00:02In her 16 years as a football referee, Delphina Shakespeare has witnessed it all.
00:08We're seeing an increase of AI-generated images of referees, accusations of poor performance or questioning of decisions.
00:15We're also seeing personal attacks.
00:18Myself, I experienced one this week where someone questioned my ability based on my gender.
00:23This year has felt tougher than most.
00:25It's been quite sad. We've had an increase of reports through the governing body around abuse.
00:30Officials and clubs say abuse is the top reason refs hang up the whistle.
00:35And it's not just a top grade problem.
00:38It can start from under sixes and go all the way through to the masters.
00:42It's just the way it is. It's a passionate sport.
00:45Last year, capital football saw a 44% churn rate in its referees.
00:51We do count the cost at the end of the year, every year when we start the next year
00:54and we're down on referees because, you know, they're sick of it.
00:59It takes three to four years to train a referee appropriately to move into a senior grade of football.
01:03So each time that you yell at a junior at a junior ground,
01:07that is one more person that walks away from the game that doesn't get to reach their full potential.
01:11At just 12 years old, Henry has started officiating youth games.
01:16I like playing soccer and I wanted to give back.
01:20I decided that it was a good idea that he experienced being a ref and that, you know, he's only
01:26got two eyes.
01:27Sometimes you do miss a call.
01:28So far, so good.
01:30But he's also been trained on how to respond if a game turns sour.
01:34Keep cool.
01:35We're just kids.
01:37We're just young.
01:38Respect us.
01:39A plea from the sidelines.
Comments