Hampshire FA would like to issue the following statement regarding recent levels of misconduct within grassroots football across Hampshire: 

“Hampshire FA is becoming increasingly concerned over the high level of misconduct cases across the County over the past few weeks. This has manifested itself in high levels of abuse not only towards referees but amongst players and officials, particularly at youth level.

This trend cannot and must not continue and we are therefore appealing to all leagues, clubs, players, officials and spectators to ensure that all matches are played in the right spirit with respect shown to all participants.  We all have this responsibility individually and collectively.

If current standards of poor behaviour continue, we will see even more referee’s leaving the game at a time where there already considerable shortages at grassroots level.  We will have no hesitation in implementing sanctions for those participants who breach and continue to breach FA Disciplinary Regulations.

We want ALL participants to be able to enjoy our wonderful game so please take notice that we will not tolerate the minority spoiling it for the majority.  Please remember RESPECT for your team mates, your opponents, your officials and the referee, without these people there is no game.

We share this message ahead of the upcoming Their Game weekend on 2/3 October 2021 which all youth leagues have been invited to sign up and we hope to see an improvement over the coming weeks across all levels of the game."

- James Pearson (Hampshire FA Chairman)

- Colin Miles (Hampshire FA Referees Committee Chairman)