SEVERAL national newspapers recently reported about a ban on parents cheering their children at football matches.

This is actually a ‘silent weekend’ for spectators at youth matches being piloted by Hampshire FA.

In fact, it is nothing new; silent weekends have been a feature at youth football in Holland and America for several years.

I think there are two objectives. Firstly, to stop abusive language and behaviour towards referees by parents, particularly if they think their child is fouled.

Most referees who referee youth games will tell you the same thing.

The boys are fine; the problem is the parents.

My own experience is limited, but I have mentored young referees in their first matches and have been dismayed at the outburst of some parents.

I remember an American woman referee, who officiated at the Women’s World Cup in Canada, saying when she started, she was subjected to so much abuse.

“Don’t they realise,” she said, “that at 14 years old I was doing my best. Why should they think I knew everything already?”

Another aspect of ‘silent weekends’ is that parents expect too much of their children.

They put too much pressure on them instead of just letting them enjoy playing.

One young boy, after a couple of years playing football took up skateboarding.

When asked why he had made the switch replied, “Because my dad doesn’t know anything about skate boarding.”

Coaches in Hampshire say they are excited about the idea of less parent intervention.

I’m not surprised. The coach will tell players to do one thing and fathers shout from the touchline at their sons to do something different.

The Netherlands FA, (KNVB), have come up with a different idea.

The ‘Week of the Referee’, to thank referees for what they do for football every week.

The photos I saw of this event. showed referees being welcomed onto the field of play and applauded as they left.

There were also presentations being made before the game of flowers and other gifts, and presentations by captains at kick-off. I look forward to it happening here.