MUSH Kent Youth League chief executive Colin Boswell has threatened to get tough on referee abuse by banning players whose parents are to blame, writes Graham Jones.
Mr Boswell sent out the stark warning to what he describes as "mindless idiots" involved during his annual report to be presented to the league's annual meeting on Tuesday.
He also made it clear there would be a zero tolerance approach to the problem next season.
Mr Boswell said: "The league has again had to deal with mindless idiots, such as the occasional parent, who think our referees are there to be abused.
"Clubs should advise these people that the league will be operating a zero tolerance situation and, in proven case4s, will not hesitate to cancel the players registration.
"The parents concerned can then have the job of telling the boy why he is not playing in this competition."
Mr Boswell's comments come only a fortnight after Kent FA chief executive Keith Masters rapped badly-behaved parents.
Of 317 charges against clubs for failing to control spectators in Kent last season, the greatest number were against those organising children's football. Mr Masters called the situation in the county "intolerable."
Mr Boswell goes on to report a slight increase in the number of misconduct cases in the league last season.
He said: "The worrying thing is that the trend is in the lower age groups.
"Senior clubs must keep an eye on the team managers of lower age group clubs and stamp down on the misconduct before the Kent FA and the league do so."
Mr Boswell hit back at criticism over the number of games played in one of the divisions by describing the comments as misguided.
"He said: "We do not, and never will, advocate the overplaying of players but the playing of games is a matter of choice of the individual player or his parents.
"We will continue to make decisions that are in the best interest of our clubs which, after all, is what we are elected to do."
The league is incorporating an under-13 division next season and will be getting the views of clubs about the possibility of an under-19 division for midweek matches in season 2005-2006.
Preparations are being made for the competition's 25th anniversary in 2005-06.
Among the possible celebrations are a prestigious friendly against a Premiership club and a tour to France for three age groups.
The meeting on Tuesday is at Lordswood Sports and Social Club, starting at 8pm.
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