Councillor Mike Adams has called for urgent action to tackle poor behaviour on the sidelines and to improve grassroots sports facilities across the county, following a speech delivered at Thursday’s full council meeting.
Cllr Adams, who represents Carlton East on Nottinghamshire County Council, highlighted growing concerns about the treatment of referees – many of whom are young volunteers – and the damaging impact this is having on local sport.
“As a local councillor and youth football coach, this is something I see week in, week out,” said Cllr Adams.
“Although the majority of parents and coaches are fantastic advocates for the sport, too many are losing their temper and directing abuse at referees who are simply trying to do their best.
“This behaviour is unacceptable and must stop.”
He warned that such conduct is driving volunteers away from the game and setting a bad example for young players.
He added: “We are supposed to be teaching our children discipline, teamwork and respect. Instead, we risk encouraging poor behaviour from the sidelines,” he added.
Cllr Adams also linked the issue to wider wellbeing, supporting initiatives such as smoke-free and vape-free sidelines while emphasising the importance of protecting the mental health of both players and match officials.
In addition, he raised concerns about the ongoing impact of poor weather on grassroots football, with waterlogged pitches frequently leading to cancelled matches during the winter months.
“Our biggest opponent in grassroots football isn’t another team – it’s the weather,” he said. “Too many games are lost to muddy, unusable pitches, which means fewer opportunities for children to stay active and engaged.”
To address this, Cllr Adams is calling for increased investment in modern 4G all-weather pitches across the district. He argued that such facilities would allow year-round play, improve public health outcomes, and strengthen community cohesion.
“These pitches are not a luxury – they are an investment in our children’s future,” he said. “They will help keep young people active, reduce pressure on the NHS, and support stronger, healthier communities.”
Cllr Adams urged fellow councillors to work collaboratively with district authorities, parish councils and local MPs to prioritise funding for improved sports infrastructure.
“Let’s protect our referees, support our volunteers, and ensure every child has the opportunity to play the sport they love,” he concluded.
