Prior to the game, I requested that both sets of coaches allocate parents to act as assistant referees (linespersons). I made it clear that their responsibilities would be limited to assisting with offsides and throw-ins only. This was clearly stated before kick-off, and both coaches agreed.
One parent, Parent A, introduced themselves politely, informed me that they were a qualified referee, and agreed to act as linesperson for Team A.
The match itself was hostile and challenging throughout, with several difficult on-field decisions requiring my intervention. At one point in the first half, I spoke directly with the Team B captain regarding their team’s language and attitude towards me. I also awarded a penalty to Team A for contact, which was contested by Team B players. This brought the score to 1–1, though the tension eased somewhat when Team B quickly regained the lead, making it 1–2.
In the second half, during a goalmouth scramble, I judged from my position that the ball had crossed the line and awarded a goal to Team B. At this point, Parent A (the Team A linesperson) shouted aggressively at me, stating:
before throwing their flag to the ground.
This behaviour significantly disrupted the match, undermined my authority as the referee, and led to hostility from players, coaches, parents, and spectators. I felt genuinely threatened and concerned for my safety.
I refused to restart play until Team A appointed a replacement linesperson, which they eventually did. However, both coaches, Coach A and Coach B, continued to treat me with disrespect, with Coach A in particular behaving in an aggressive manner.
As a new referee, this incident was extremely discouraging and left me questioning my future involvement. However, I was reassured after officiating a well-conducted match the following day in another local women’s league, which restored some confidence in my refereeing.
I have since submitted an extraordinary incident report through the refereeing portal, but I have not received any acknowledgement, support, or follow-up from my County FA regarding this matter.
One parent, Parent A, introduced themselves politely, informed me that they were a qualified referee, and agreed to act as linesperson for Team A.
The match itself was hostile and challenging throughout, with several difficult on-field decisions requiring my intervention. At one point in the first half, I spoke directly with the Team B captain regarding their team’s language and attitude towards me. I also awarded a penalty to Team A for contact, which was contested by Team B players. This brought the score to 1–1, though the tension eased somewhat when Team B quickly regained the lead, making it 1–2.
In the second half, during a goalmouth scramble, I judged from my position that the ball had crossed the line and awarded a goal to Team B. At this point, Parent A (the Team A linesperson) shouted aggressively at me, stating:
before throwing their flag to the ground.
This behaviour significantly disrupted the match, undermined my authority as the referee, and led to hostility from players, coaches, parents, and spectators. I felt genuinely threatened and concerned for my safety.
I refused to restart play until Team A appointed a replacement linesperson, which they eventually did. However, both coaches, Coach A and Coach B, continued to treat me with disrespect, with Coach A in particular behaving in an aggressive manner.
As a new referee, this incident was extremely discouraging and left me questioning my future involvement. However, I was reassured after officiating a well-conducted match the following day in another local women’s league, which restored some confidence in my refereeing.
I have since submitted an extraordinary incident report through the refereeing portal, but I have not received any acknowledgement, support, or follow-up from my County FA regarding this matter.
