Tim Siret is a referee with 15 years' experience.

He is also the press officer on the management committee for the Autotype UTV Sunday League, so is in a good position to comment on levels of abuse towards officials.

Siret believes a tough stance from the leagues is the only way to ensure referees stay in the game.

"You have to punish teams and players, and on the UTV League, we are very strict," he said.

"We come down hard on teams who step out of line and are starting to get the respect coming through.

"There has to be a price to pay if we are subjected to abuse from players or spectators.

"We are restricted in terms of spectators, but the FA are now taking steps to bring in more respect across the board.

"Refereeing reflects society. Therefore it is getting more difficult, but it is not out of hand.

"In boys' football, we encourage parents to support their children, but it can't cross the line into bad language and abuse to players and officials.

"I would like to have a situation where anyone that abuses a referee is asked to leave the ground.

"It may take a year or two, but I believe that will come in eventually with the FA's backing."

Oxford Mail Boys League referees' secretary Paul Lyon agrees.

He said: "Being a children's league, we have a lot of younger referees, and we have to take measures to protect them against abusive behaviour from players and spectators.

"Half my referees are under 18, and their well-being is a priority.

"Referees have to report to me if there are any problems at games, be that on the pitch, or with parents watching.

"We have a league rule that if a club is found guilty of misconduct on three occasions, we can take action against them by way of point deductions.

"Since this rule has been brought in, we have only used it once, so we don't have a major problem.

"There are isolated incidents on the field, but it's different teams.

"All the clubs have signed up to a code of conduct.

"We have more referees than most children's leagues, and the most of them get the respect they deserve."