the opportunity to analyse the data from all levels of football, to identify consistent offenders and take appropriate action. This may include:

• Sending observers to report on offenders against specific, consistent criteria
• Appointing three officials to a game at the offending team’s expense
• Obliging offenders to undertake an education programme before coaching again
• Calling in club officials to a meeting with Oxfordshire FA
• Applying sanctions via stepped approach, and take disciplinary action against any individual, team, or club if a report meets the disciplinary thresholds

Rewarding Good Behaviour

Just as it’s important to eradicate abhorrent behaviour, it is equally important to highlight the good behaviour of many of our teams, who work hard to create the right environment for all young players/referees – and to share best practice with all teams.

Just as our Referee App allows referees to report poor practice, it also provides an opportunity to share positive experiences. Throughout the season, we will highlight and reward positive behaviour we hear about.

Referees Play a Key Role 

Referees will be required to play their part in this initiative by:

• Being professional, courteous, knowledgeable, and fit
• Applying the Laws of the Game consistently and taking any on-field action needed
• Ensure they report ALL incidents, so action can be taken

Crucially, referees who take the trouble to report problems will also receive support and feedback, so that they know what has happened as a result of their report, and so that they can get any help needed to continue their journey in refereeing.

There is no place in our game for abuse, and referees have every right to enjoy their role as much as anyone else. 

Should you have any questions about refereeing in Oxfordshire, or our new Referee App, please email our Referee Development Manager, Nigel Saverton, via Support@OxfordshireFA.com