Referee's must be respected - KCFA

FOLLOWING THE successful launch of the Strategy for Kent Football - [2008-2012] - the Kent County Football Association has this week announced that John Newson has been appointed as the first ever full-time Kent Referees Development Officer taking up his duties immediately.

Mr Barry Bright, the chairman of the Kent County Football Association, said: “This appointment comes at a very important time in support of the Kent County Football Association’s commitment to the “Respect in the Game” initiatives that both The Football Association and ourselves are encouraging.

‘One aspect of Kent Football that has concerned us for some time is the loss of referees on a regular basis leading to a situation where many games are not covered by a qualified official every week.

“It is a fact that for every referee trained in this County we lose another and that trend must cease.

“A substantial part of the reasoning lies with a small minority of participants being players; club officials and spectators and their attitude and general unacceptable behaviour.

“If we are to succeed in the ‘Respect’ initiative then this minority must begin to understand the consequences of their actions if they wish to remain active within the game.

“Statistically misconduct allied to the number of games played in the County is not great but we have seen an upturn in serious, sometimes threatening and physical, misconduct towards those who are appointed to uphold the laws and this cannot and will not be tolerated.

“Likewise while we encouraged The Football Association to bring their Skills coaching programme into Kent we are witnessing a minority of supporters, often parents, at games especially involving youngsters acting in a manner that is totally unacceptable and not setting a good example.

“The vast majority participating in football do so within friendships for fun and recreation but it needs to be fully understood that those who transgress will find that strong punitive action will be taken in accordance within The Football Association procedures and guidelines when charges are proven and it follows that offenders found guilty of serious offences should not expect anything but the severest of punishments to be inflicted by the County’s disciplinary commissions.

“The Association is determined to ensure that the vast majority who wish to enjoy their football are allowed to do so and the few who seek to spoil that enjoyment are suitably dealt with as Kent football makes certain that it attracts and retains referees with the ultimate goal of appointing a qualified whistler to every game under its jurisdiction.”

Mr Newson, the Referees Development Officer, admitted that he’s looking forward to his new role.

“I am really forward to the challenge of my new role,” he said. “One of my first priorities will be the retention of those referees we have and I fully support the Chairman’s comments.

“Far too many referees are lost to the game because of the abuse they receive from players and spectators.’

Mr Keith Masters, the Chief Executive of the Kent County Football Association, added: “We are committed to ensuring that those who wish to participate in the game for the fun and love of it can do so with enjoyment.

“The Respect in the Game Working Group will be driving this initiative forward on behalf of the Association.”

Visit the Kent County Football Association's website:

www.kentfa.com

Visit The Football Association's website:

www.thefa.com