We are delighted to announce that, from the start of the 2019-20 season, referees under the age of 18 will wear a yellow armband to signify their age, making coaches, players and spectators aware that they are a child.

The armbands are designed to identify younger referees and ensure that they are supported. We hope that the armbands will remind everyone involved in grassroots football that the referee is a child who is still developing as a referee and to refrain from making comments which may leave a young referee feeling intimidated, threatened or in some cases abused.

Cheshire FA will be providing every U18 Referee with a yellow armband which must be worn at all times when officiating in Cheshire.

On the announcement, Ed Duckworth, Referee Development Officer, said: “Cheshire FA has nearly 500 referees under the age of 18 and we are committed to ensuring that they enjoy their refereeing career in a fun and safe environment.

“The aim of the armbands is to make people think before they speak. Referees have a challenging but rewarding job and it important that we support all referees especially those under the age of 18.

“We have had a number of cases where under 18 referees have been subject to insulting, offensive and abusive language and it’s time to put a stop to it.”