Nick Baker, Gloucestershire’s County Development Manager, says that he has been working closely with one local league in particular.

“I’ve been working with the Avon Youth League - the only boys’ league in Bristol - on child protection issues. One of the things they have agreed upon is that it will become mandatory for all clubs who want to join their league in 2007/08 to be FA Charter Standard.

“An important issue we will be addressing is to reduce the abuse that some young referees receive. I have been talking to our regional referees’ manager, Roger Vaughan, about setting up some kind of extra mentoring for young referees to help them through difficult games.

"Hopefully this will be in place within a few weeks, with a pool of mentors available. The league is also prepared to pay expenses for the mentors to travel to games if needed and to help with the process.

"They are also keen to make it easy for young refs to report any ‘minor’ abuse they receive but don’t deem necessary to include in their reports, such as if they feel intimidated or get sworn at. The plan is to have a reporting system so that the league can approach a club if they are reported.”

Paul Tomkins, the Gloucestershire FA’s new Child Protection Officer, has made it clear that one of his priorities is to protect young referees as well.

“I will be assisting leagues to educate their clubs and parents that 14-year-old referees are children as well.

"Surely if a parent or coach or manager just keeps their mouth shut and counts to ten whenever they want to shout abuse - or walks away from the pitch until they have calmed down, there will be an improvement in the situation.

“To those people I’m directing this at, I would just like to ask how they would feel if someone shouted at their son or daughter in a similar fashion? We hear so many people say that children do not respect others, but what example is being set if they see adults abuse an official in front of children.”

Paul - a former Chairman of the Avon Youth League - says that it is up to individuals to follow the guidelines which are already in place. “Clubs have a large share of responsibility in this respect.

If they introduce the steps set down within The FA Charter Standard Scheme for clubs, then massive improvements are possible.”

Tony Pickerin, The FA’s Head of Child Protection, backs the steps being taken by the Gloucestershire FA. “One of the problems when it comes to retaining referees - particularly young ones - is the amount of vocal abuse they often get from the touchlines.

“I would plead in the first place with people to use their common sense and cut out the abuse, and second, to pledge to the referees that we are right behind them when it comes to doing things properly.

“The FA’s Goal Child Protection Scheme is all about having someone at every club in the country aware of child protection and best practice - whether it’s a Premiership Academy or a Sunday morning park side.

“Goal is about allowing children to enjoy the game - at whatever level - without abuse of any kind. I will be interested to see how successful the Gloucestershire FA’s work with the Avon Youth League progresses, and wish them every success with the scheme.”