New yellow armband initiative launched to support young referees
Referees under the age of 18 across the Sheffield and Hallamshire region can now indicate their age by wearing a distinctive yellow armband.
The new initiative is a clear visual reminder to players, team officials, parents and spectators that an official wearing the armband is aged under 18 and is still subject to children’s safeguarding legislation – and should therefore be protected, encouraged and treated with respect.
The aim is to create a safe and positive environment for developing referees to ensure they stay in the game as officials for years to come.
On the announcement, Aaron Bannister, Referee Development Officer at the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA, said: “We want the armbands to remind people that the person wearing it is still learning and will inevitably make mistakes - just like young players do – and to offer their support and encouragement and refrain from making abusive or insulting comments.
“As a County FA, we take the well-being of our young referees extremely seriously and we are constantly looking at new ways to implement Respect initiative at all levels of the game.”
Whilst all forms of improper conduct against a Match Official are unacceptable, a Commission should see an offence against a Match Official who is under the age of 18 as an aggravating factor.
All new referees under the age of 18 will be provided with an armband during their FA Referee course.
Current referees under the age of 18 can order their armband for free HERE
If you are an aspiring referee yet to get involved, please click on the link below to find more information about how you could become a match official.