Best keep lips zipped

April 2 2008

Shepparton News

The tough stance against verbal abuse taken by North Eastern Soccer League this season has been backed by Victorian referees development manager Chris Bambridge.

Metropolitan Melbourne's commitment to sending referees to the North Eastern league will also be tested this year as the city battles its own shortages.

Bambridge welcomed the league's refusal to tolerate foul language directed at referees by players and club officials after issuing the same warning to metro clubs recently.

``It really is a statewide directive to continue encouraging referees into the sport,'' Bambridge said.

``Referees in Melbourne have been asked to speak to trouble-makers in the first instance and tell them to calm down.

``After that, you're gone.''

Bambridge said a crackdown on elbows was also a top priority for Victorian referees this season.

``Serious foul play is something FIFA is always wanting cut out in its refereeing updates,'' Bambridge said.

``We've seen the horrible things elbows can do in top-flight matches and in suburban games.

``The number of broken noses and teeth is unacceptable and when jumping for the ball the referees have to police the use of elbows.''

Despite borrowing referees from Melbourne for 30 years to assist in umpiring North Eastern league games, Bambridge said it would be difficult to meet requests for one a week.

``The main problem is other country associations also asking for assistance,'' Bambridge said.

``We have a team of referees who enjoy going to Shepparton and Tatura and we hope the pool will remain big enough to lend decent assistance this year.''

North Eastern league secretary Sam Saracino said the Melbourne assistance was vital for the league to have referees and linesmen at every game.

``The league understands that the state federation's first commitment is to Melbourne, but our numbers mean we will need help,'' Saracino said.