AS a young male referee I found your article (about the problems facing girls referees) very sexist and very misleading. Touchline problems occur for all referees young and old, new and senior.

A lot of referees don't help themselves or other referees by not enforcing the laws of the game, this creates inconsistencies, which annoys managers, players and supporters alike.

As a fellow referee and player I have witnessed referees making wrong decisions, but they are only human. A big problem for referees is the end of season club tournaments that last all day long. Some supporters bring alcohol with them. After a long day drinking some supporters take it out on referees.

These managers and supporters should be aware that they could be breaking child protection laws because these laws cover referees up to 18 as well as players and managers andcoaches, which could lead to them losing their job and also not being allowed to take part in football anymore.

Charter Standard clubs also must comply with these rules as well, but how many clubs in Bury have Charter Standard status? These are the type of clubs that parents should be sending their children to. I also feel very strongly that junior leagues do not support the referees enough and then they wonder why there is a shortage of referees.

Tony Blair said he wanted to bring back the three Rs for the youth of today. However, it's the parents who are causing the trouble not the players. All they want to do is play football.

These parents cannot surely be surprised when their children get into trouble at school, with the police and of course with the referee on the field of play.

The FA could do more by insisting that any manager or supporter who is found guilty of having a go at a referee or entering the field of play without the referees permission should be made to do the child protection course and they should not be allowed back on the touchline until they have completed the course.

In my opinion the only way forward is to deduct points from the team. That way it will stop this kind of trouble from happening again. Football should be about having lots of fun, not agro.

CONCERNED MALE REFEREE (aged 16)