Soccer officials believe that they aren't getting enough respect from field operators throughout the Island - and they're determined to see a change.

Their major gripe is with the poor state of changing facilities made available to them at a number of grounds.

And they say they are about to take a firm stance and insist that the clubs improve those facilities or risk serious action being taken.

"Yes, it's no secret that many of our people are becoming frustrated with the sad conditions of the changing facilities that the clubs make available for us. In many instances the facilities for the players are much better than what they provide for us," said Cal Simons, vice-president of Bermuda Referees' Association.

"We discussed it at our meeting last week. In fact, it's always discussed and it's about time something was done about it.

"Our members have to fill out forms after doing matches and often they mention the poor conditions of the changing facilities which are never adequate."

While few of the referees are prepared to go on record and name the main offenders, they seem to all agree that one club is head and shoulders above all others - Ireland Rangers.

"They not only have the best changing facilities for the officials, they are also unmatched when it comes to giving the normal assistance to the officials which is what we instructed all of the clubs when we were forced to take dramatic action by withdrawing our services last season," said one official, who didn't wish to be named.

"At Malabar it's almost a privilege to go there to officiate. In addition to having good, clean changing rooms with an attached bathroom which is always clean, they are also quite efficient when it comes to providing security for our people."

At other club grounds, BRA members say the changing facilities are often small and uncomfortable as well as dirty and untidy.

"We have always forwarded our concerns to Bermuda Football Association but we seem to be faced with the same disregard that existed in the past and it's now beginning to disturb us," added the official.

"Also of concern is that some of the clubs are reneging on a commitment to supply officials for security and that's another major item that worries us.

"It is something that should again be addressed with haste or some of our people will eventually be forced to take action by staying away until these improvements are made.

"In many cases the players' changing rooms are almost one hundred percent better than ours."