Abuse of officials threatens future of shinty warns Camanachd Association as Ross-shire club backs 'respect' call
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A ROSS-SHIRE shinty club has backed calls to respect match officials amid reports some have given up due to the abuse they have been taking.
Caberfeidh Shinty Club made its comments in the wake of a circular from the Camanachd Association.
It voiced disappointment over some recent incidents within the game's community.
The game's ruling body said it was "disappointing" that it was having to remind clubs about respect towards match officials again.
It says that over the past few weeks there have been "several instances" of players, coaches and supporters challenging decisions made by match officials and making comments towards them.
The letter from operations and events manager Astie Cameron says that whilst the match officials may not always give the decision players, coaches and fans want, "they give what they see".
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And it notes that without referees "there will be no games" and that some officials have given up due to the abuse they have been receiving.
He urges clubs to share their codes of conduct on social media and play a part getting the message across.
Caberfeidh Shinty Club has shown its support of the statement.
This evening it posted: "We should be mindful that by showing any disrespect we are creating a bad example for the youngsters within our great game.
"Being a supporter, official or player for Caberfeidh Shinty Club does not mean that it's okay to show a lack of respect towards the referee or goal judge or to abuse them for implementing the rules of the game as they see it.
"Support Caberfeidh, enjoy the game, respect the match officials and have a bit of craic about it afterwards."
