FOOTBALL fields across the Northern Inland region will fall silent this weekend.
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No, it's not a general bye, but rather the annual Silent Saturday and Referee's Recognition weekend, advises NIF general manager Gavin Flanagan.
Parents and spectators are encouraged to keep quiet and let the kids play as part of Silent Saturday, he reported.
"Silent Saturday is an initiative in the Mini Roos football age groups of U6's to U11's and sends the message to spectators to refrain from any communication to the referees or game leaders," Flanagan said.
"The main objective is to just let the kids play and have fun without having to worry about how their performance is affecting the adults on the sidelines.
"In conjunction with Silent Saturday, Northern Inland Football is conducting a Referee's Recognition Weekend. This is an initiative that provides the football community the chance to show our referees and match officials that they are a valued member of the football family and are appreciated by players, coaches and supporters alike.
"They are great initiatives that remind us all about fair play and sportsmanship.
"Too often parents, coaches and spectators get caught up in the drama and emotion of the game and either take it out on the match officials or the players.
