Football...one of the most popular, yet competitive sports. 

Thousands of teenage official referees are “hanging up their whistles” due to the horrific abuse they are receiving, with the total number of referees in the UK having declined by a third- from 33,000 to around 23,000 in the last five years alone!  

Officials as young as just 14 years-old are receiving both physical and verbal forms of abuse. However, with the severe impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, this disastrous situation has been further exasperated and the cancellation of referee courses has prevented the recruitment of new referees to fill their boots! 

18-year-old referee, Connor Bardwell agreed to talk to me about his own personal experience as a young referee in the UK and both the positives and negative sides to this. 

Why did you decide to train and become a referee? 

Connor: I have always had a great passion for football, both playing myself, for my local club in the Sunday league and school team every year, as well as keeping up to date with all the latest football scores, watching matches and supporting my team. I strongly believe the referee plays a vital role in the outcome of the game, making crucial decisions which can be the difference between whether you win or lose, therefore I decided to take a referee course and referee matches at my local football club. Not only did I gain much enjoyment and gain a multitude of important skills from this course, but I also used it as my new skill to receive my Duke of Edinburgh silver award as well as receive some extra income as a weekend job  

What did the training entail? 

C: The training involved 11 hours of training sessions, followed by refereeing five games to qualify as a referee and receive a certificate as well as a FA Referee badge. 

What did you gain from this? 

C: I believe it has helped my confidence- especially with tough decision-making, it has helped me communicate effectively, have courage to stand by my decisions, and referee with integrity and honesty. These are all valuable skills in which I can transfer to all areas of my life.  

What advice would you give young and upcoming referees? 

C: Although it can be extremely hard and stressful at times, particularly with the pressure from the crowds and spectators on the side-lines, try to remain calm, do not react to, or tolerate any form disrespect or abuse. Simply, do your best and enjoy viewing this great sport from an entirely new perspective! 

Referees are an essential to the game of football, and all need to be equally respected and encouraged to ensure everyone can take part in and enjoy this amazing sport!