‘I’m Done Here’: Abusive Behavior By Parents Blamed For Youth Soccer Referee Shortage

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (CBS Local) — Youth soccer games are being cancelled at twice the normal rate this year due to a referee shortage blamed on bad behavior by parents and fans, according to officials in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Currently, there are 85 referees to be split among high school and club leagues. That’s an all-time low, according to Dave Lauben, who oversees scheduling for high school games.
“Ten years ago, that number was approximately 140,” he told KOAT.
Laube