League eager to protect referees

12:30pm Monday 26th May 2008

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A leading junior league secretary has called for a vast improvement in the treatment of referees next season.

In his annual report to the Craven, Aire & Wharfe Junior League at Keighley Rugby Union Football Club, Mike Breeze reported "two physical assaults and one verbal one on referees this season - and all at one club".

While noting that the league's management committee were concerned about these developments, Breeze added: "We are confident that the club concerned took the action that we would expect and trust that the 2008-09 season will see no repeat of such behaviour.

"No matter in what neighbourhood you work and with what type of youngster, all football managers must demand high standards of discipline at their games.

"Boys who can't refrain from barracking the referee or threatening opponents have no place in this league.

"A reduction in touchline criticism of referees is a high priority for us."

Breeze reminded clubs there needed to be a serious reassessment by many of them in the way they treat referees.

"People need to realise that we can well afford to lose some players and teams but referees are much more valuable," he said.

The highlight of the season was being allowed to use Valley Parade for the league's cup final and representative games.

Breeze said: "A great deal of effort and time went into this venture and I think that, with one exception, everyone will agree that it was a tremendous success.

"In our last meeting with the officials of Bradford City, we have said that - assuming we are invited back next year - we want no sales of alcohol and we shall not be staging the under-17 final there."

Such was the income from fines over the season that the annual fees for clubs next season was reduced from £56.20 to £50.

Eight clubs applied to join the league and seven were approved. The only rejection was for Bradford United (under-12 and under-17 teams), who gained only three votes for and had 42 votes against.

Successful were Barnoldswick Barons (u-14s, u-16s, u-17s, 44-1), Fairbank United (u-16s, 29-16), Kemble Rangers (u-12s, u-15s, 34-10), Ravenscliffe (u-17s, 28-14), Settle United (u-12s, u-15s, 44-1), Steeton (u-13s, 43-2) and Wrose Vipers (u-15s, 35-10).

Calverley United under-16s only applied on the day of the annual meeting, so the management committee will rule on their application.

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