City's under 9s Navy for the new season trialled a silent game last week v Cotehill. The news story below gives further impetus to the need to monitor touchline comments-
I've had enough' says female referee 'forced to quit' junior football because of abuse from parents
Andrea Ruddy says she has had verbal abuse, flags thrown at her and been spat at - even recently having to be escorted to her car
A woman referee is hanging up her boots after being forced to quit as a result of abuse she gets at matches.
Andrea Ruddy is throwing in the towel at the end of the season following “the worst” the mum-of-three has had.
“I have had enough,” said Andrea.
“I have had verbal abuse, have had linesman flags thrown at me and even been spat at.
“A couple of weeks ago I also had to be escorted to my car because of it.”
Andrea, a qualified football coach for the Durham FA, has officiated at more than 100 children’s football matches in the Teesside Junior Football Alliance (TJFA).
“Up until this season I have really enjoyed the job but I can’t take anymore - why should I?” said Andrea.
“The abuse I get is horrendous and it happens at just about every match.
“It comes from the parents and managers when they think a decision I have made is the wrong one.
“It happens in front of the kids and it then rubs off on them.
“They think they can do it too.
“What I have witnessed this season has been nothing short of disgraceful.”
Andrea Ruddy
Andrea got into football at an early age and spent most of her time kicking a ball around with her big brother and his mates. And when she wasn’t kicking a football, she was watching it.
When she was 20, she joined the Army and continued to play - playing regimental football. And after taking a break following the birth of her three boys, Andrea found her passion for the game once again. Two years ago she decided to train to become a qualified coach. “Parents should realize the referee is there for the 22 kids who enjoy playing and not for them,” she said. “People don’t realize what the ref goes through. “It is hard enough to find referees as it is. “Something needs to be done about this. “The issues need highlighting - people need to be aware it goes on. “It is bullying at the end of the day.” Andrea added: “I will be sad to say goodbye because I have enjoyed it but I just feel enough is enough now. “For me, it isn’t worth it any more.”
John Topping, company secretary for Durham FA, said: “It is very disappointing that it has come to this situation.
“If given an opportunity, we would like to try to address it.”
