Small boys in the park...
Jumpers for goalposts...
Enduring image isn't it...

Marvelous!!

Picture the scene if you will, deep in the unknown park's field of play are 22 small boys aged 11 or 12 playing a fixture. At each end stands a giant frame, usually metallic, 8 feet x 8 yards. In the centre stands the meagre figure of the young goalkeeper, miniscule in comparison to the monstrosity behind him. The joy is evident as the boys play a game of "kick-and-chase", with a cavalry charge following each individual kick of the ball.

However, deep in the undergrowth of the touchline lies an inherent danger to the referee in the centre of the pitch, a snarling beast, intent not on enjoying a match that is obviously bringing joy to their offspring but instead ensuring that they, above all else can be heard... yes, I'm referring to the parent!!

Sometimes these awful beasts behave themselves, not bringing attention the their actions, but every now and then something within them forces a reaction which forces them to create havoc.

Joking aside, this matter is a very serious problem. As a young referee myself (despite having now completed 4 seasons) the greatest difficulty I have been confronted with during youth fixtures is not the conduct of players but those on the side. I am sure that I am not alone. For many of us, no matter how many seasons we have officiated, it can prove difficult to handle, but for the newly qualified I thinks I can most definitely say it is nothing short of daunting. I intend not to be disrespectful, but the honest truth is, in my opinion, the newly qualified young official gets one the most difficult jobs of the lot.

Not only do they have to worry about the discipline of players but, in my experience, as soon as some parents see that a young referee has been appointed, they seem to take it upon themselves to criticise, and attempt to intimidate them! So what can the

Continued.