Referees under the age of 18 across Wiltshire can indicate their age by wearing a distinctive yellow armband.

The initiative is a clear visual reminder to players, team officials, parents and spectators that an official wearing the armband is aged under 18 and is still subject to children’s safeguarding legislation – and should therefore be protected, encouraged and treated with respect.

The aim is to create a safe and positive environment for developing referees to ensure they stay in the game as officials for years to come.

The yellow U18 armband is a visual reminder, that players, team officials and parents and spectators should think twice, before questioning every decision they make, verbally abusing or intimidating U18’s referees.

We hope this initiative will help our community understand that the referee is under 18 years of age is on a learning curve – and wearing a Yellow Armband is not only a reminder of this, but also an opportunity to support and encourage young officials. 

All new referees under the age of 18 will be provided with an armband during their FA Referee course. Current referees under the age of 18 can order their armband for free by emailing Ella.Broad@WiltshireFA.com