Page 8 - Keynsham Town Ladies programme

KEYNSHAM TOWN LADIES 8
WHY REFEREES AND DISCIPLINE PROCESSES
View from the dugout
ARE FAILING US

First, we must make it clear that we have always had the greatest
respect for Referees and the club is certain that today’s officials will
be controlling this afternoon’s game to the best of their ability and
will do a good job.

Nevertheless, recent events have served to heighten concerns that
the standard of officials and discipline processes are way below the
level they were at in the past.

There are four specific facts that are causing problems and it is not
just this club that is suffering in these respects, it is commonly held
by many other football clubs, both male and female.

First, let us put this subject into a financial context. Two seasons ago
our average cost for an FA Women’s National League was £100 for
the three officials. This season £200 is the cost. That makes even the
‘cost of living crisis ‘ look like a mere aberration.

We were told by the powers that be that the quality of referees would
improve immeasurably as a result. It has not, it has deteriorated. This
has forced us to raise our admission price substantially in an attempt
to recover some of the cost of referees – to the detriment of
spectators.

The second problem is the distance from which FA appointed referees
are having to travel. This is now getting seriously out of hand.

For example, in recent weeks we have had referees from the South
Coast and Shropshire with lengthy mileage claims. Albeit there is a
cap, but the bills are extensive. There are plenty of more local