ST LAWRENCE, NL – When you accept the role of president of a provincial governing body, you also accept a higher level of responsibility. It means recognizing that, at times, your duties as a leader must take precedence over your emotions as a parent. That is undoubtedly difficult, and as the parent of an athlete myself, I understand those emotions. In fact, it is one of the reasons I do not believe I would be capable of holding such a position.
However, when you become president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA), your actions are held to a different standard. Players, coaches, parents, officials, and the broader soccer community are watching. Leadership is about setting the example.
That is why the events of Sunday, July 5, deserve serious discussion.
The NLSA has made it clear that it has a zero-tolerance policy toward the harassment of match officials. It is an important policy, one designed to protect referees and encourage more people to become involved in officiating. Yet that message is undermined when the organization’s own president, Chris Bartlett, is cautioned by a referee after repeatedly directing complaints toward a match official.
Like many parents, I have disagreed with officiating decisions. I have experienced the frustration that comes with watching your child compete. But I have also learned that there is a line that cannot be crossed. Respecting officials—even when we disagree with them—is part of being involved in sport.
The shortage of referees in Newfoundland and Labrador is not a new problem, but it is becoming increasingly serious.
This season alone, Challenge Cup matches have been postponed because assigners could not find enough officials. On May 16, four Challenge Cup games were postponed due to a lack of referees. Then, less than two months later, on July 5, an NL Cup match was postponed for the same reason. These are only the incidents I am personally aware of, and I suspect similar situations have occurred elsewhere within the provincial soccer system.
Recruiting and retaining officials has become one of the greatest challenges facing the game.
New referees, many of them young adults or teenagers, already face enormous pressure every time they step onto the field. Learning to officiate is no different than learning to coach or play. Experience comes with time. Officials are not perfect, particularly early in their careers, but they improve through repetition, mentorship, and confidence.
When the president of the governing body publicly challenges the decisions of a young referee, it sends the wrong message. Rather than encouraging officials to stay involved, it reinforces the very environment that has contributed to the shortage.
We must ask ourselves a simple question: what is worse—a young official who is still learning, or no official at all?
Without referees, there are no games.
This issue extends beyond one caution issued during one match. It raises questions about leadership and accountability. Policies only have value when they apply equally to everyone, especially those responsible for enforcing them.
Whether or not an apology is offered is ultimately beside the point. Public confidence in leadership is built through consistent actions, not words. Once leaders demonstrate that they are unable to uphold the standards they expect from others, restoring that confidence becomes an uphill battle.
The soccer community deserves leaders who not only establish expectations but also embody them. Respect for officials must begin at the very top. If we truly want to solve the referee shortage and create a healthier environment for the game, leadership must lead by example.
