Clive Penton watched a teenage boy take charge of a youth match one morning and saw exactly how tough it is for youngsters who decide to become referees.

Youth matches can be the most difficult games to handle and not because of the children. Parents watching on the touchlines are notoriously known for giving referees hell.

So Clive always maintains that before entertaining the idea of becoming a referee, you must be thick-skinned.

His 14-year-old son Steven has recently decided to follow in his father's footsteps and become an official.

Clive said: "I usually go and watch Steven when he referees and am always there to support him. And it's sometimes a good job I am.

"I was watching a game on an adjacent pitch to my son's. The young lad was having to endure all sorts of awful abuse from the parents. Eventually he walked off because he had had enough. And that is something which regularly happens.

"The trouble is the parents don't understand that these lads are young and learning. They don't need that abuse. I think these people need to be made aware of the effect their actions are having on these boys.

"After all, how would these parents like their children having to endure abuse."

Children are allowed to take up refereeing at the age of 14, which is exactly what Steven did. It is the likes of Steven that have the best chance of progressing up the ladder to the top.

Clive insists that once a referee passes youth and pub football, the intimidation passes.

He said: "Imagine how intimidating it must be for a young lad to cycle to a ground. He's all alone and there's these two big pub teams. And these players will try it on with younger refs. They will intimidate in an attempt to gain some advantage.

"But once you get to County League, at least then you have two linesmen and then once you get through the Ryman, Dr Martens Leagues and into the Conference and above the whole situation changes."

Some of Sussex's top senior referees, such as Gary Willard and Allan Gunn, have a number of top young officials under their wings in the Mentor Scheme, which was formed to offer support.

Clive says any young referee will always find support from senior officials in Sussex. Clive himself is always happy to speak to anyone who experiences problems or just wants advice.

Steven admits his father's influence paved the way for him to take up refereeing.

He said: "My footballing skills are not going to take me far, so I've decided I can go further as a referee.

"It was easy to become involved. I spoke to my dad. Then I managed to get on a course and it took about three months, learning the rules of the game and how to handle certain situations."

His dad started from the bottom at the age of 26 and is on the threshold of being a referee in the Premiership. At the moment, he runs lines.

Last season he was a linesman at the FA Cup semi-final match between Chelsea and Newcastle at Wembley Stadium.

Clive said: "It's a good job and the younger you are, the more chance you have of becoming a top ref."

For further information on courses, contact Tony West on 01342 311975.