Abuse has no place in our game. When you see a referee in Cheshire wearing a yellow armband, it highlights that the official is aged under-18 and protected by safeguarding legislation.
We Are Delighted To Announce That, From The Start Of The 2019-20 Season, Referees Under The Age Of 18 Will Wear A Yellow Armband To Signify Their Age, Making Coaches, Players And Spectators Aware That They Are A Child.
The armbands are designed to identify younger referees and ensure that they are supported. We hope that the armbands will remind everyone involved in grassroots football that the referee is a child who is still developing as a referee and to refrain from making comments which may leave a young referee feeling intimidated, threatened or in some cases abused.
Cheshire FA will be providing every U18 Referee with a yellow armband which must be worn at all times when officiating in Cheshire.
On the announcement, Ed Duckworth, Referee Development Officer, said: “Cheshire FA has nearly 500 referees under the age of 18 and we are committed to ensuring that they enjoy their refereeing career in a fun and safe environment.