All West Riding Junior Leagues Sign Up To Purple Shirt Campaign
All West Riding Junior Leagues Sign Up to WRCFA Purple Shirt Campaign
Referees under the age of 18 in West Riding will be provided with a free purple shirt from West Riding County FA to wear on match days when officiating in the 2019/20 season, aiming to decrease abuse and increase support for young referees.
This season WRCFA have seen a 16% rise in reported cases of abuse against U18 referees from spectators and a 9% increase from players. Four-in-five young refs claim they have faced verbal abuse and nationally, 80% of young referees walk away from the game within two years.
Mark Haywood, WRCFA Referee Development Officer: “We are committed to developing all of our referees and this is an important step for those first entering the game. Players and spectators must understand that young match officials are on a learning curve – and wearing a Purple Shirt is not only a reminder of this, but also an opportunity to support and encourage them.”
Hannah Simpson, WRCFA Chief Executive said: “Next season the purple shirts will serve as a visual reminder to players and supporters that referees are entitled to conduct their vital role of match officiating with Respect and also that those under the age of 18 remain protected by safeguarding children legislation.”
The following Junior Leagues have signed up to the campaign (every league in West Riding):
- Huddersfield Junior Football League
- Garforth Junior Football League
- West Riding Girls Football League
- Harrogate Girls Football League
- Harrogate Boys Football League
- Craven Junior League
- Selby Junior Football League
- Charles Rice Junior Football League
- Nidderdale Junior Football League
- U19 Northern Alliance
- Yorkshire U18's
- Harrogate Wharfedale Junior Football League
All clubs in the above leagues will be provided with posters and digital assets to promote the campaign ahead of next season.
A number of West Riding Referees have collected their purple shirt in a recent CPD Event, the remaining referees will be invited to an event to collect their shirt ahead of next season.
If you have any questions about the Purple Shirt Campaign, please email West Riding FA on info@westridingfa.com.