Is it not about time that we all started looking into the Respect issue as a whole lot more now. I agree it works both ways but after a recent game I had where a player I had sent off once and then a further two times squares upto me and physically threatens me surely this sort of thing needs to kicked out straight away. And then (Most of us get asked this) the captain comes to the changing room after the game and ask's "gonna no put them through Ref we are all just a bit annoyed at loosing the game" again another lack of respect.
At this rate the game in general is going to suffer big time. Just in the last week I have came across two Referee's who have handed in their resignation's to the SFA.

Everyone would benefit from paying a bit more respect. Not just to refs but to other teams, officials and players. It's something the amateur game is poor at in my opinion. Too many times you get threats of violence, off the ball incidents, referees talking down to players (sometimes deserved I have to say), players refusing to shake hands etc. Refs aside most people involved in the amateur game give up their free time and pay for the privilege to play and you should be able to do this without the threat of violence. I've got a mate who got elbowed off the ball last season and had to go home to his wife and kid missing three teeth, with his top lip almost completely off, hanging by a bit of skin. All because he told someone who was trying to intimidate him to shut up. Ridiculous. Violent behaviour has no place in amateur football.

I always wondered if enough is done to break down barriers between referees and teams. For example do the SAFA offer any guidelines on building good relationships with teams? Some referees have the right personality for this and it comes quite naturally. For example some referees come into the dressing room before a game and outline their expectations or have a bit of friendly banter and I think this helps.

At the end of the day though we're all AMATEUR and players and teams need to realise that we all make mistakes at this level and if a mistake is made by a ref then you can be unhappy about it - and I don't see the problem with talking to a ref about it and refs should be open to this in my opinion - but still need to show respect. I think this is an area where some refs could improve. Players appreciate honesty. If a ref turns round and says... "I didn't give the penalty because from where I was standing I couldn't see it properly" ... then you appreciate that much more than being ignored or talked down to.

Another pet hate of mine is when players refuse to shake hands with their opponents or ref after the game. No matter what happens on the pitch I think the least you can do is shake hands and wish your opponent the best.

david.
re the player who threatened you. Down in Ayrshire we instruct our referees to contact the police for such an offence. I know it is hard but the pen is always better and wins in the end. I have been there and it is not good. The captain should be reported for his actions as he is trying to intimitate you, which is not on.
misstrawilson.
refs gain respect by treating players properly and talking to them at there level. Sorry about your mate.