The West Riding County FA will drive the FA’s Respect programme this season in a bid to halt the alarming numbers of officials quitting the game.

The Football Association currently lose around 7,000 referees each year, largely due to the abuse they receive from players and spectators.

However, the number has begun to decrease in recent years and the West Riding FA’s referee development officer Bobby Madley is determined to continue that trend.

A referee recruitment drive will start next month with the backing of some of the country’s top Premier League officials, including West Riding referees Mike Riley and Martin Atkinson.

Madley is hoping that through the Respect programme it will persuade more budding referees to take up the whistle.

“With more education and understanding, we feel this can be changed significantly,” he said.

“We want to create a more enjoyable atmosphere for everybody at all football pitches around the county.

“Everybody is involved in grass-roots football because they love the game, whether that be players, spectators or referees.

“Without referees our national game will not be as beautiful as it once was and without the help and support of all involved in the game it will soon begin to decline once again.

“It’s time to stop the abuse within the game, give children the opportunity to become better footballers and give the referees a chance to become better referees.

“That way everybody involved in football within the West Riding area will benefit.”