The lack of new referees coming on board in Kerry is becoming a major concern in the county.

Those are the sentiments of referee tutor Maurice O’Sullivan and Referee’s Committee administrator Pat Sheehy who addressed delegates at this week’s annual convention.

The Kerryman reports that both men spoke passionately about the topic at the convention stating that the current number of referees was dwindling, mainly due to the abuse they receive from team mentors, players and supporters.

“Let’s be honest, we’re heading in a crisis direction,” said O’Sullivan. “The age profile of the referees we have is obviously increasing and also the number of people staying on as referees is decreasing.

“A number of years ago we had ten more referees than we have today yet we have many more games today. We have games seven days a week and now with floodlights maybe even seven nights a week we have matches.”

Sheehy added: “One of the reasons for fall off is abuse by some mentors - and I stress some - some parents and supporters. Only the club can sort that out. Ye can start with the first one, abuse by mentors. If some fellas are acting the maggot and roaring abuse cut it out because if there’s fines and sanctions it’s the club that’s going to suffer. So get rid of them, one way or the other, it has to stop, otherwise we will have no referees.”

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