FOOTBALL Mid North Coast will take part in the Silent Saturday initiative this Saturday.
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This will be for the non competitive age groups from under sixes to 11s. FMNC chairman Mike Parsons said all clubs in the area are backing the concept, which is to support referees and make the game more enjoyable for the young players. Football Mid North Coast takes in the area from Forster-Tuncurry to Kempsey.
“We’ve always backed the idea, but this year the board has decided to become a little more pro-active,’’ Mr Parsons said.
Under the plan spectators will be encouraged to support the players and referees in a positive manner.
“We want to emphasise that our kids are playing our game for fun,’’ Mr Parsons said.
“We’d like to see spectators bring banners or balloons to the game with the kid’s names or the team’s team on them and just have fun. We don’t want any negative comments aimed at players, referees or coaches.’’
Mr Parsons said the it is hoped this will eventually filter through to all grades.
He appreciates that football is both an emotive and competitive game. But he said players and spectators can enjoy the contest without abusing referees, other players or officials. Mr Parsons is a former first grade referee who has controlled premier league grand finals.
He was quick to point out that only a ‘small minority’ of players and spectators are disrespectful to match officials and he added the problem isn’t on the rise in this area.
“We’re only talking about a handful of people,’’ he said.
“But unfortunately society has tended to become more tolerant of this type of behaviour.’’
Mr Parsons added that referees controlling the non-competitive divisions are usually young and learning the craft. He said these young officials should be supported by coaches, players and supporters and not abused.
“We want to encourage these younger officials and hopefully they’ll eventually graduate to the older age groups,’’ he said.
Mr Parsons has said previously that referee numbers in the Football Mid North Coast area remains a concern.