‘Let Them Ref’ is a new campaign launched today, aimed at increasing support for match officials across Scotland’s grassroots game. The message focuses on the role that we all have across every level of the game to champion positive attitudes and respect for referees and match officials.
A framework of proactive measures will be available for clubs as part of the ‘Let Them Ref’ initiative, this will include an armband for qualified referees under the age of 18 to indicate their status, and clubs will be required to appoint a designated Referee Liaison Officer as a ‘safe person’ to support them. This informs all participants that any inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with under Child Protection Procedures.
The initiative will be implemented alongside ‘Let Them Play’, which is designed to encourage grassroots leaders and coaches to provide an environment where young players can thrive.
Jasiu Janowiec currently officiates in the Lowland and East of Scotland Leagues, he believes the campaign will have a positive impact for grassroots football in Scotland.
The 18-year-old, from Falkirk, said: “I got into refereeing at 16 to earn money at weekends whilst being able to be involved in football. What started as a part-time job quickly became much more when I realised the incredible opportunities it offers. Through refereeing, I've experienced higher levels of football than I ever would have as a player – travelling to different grounds, meeting great people, and building genuine friendships with other young officials in my area.
“The armbands are brilliant because they'll show parents and coaches that the person with the whistle could be the same age as their own child. You wouldn't shout at your child on the pitch, so why do it to a young referee? Unfortunately, fear of abuse puts many young people off refereeing, but this campaign demonstrates there's real commitment to protecting us. It creates a safe pathway for anyone aged 16 or over to get involved in something that offers fantastic progression opportunities and keeps you at the heart of the game you love.”
Measures also include a touchline behaviour module created to educate coaches, parents and participants of the effect that poor behaviour has not just on the referees but on players and participants too. There will also be a post-match survey to be completed by officials to allow the Scottish FA to monitor behaviour at matches.
Scottish FA’s Referee Operations department have further committed to a series of comprehensive measures to encourage a safer and more respectful environment on pitches across the country.
These measures include communication with officials, only the captain should speak to the referee at key moments in the match. This will help reduce instances of dissent and create a more respectful atmosphere on the pitch. This approach has been successful in the professional game.
In addition, all teams must adopt a technical area at the side of the pitch that only team officials can occupy. This will help manage coaching behaviour and prevent unnecessary encroachments onto the field of play.
And finally, all spectators must be positioned at least two metres back from the sideline. This measure aims to reduce crowd influence on officials and players, creating a safer and more controlled environment.
Scottish FA, Head of Refereeing, Willie Collum: “It’s imperative that we foster a culture of respect across all levels of our game.
“We want to create an environment in sport, particularly at grassroots level, where everyone is allowed to grow and develop to their maximum potential – this includes players, coaches and referees.
“We want the ‘Let Them Ref’ campaign to not only bring awareness to the impact of abuse but also empower people to challenge negative attitudes towards young referees and have confidence in the reporting structures that are there to support our game.”