Respect The Ref 

Respect the Referee is the first part of 2021-22 season campaign to help people think about their behaviour towards referees. This campaign is aimed at Players, Spectators, Leagues, Clubs, Referees, Coaches and all Volunteers. Essentially everyone across football.

Without referees, we wouldn’t have a game. 

They work hard, train hard, show up and play hard – all to keep the game beautiful. They give their time and yet face negative attention and abuse in almost every match. Enough is enough. We can all play our part to show the ref some respect, to help make the game the best it can be. So, are you in?

Gloucestershire FA Referee Development Officer, Roger Vaughan: "we are proud to support England Football’s ‘Respect the Ref’ initiative. This initiative is important in promoting positive behaviour and respect towards match officials at all levels.

Unfortunately, we have received a large number of reports of poor behaviour and attitude to match officials from some participants whether as Players, Coaches, Parents or Spectators. This is very disappointing, and we do not tolerate such behaviour.

We hope everyone in the County can get behind this campaign and work together to facilitate a positive environment and experience for match officials and all involved within the game."

As part of the Respect the Ref campaign, we will be profiling local referees from across the County who will be sharing their experiences and referee journeys. 

If you are interested in becoming a Referee or know anyone that is, please fill out the below form and we will be in touch with you as soon as we have details of any upcoming courses.

We are organising further courses in the new year, and we are in the process of identifying dates for 2022.

Expression of Interest Form

You can find more information on the Respect the Ref campaign on the England Football website.