RateTheRef

What a depressing start  to the day reading this and the relevant attachments about abuse at grass roots level - I'm sure it wasn't like that when I was refereeing many years ago - I did not suffer any physical abuse but verbal abuse  - there doesn't appear to be an answer to this problem no matter what is tried
I cannot understand why someone has to post abusive messages on social media ( which did not exist in my time) - what pleasure does anyone get from this?
Is there an answer? -Im beginning to think sadly no - but not to give up trying

I really don't understand why anyone would take up refereeing nowadays and that it such a sad statement to make. My advice to anyone who does ( and just wants to enjoy their officiating without any thoughts of getting to the top ) is to pick the leagues where you operate very carefully. There are, or there used to be, one or two niche leagues which are very well run, where abuse of match officials is not tolerated and where there is a good social scene attached. Go for one of those. It won't bring you promotion but it will bring enjoyment.

This is exactly it.  Refereeing can be very rewarding, any I would still advise to young people that there is a great opportunity for those who start early and want to give it a good shot.

Finding a well-run league is obviously key.  I've got to say, for anyone I knew, I would want to go along to a few of their games to make sure the environment was appropriate.  It's a massive concern.

(With respect to Scotland, locally operated leagues can still be help with progression as development advisors can see minor grades officials at any league - it doesn't need to be part of the football pyramid, or be pro-youth etc.)

The article has suggested a strike is on its way.  Is there a sense of that coming in grassroots refereeing circles?

For those interested more about this in todays papers   https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63222099 - although judging from the amount of views not that many seem to be interested