Why we need Ref4aDay: a growing crisis of respect in grassroots sport

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Every week across Europe, youth referees face insults, intimidation and even violence. In many cases, they’re just teenagers trying to do their job. Too often, their stories go unheard.

This is not just a problem of bad manners — it’s a sign of a deeper cultural crisis in sport: the loss of respect, empathy and mutual understanding.

Sport has the power to unite, to teach fairness and cooperation. But when referees are no longer seen as part of the game — when they become scapegoats — that power is lost.

Ref4aDay addresses this challenge by offering a radical shift in perspective: instead of talking about referees, it lets young people become referees for a day. Through this experience, participants don’t just learn the rules — they learn to understand what it means to make difficult decisions, to mediate under pressure, to manage conflict.

In doing so, the project helps build a new culture of dialogue, where referees are not enemies, but essential allies.

RAF 4 A DAY is a project co funded by the European Union.

follow our website: www.oltrenetworklab.com/raf4aday