Local referees have been assaulted, threatened and verbally abused during matches at a grassroots level.
The ECHO has previously reported on a number of incidents where referees have been physically and verbally threatened by players and supporters. The officials have warned if attitudes don't change match officials will be driven away from the game.
David Humphreys, 31, told the ECHO: "While I've never been physically abused, I've sadly heard of countless colleagues who have. That aside, all too often I've been on the receiving end of verbal abuse. Whether it's from the junior game to adult football, there have been times I've been sworn at, threatened or berated to the point where I don't want to pick up the bag again.
READ MORE: Liverpool ticket tout jailed after flying to Qatar World Cup
"It can have a real impact on your mental health, given the amount of time referees give up in all weathers, all year round, to be treated like that when all they want to do is be part of the game we all love. The introduction of sin bins for dissent in amateur football is a welcome addition but all too often, referees can feel isolated and continued abuse without player attitude change will drive match officials away."
The ECHO previously reported how a referee in Wigan was attacked during a remembrance football match after giving a red card. The referee, Dave Bradshaw, suffered broken ribs, a concussion and a broken nose in the sickening attack.
The ECHO has also spoken with referee Keith Radcliffe, 56, who said officials are facing more abuse than ever at a lower level. He said his worst memory was when he was labelled a "nonce" by a parent while refereeing a match in Huyton. He warned "if it continues it will get worse and there will be no referees for the games."
This weekend marks the 20 year anniversary of REFspect - a volunteer-led organisation that promotes a zero tolerance approach to aggression, violence and abuse towards officials. The Don't X the Line campaign works with various professional football bodies, including the Football Association (FA); the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA); Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL); The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the County Football Associations to raise awareness of the problems experienced by referees.
The campaign's founder Malcolm Lee said: "Our mission is to support grassroots football in reducing bullying and harassment towards children and match officials in the sport. Our vision is a new football landscape in which referees feel protected and safe from sideline bullying.
"We are committed to the safety and protection of referees in football and building a more understanding generation of young people, who will go on to be the referees of the future."
The Don't X the Line campaign has previously been backed by both Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs. The Walton-based campaign has now been supported by local Member of Parliament Dan Carden.
Mr Carden said: "Don't X the Line is an important campaign promoting respect in grassroots football. I am pleased to support their valuable work to stop abuse spoiling the beautiful game."
The national REFspect awareness is running this weekend - and a key part of the campaign is to improve the behaviour of parents and spectators by reducing the number of touch line incidents. The campaign hopes this will not only maintain the current number of referees, but attract more to the game.
Mr Lee said REFspect's wants all clubs, leagues and county FAs to offer active support to the fair play campaign. The campaign will nominate clubs, referees and spectators with an award to recognise those who have gone the extra mile to raise awareness and improve conditions for officials.
The campaign's founder added: "We request the media, clubs, and County FAs to offer active support for the REFspect awareness weekend and fair play within grassroots football. Many thanks to the stakeholders, leagues, teams, parents and volunteers for your continued support."
For more information on the campaign you can visit dontxtheline.com.
READ NEXT:
Paul Russell and ex who was key Cashman witness to 'rekindle relationship'
Mum screamed when daughter, 28, 'in agony' told her what doctors had said
Paul Russell secretly met police on retail park and named Cashman as Olivia's killer
Calls for parents to be fined after 'little psychopaths' attack girl, 12, in sickening video
Order your 48-page Eurovision souvenir guide from our online shop
