A NEW initiative will see young referees in the county wear a purple kit in a bid to remind people that the referee is learning.

The “See purple, Be Positive” initiative is being introduced for all trainee referees and those recently qualified who are under 18 for the coming season.

Herefordshire Junior Football League and Herefordshire Girls League will see referees wearing the purple shirts.

Herefordshire FA Referee Development Officer, Sean Dipple said: “Nearly 40 per cent of our current registered referees in Herefordshire are under the age of 18 and it is crucial to support and retain them so they can develop and prosper as referees.

"We have to understand that they will make mistakes, just like the young players they are refereeing, but this is all part of their development and I would ask that managers, coaches, parents and spectators respect this. If anyone has an issue with a new referee, they should contact the County FA.

"The purple shirt acts as a visual aid to players, coaches, parents and spectators that the referee is still a child and should be treated with the same respect and level of safeguarding as any other child. We all have a collective responsibility to ensure the match experience is enjoyable for all participants so whenever you see purple, be positive!”

Whilst this scheme is aimed at supporting young officials, Herefordshire FA is proactively attempting to eliminate abuse of all referees.

With the help of the scheme Herefordshire FA expect to increase retention into adult football and see more young people inspired to referee.

Furthermore, with the new laws on temporary dismissals and bookings for team managers or coaches coming into effect this season, it is hoped dissent and disrespect will also be reduced in the adult game.

Dipple added: “There are some big changes taking place this season and we are confident these will lead to a more positive match day experience for our officials.

"The impact of the purple shirt campaign should spread into the adult game too as the players, coaches and referees transition into senior football.”