The strike by Merseyside Youth Football League in protest at referee abuse – and statistics showing 380 bans have been given for attacks on grassroots officials at all ages – has ignited another fierce discussion about the issue.
Both on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website, thousands of people have been sharing their experiences and calling for change.
BBC Sport asked for thoughts on the story and got more than 1,100 comments, as well as a further 1,000 submissions.
Here are some of those thoughts, experiences and suggestions for change:
