The Referee Recruitment and Development Committee at Hampshire FA agreed that under 18 referees are given the opportunity to wear the U18 Referee Armband when officiating in the County.

These armbands were first shown during the Respect Fixture between Portsmouth FC and Peterborough FC on Saturday 7th December 2019.

The aim of these armbands is so that U18 match officials can be clearly identified as such, with the aim of improving your match day experience and along with the FA Respect Programme it is hoped to further improve the experience for all involved in the game.

Leagues, clubs, managers and coaches are reminded that they should respect the decision of the match official. Many officials are new to the game, and they are learning. They, like players, will make mistakes. Please therefore encourage officials and support the FA’s Respect Programme and ask all managers, coaches and players behave in a manner that respects this.

We all have a responsibility to create a safe and enjoyable environment in which the game can take place. Should anyone have any concerns during a match these can be reported to Safeguarding@HampshireFA.com