Published: 6 December, 2012

Tony Dallas talks sport… and with more than 20 years working as a sports development officer he knows what he’s on about

ALL amateur football games have been postponed in Holland this weekend after players’ outrageously attacked Dutch assistant referee Richard Nieuwenhuizen, which resulted in his death.

His attackers – two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old face manslaughter charges – were playing in the game that he was officiating.

I have to believe this is a one-off incident that will never happen again. However, the cynic in me feels that unless we get our house in order, it could.

No doubt things have changed for the better since I played Sunday League Football on Hackney Marshes. Then it was commonplace to smell alcohol oozing from the pores of opposition defenders. Some of the tackles made would have looked better at Twickenham and referees and linesmen did take their fair share of abuse. And, yes, there was the odd mêlée by players, coaches and fans that again, would be more akin to playing with an oval ball.

Therein lies the conundrum. Why does it seem like the red mist that comes down on and around a football pitch is so much worse than what we see in rugby? There just has to be a way of bringing the thinking that goes on in rugby to football because the level of respect shown to refereeing decisions is impeccable. And that’s the way forward.

Officials need more support and authority to discipline, educate, and familiarise players on football rules and etiquette.

I believe that if we did a survey, particularly in the amateur leagues, it would give a damning visual into the abuse suffered by match officials every week.

So, all those involved in youth football, let’s keep extolling the virtues of fair play and sport for all.

Let’s teach our young players that volunteers like Mr Nieuwenhuizen are the lifeblood of grassroots sports and that without them most fixtures could not be honoured.

And, finally, to the players who put the kit on and compete with a smile on their face, respect!

To the parents and coaches who actively encourage that to happen, respect!

And to the ladies and gentlemen who come rain or shine volunteer to help at those games, the utmost respect goes to you.

How do we get respect?
Tell us what you think – at: sports@camdennewjournal.com