Surrey FA Launch New Respect Armbands

The Surrey FA Referee Academy Referees will trial U18 armbands which aim to improve Respect towards match officials.

Surrey FA will extend on its efforts to develop and support young referees by introducing armbands to clearly identify U18 referees. It is hoped that drawing attention to the fact that these referees are young people will improve touchline behaviour and see levels of Respect towards them increase.

The U18 armbands will initially be trialled within our highly successful Surrey FA Referees Academy. The Academy seeks to develop young referees by identifying their strengths and assisting them with their development.

Surrey FA Referee Oliver Hind commented on the importance of Respect to match officials, stating, “Respect is the cornerstone of the relationship between the referee and the coaches, players and supporters. It is something that ensures the game runs smoothly and is enjoyable for all, it must run in both directions in order for everybody to get the most out of their match”.

Young Surrey FA Referee Academy member Ben Maskery added, “I think it will make many players, in particular adults, think before they start howling their normal abuse towards the referee and show a bit more respect”.

Surrey FA intends to extend the use of U18 armbands beyond the Academy and are currently in discussions with leagues to help support them in highlighting young referees to those on and off the pitch.