FOOTBALL officials from the Thames Valley League have explained the reasons behind their decision to cancel fixtures this weekend following a referee 'strike', writes Anthony Smith.

Only four match officials were prepared to referee the 32 fixtures across six divisions scheduled for tomorrow amid a growing number of incidents of threats and violence in the league.

Two matches - the Premier Division clash between Highmoor Ibis Reserves and Taplow United, plus the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup clash between Winnersh Rangers against Westwood United - were abandoned within the last few weeks.

The referee in the Winnersh Rangers versus Westwood United match was assaulted by a player who has now been excluded from the club.

Now, the majority of match officials have withdrawn their services this weekend in order to send out a clear message that enough is enough.

A statement from the Thames Valley League has been sent to all TVL clubs, giving them a deadline of 2pm today (Friday) to source their own referees.

However, the vast majority of clubs are unlikely to do so in a show of support to local officials.

The statement says: “Given the unprecedented situation we find ourselves in, the League Officers have reluctantly decided to postpone all TVPL league fixtures for November 7 where no County FA affiliated referee has been appointed, either by this league or through the efforts of clubs.

“Premier Division clubs are reminded that for Premier Division league games, the match official shall be at least a level 5 referee.

“A clear message the league is receiving from clubs and match officials is that something needs to be done to improve matchday behaviour.

“The league management committee is in agreement with this; but to do this needs the cooperation of all those involved in the game.”

The four matches due to go ahead tomorrow are Berks County v Taplow United in the Premier Division, Westwood United Reserves v FC Imaan Lions in Division Two, White Eagles v Wargrave Reserves in Division Three and Goring United Reserves v Baughurst reserves in Division Five.

In stark contract, last Saturday saw 29 qualified referees take charge of 30 matches across the divisions.

The only match which did not go ahead had already been awarded as a walkover to the away team.

In addition, five of the league's cup matches also boasted qualified linesmen.

One leading figure at a Premier Division club, who the Chronicle agreed not to name, said: “We've seen two referees assaulted in the last few weeks.

“We all sympathise with the referees and I'm sure they have the full support of all clubs.

“Things have become so bad that somebody will get knifed or killed at some stage, I can see it happening.

“I don't want it to be us or one of our players.”

He added: “In my opinion the Thames Valley League and the Berks & Bucks FA haven't done enough.

“Some players have been kicked out of their clubs after what happened recently, but it's too late now.

“Referees get about thirty quid a game and they are probably thinking it's not worth the hassle.”

Thames Valley League chiefs say they are working hard to improve on-field disciple, though they also stress all players and clubs have a duty to clean up their own acts.

The statement continued: “From a league perspective the FA’s Standard Code of Rules states how the league will be administered and we have very limited powers regarding the discipline of players.

“But, following recent events, three players have had their registrations with the league deactivated due to their disciplinary behaviour.

“The dealing with on-field offences are retrospective actions and the challenge is one of how to be proactive in preventing the offences occurring in the first place.

“This is where clubs play a key role, by taking responsibility for the actions of their players and management teams who they know best.

“Actions can include having players adhere to the Respect Player Code of Conduct, educate players in what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, substitute players who are becoming troublesome during a game and having a policy of not selecting players with poor disciplinary records.

“The League’s Management Committee is happy to facilitate meetings with clubs and their players to aid understanding of the Laws of Association Football.

“In the meantime dialogue has started with match officials to understand their position.”

The league's decision to call off matches tomorrow means those clubs affected will not face a fine of up to £100 and/or a point deduction, which is the normal penalty for failing to fulfil a fixture.