New armband aims to reduce abuse against young football referees

A new armband for football referees under 18 will be introduced to improve match environments and reduce early dropouts among young officials, reports DR Nyt.

The initiative comes as many young referees quit after just one season due to verbal abuse from spectators and players. The U18 armband is designed to increase visibility and respect for the youngest referees on the field.

Football associations hope the measure will help retain more young officials by making their role more clearly recognised.