English FA starts grassroots referee body cam trial in bid to stop abusive players

February 23 – English football authorities have begun trialling body cameras on referees in grassroots leagues to help “improve participant behaviour and respect towards referees”.

The pilot is the first of its kind anywhere in the world, and comes after permission was granted by the game’s lawmaking body, the International Football Association Board.

The announcement of the trial coincides with a BBC survey that showed a majority of referees reporting receiving abuse. Last year the FA banned 380 players and coaches for attacking or threatening referees and match officials.

Around 100 officials will wear the bodycams in grassroots football within the first three months of the trial. Crucially, the footage will be admissible if required in any disciplinary hearing.

If the trial proves successful the bodycams could be rolled out to additional grassroots leagues for the 2023-24 season.

Paul Field, president of England’s Referees’ Association, this week said that the verbal and physical abuse of grassroots referees in the country is getting so bad that lives are at risk.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “Referees are the lifeblood of our game and we thank the IFAB for their support in allowing us to undertake this new grassroots bodycam trial, the first of its nature globally.

“We have listened to feedback from the referee community, and we hope this trial will have a positive impact on the behaviour towards them – so that ultimately they can enjoy officiating in a safe and inclusive environment.”

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