KENT County FA chief executive Keith Masters has rapped badly behaved parents whose touchline outbursts are undermining children’s football.

Of 317 charges levied against clubs for failing to control spectators last season, by far the greatest number were against those organising football for children. Mr Masters called the situation “intolerable”.

In his annual report, to be presented at the KCFA annual meeting on June 19, he asks: “What is it that makes some adults, who I am quite sure are normal law abiding and decent citizens, suddenly become raving monsters when they watch their children play football?

“Adults are expected to set a good example by their behaviour. These figures are totally unacceptable and those clubs and the leagues in which they participate must address this matter forthwith.

“We must consider being much stronger in dealing with such cases. Children have the right to expect to play football in a happy and safe environment.

“If this cannot happen because of adults, then severe steps will have to be considered. The situation is now intolerable.”

Mr Masters also expresses concern about children under the age of six participating in competitive football.

“The rules of the Football Association are quite straightforward,” he says.

“A child must not be permitted to play in a match-type situation unless he or she has attained the age of six years at midnight on August 31 in the year in question.

“I was appalled recently to hear of football being organised for five year olds. It seems to me that no matter what rules exist, someone wants to break them.

“All too often we hear from parents who are convinced they have given birth to the next David Beckham or Wayne Rooney. Yet the child may still be only a toddler.

“Adults must respect the rules which are written and exist for the safety of the children concerned.”

The total number of misconduct cases handled by the KCFA amounted to 13,848 which was a reduction of 510 on the previous season. Mr Masters said that though the figure was encouraging, the reduction was entirely in cautions. The number of sendings-off and other charges increased by 56.

A total of 1,536 referees registered with the Association in 2003, which is 73 fewer than the previous year and takes the loss over a two-year period to 100.

Mr Masters described the trend as worrying and called for more punitive measures to get to grips with the problem.

“Many people, when asked why they decide to stop refereeing, cite the behaviour of players, officials and spectators as the main reason. This is not a new problem but the measures which have been taken over the years appear not to have worked.

“Therefore, perhaps the time is right to review the whole gamut of procedures to ensure that the punitive measures are more severe.

“I am firmly of the opinion that the top of the game should set an example. How often do you hear beaten managers interviewed give credit to the opposition?

“Hardly ever. But how often have you heard the blame for a team’s shortcomings laid at the door of a referee’s decisions?”

A total of 1,832 clubs are affiliated to the KCFA which is 42 more than last year.

KM-fm's Ed Cook has been speaking Keith Masters...