This weekend served as a reminder of how challenging refereeing can be. One of our coaches stepped in to referee a competitive and physical fixture that showed just how intense grassroots football can get. What stood out most, however, was not the football itself but the level of dissent and disrespect directed at the referee by some opposition players and parents.

At Slade Green Knights, we believe in playing with energy, passion, and purpose, but always within the spirit of the game. Compete hard, tackle fair, and respect everyone involved. Referees have an incredibly difficult job, and every decision they make deserves understanding, not abuse.

We rely on parent referees for most of our youth fixtures, and without them, matches couldn’t go ahead. They volunteer their time so our players can enjoy the game, and that commitment deserves appreciation from everyone watching and playing.

The SELKENT Handbook reminds all participants:

“Referees, and parents and spectators who are officiating as referees and assistant referees have the full authority of the FA. It is the responsibility of club officials to ensure they are treated with respect.”

And for parents and spectators:

“Football should be played in a spirit of friendship. The game should be enjoyed by players, match officials, and spectators alike. Unacceptable behaviour is not tolerated.”

As a club, we encourage our players to lift each other up, show respect to opponents, and play with pride, win, lose, or draw. The same applies on the sidelines, where our parents and supporters set the tone for the next generation.

Refereeing is never easy, but it’s vital. Without respect, we lose what makes grassroots football special.

A huge thank you goes out to every parent and volunteer who has stepped in to referee this season and made it possible for our teams to play. You are the reason our club continues to thrive every weekend.

If you’d like to get involved as a volunteer or referee, please reach out through our Contact page every bit of help makes a difference.

Slade Green Knights FC is proud to promote the values of passion, fairness, and respect across all our teams, coaches, and supporters.