If you’re reading this, I hope the title caught your attention — because this message is one of the most important when it comes to the future and survival of children’s football.

That might sound dramatic, but the DDSL is facing a serious challenge: attracting and keeping referees. And I don’t think anyone needs to wonder why. Almost every match I attend — whether as a parent, supporter, or coach — I hear comments directed at referees:
 “Ah ref!”
 “How did you not see that?”
 “He’s never offside, ref!”
 And that’s keeping it clean — the reality is that much of what referees hear is far worse.

I’d love to say this behaviour only happens in other clubs, but unfortunately, that’s not true. While Stepaside is by no means the worst offender, we also can’t claim to be innocent.

That’s why, at Stepaside, we’re setting a ZERO TOLERANCE standard. This applies to everyone — parents, coaches, spectators, and players.

I’m asking every parent to speak with their child in the coming days to make sure they understand: there must be complete silence when it comes to referee decisions. Players who talk back or question referees’ decisions can and should expect to be carded and possibly sent off. Coaches will also be expected to bench players who repeatedly show disrespect, even if the referee doesn’t take action.

As parents and coaches, we all need to go to matches expecting that referees won’t get every decision right — and that’s okay. Mistakes happen. Get over it, move on, and support the game.

If you truly believe you can do better, I encourage you to volunteer as a referee. The DDSL will welcome you with open arms.

Let’s make Stepaside a club that leads by example — one that shows true respect for the people who make our kids’ games possible.