Toolstation NCEL Division One
Yorkshire Amateur player/coach Joel Hughes
Joel Hughes is fully supportive of the new guidance given to referees regarding “intolerable behaviour” across English football.
The Yorkshire Amateur player/coach has witnessed countless incidents of referees receiving abuse from players during his career – not just in the Evo Stik and NCEL, but also whilst playing for well known Leeds Sunday League outfit Chapeltown Fforde Grene.
“I respect all referees and I think they do a great job,” Hughes told Non League Yorkshire.
“I’m happy with the new regards to the new guidance regarding how players talk to referees.
“I have often witnessed referees get harassed and abused. I hope they use the guidance to the best of their abilities and keep the game nice and clean.
“It is better for everyone that way. I’ve seen things on a Sunday morning and because of what I’ve seen, I wouldn’t want to be a referee because of the abuse. I’ve seen referees chased off the pitch, I’ve seen them called all sorts of names.
“It is not right. They’re giving up their Saturday’s and they could be sat at home with their family. They give us players the opportunity to play the game we love and so why not respect them?
“Everyone is human, players make mistakes, referees make mistakes. I know referee mistakes may upset players, but you have to take it on the chin and move on and get on with the game.”
Hughes is combining playing duties with a coaching role this season alongside fellow coach Chris Hitchings and Ammers boss Phil Harding.