Originally Posted by
sapdad
Its actually very believable.We have talked at length about the lack of referees for the last 2 years and the reasons why.For 15s and 16s they would ideally love to have a ref no younger than 17/18 on the game.Kids those ages now are dropping out of reffing due to HSC/Uni, other work, and the fact that if they are players (most are) they are expected to be available both days over every weekend of the season to play and ref.Kids that age have more interests and when the alternative is going to work just to cop abuse from parents and coaches then I can understand why they would rather be going to the beach or the movies or doing any other job which doesnt expose them to being abused.Add to that those age refs are now being offered ZPL gamedays which are better environments (better football/more respectful players/way less parent abuse/better money) the choice is pretty easy for a lot of them.They need more refs desperately,so all they can do is encourage kids to want to do it and do their best to keep the ones they already have.Hopefully theres plenty of kids in your sons team who are refs and everyone else on the forum is encouraging theirs to do it as well.
