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August 2023 - Sport, Leisure and Tourism

98% of grassroots football referees have experienced verbal abuse: A questionnaire handed out to referees in England has found that the vast majority have received verbal abuse from either managers, spectators or players, whilst refereeing a game.

The questionnaire was sent out by Radio 5 Live via the Referees’ Association in England to its 7,000 members, with 927 referees responding. The research was conducted to highlight the problem that referees face each week and to try and make the Football Association (FA) take action. The survey found that 506 referees out of 927 are dissatisfied with the measures currently being taken to help tackle the abuse they get.

The questionnaire also found that around a third (32%) have been abused physically, some saying they have been punched, spat at and headbutted. The findings also showed that refereeing has had a negative effect on many respondents’ mental health (39%) due to verbal or physical abuse received during the game. Fifty-seven referees out of the 927 respondents polled (6%) reported receiving a death threat during the game, either aimed at themselves, or at a loved one, according to the research.

The FA is hoping to trial the use of body cameras on referees this year in adult grassroots football, as a direct response to the abuse which has been highlighted.

An FA spokesperson said: “Through stronger sanctions, leading innovations and a new three-year refereeing strategy coming soon, we are determined to tackle this issue and build a safer and more inclusive environment for our match officials to have happy and fulfilling long term experiences as referees.”

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