Ok I know this is an old chestnut but how many people here feel that the quality of referreeing at all levels is poor.

I coach kids and what I experienced yesterday was appalling.

Firstly I am not levelling any blame whatsoever at the opposition and I don't want anyone to think this is the ramblings of a poor loser. I try and instil discipline into kids to respect authority this is hard enough when they watch what goes on on a soccer field. But for kids to have to endure what they did it was hardly a surprise a full scale fight broke out. Brought on by the ref.

How many people can say they have been here themselves

Ok I didn't agree with the shouting our supporters did and told them so but when are the rl going to address the issues of refereeing instead of stuffing rules down our throats like what colour high viz vests we must wear.

We need tough but fair refs that players still call sir and not w@@@ker. Yes it is a hard job and one I wouldn't want to do but give us ones that are fair and competent and most coaches will ensure that they teach respect as well as core skills

stannie are the worst they kick the refs car in when it dosent go their way

I've seen refs this season in the prem saying 'if you keep shouting on the touch line i wont give you anything' whats that all about?

But i have seen some refs have a very good game you got to take the rough with the smooth i suppose

Must admit I agree with that concept.

A lad got sin-binned for dissent against us a few weeks ago. After 10 minutes their coach started yelling at the ref "10 minutes is up ref! 10 minutes ref!" over and over - this was on top of him yelling "offside" at almost EVERY ptb, and other stuff. We've had this ref several times and knew to keep our mouths shut whatever happened - he's generally a good ref and does his job well, but can be very strict and penalise unruly teams, and will not stand for backchat. Anyway, a little while later he waved the player back on.

After the game I was talking to the ref who said, "I kept him off for 15 minutes, I'm not being shouted at like that."

I'd rather have that than a ref who cracks at pressure from the sidelines.

I agree that they should not be subjected to abuse under any circumstances, after all without them we would not get a game played. But since the scrapping of the assessment sheet there is no way to feedback on their performance. If they get no feedback how are they supposed to improve? If all they are hearing is abuse from the touchline, from both sides, saying that everything they are doing is wrong where are they supposed to get their positive criticism from?

The assessments were probably scrapped because some clubs werent taking them seriously, Some clubs would mark to whether they won or lost and / or any previous issues with that official.. Too many times the comments forms were either left blank and just the scores entered or the comments box used to slate the official (not the positive feedback mentionned) Also the refs never really got to see them til weeks afterwards either if they did get to see them.

I know other clubs look to be honest and help the officials but others once the games over dont give a fig