Dear Members
Please see the following message from the Referee Operations Department regards the use of Inappropriate Language: -
The Referee Committee is concerned with the number and content of complaints received from clubs over the past year or so regarding the use of inappropriate, and occasionally, offensive language by match officials.
Referees are reminded that they must conduct themselves at all times – before, during and after matches – in a manner befitting their status as ambassadors of the Scottish FA.
It is appreciated that football can be an emotional environment in which to operate. Please think carefully before you react in any situation. Offensive, insulting or abusive language from a match official is never acceptable. It simply cedes the upper ground to the person at whom it is directed. Please also note that the certain words and phrases that may have been in common use in a past era can now be offensive.
Avoid giving offence!
For clarity, it is useful to refer to the Scottish FA’s definition of “Disorderly Conduct” as follows, please bear this in mind when considering what may or may not be appropriate language to use when representing the Scottish FA:
Conduct which stirs up or sustains, or is likely or designed to stir up or sustain, hatred or ill will against or towards a group or persons based on their membership or presumed membership of a group defined by reference to a Category or against an individual who is or is presumed to be of the following categories:
Gender, colour, race, nationality (including citizenship) or ethnic or national origin
Membership or presumed membership, of a religious group or of a social or cultural group with perceived religious affiliation
Sexual orientation
Transgender identity
Disability
Neil Watters - Association Manager
Scottish FA Referees - Angus & Perthshire