In the wake of increased violence against referees and linesmen, Bermuda Football Association have introduced tougher penalties which will be strictly enforced this season.

The BFA have issued a list of disciplinary measures in a bid to curb violent behaviour by both players and spectators which they claim is putting referees and linesmen, in particular, at greater risk.

Last week BFA general secretary David Sabir confirmed that the association would ban spectators from all club grounds for bad behaviour and now stiffer penalties will be imposed on players. Of particular concern is the violence against and disrespect shown to officials by players.

The offences fall under eight categories and repetition of any of them could lead to a lifelong ban from association football.

The offences and their minimum suspensions are: Using foul or abusive language (three match suspension) Spitting on/at an official (six match suspension) Pushing in a non-violent manner (six match suspension) Pushing in a violent manner (one year suspension) Striking with the hand, kicking or head butting (three year suspension) Striking with the ball (six match suspension) Striking with an instrument, other than the ball (10 year suspension) Proven damage to personal property (one year suspension) The two most serious offences last season involved Dandy Town's Troy Durham who received a life ban after striking linesman Peter Sousa during a league match at Frog Lane Field last November.

Durham was sent off for abusive behaviour towards Sousa but returned minutes later to attack the linesman. Durham's own club thought his action was severe enough to issue an immediate 10-year ban, though they thought the life ban later imposed by the BFA was too harsh. It was one of the most severe penalties meted out by the association.

Just weeks earlier, Winston (Bummy) Martin, a Commercial Division player with Devonshire Lions, was handed a three-year ban for striking referee Gernot Wilkie, a suspension which angered the Bermuda Football Referees Association for its leniency. Wilkie never refereed again while Sousa has now also quit officiating, leaving the BFRA short of officials this season.

Suspensions can also carry fines of $10, $20 and $30 depending on the offence.

Any player who is cautioned in three different matches in the same season, even for different types of offences, is liable for at least a one match ban in the same competition and a fine of $10.

Also, players sent off for offences such as serious foul play, very dangerous play, violent conduct, persistent protests against decisions by the referee and linesmen will be punished by at least a one match suspension and a fine of $10.

Players sent off for insulting the referee and or linesmen will be punished with at least a three match suspension and a fine of $20. If a player is sent off for violent conduct agianst another player, team or game official or any other persons present, the player must appear before the disciplinary or executive committee for punishment.

"When a player does things that are not in the best interest of the game then the entire spectrum of football suffers,'' said BFA general secretary David Sabir.

"If they become more aware of their responsibility as it relates to what punishment they can receive then hopefully these will act as deterrents. It will also act as a means of assisting the disciplinary process and more importantly the disciplinary committee when it comes to making a ruling.'' Sabir said the ability to impose fines on players had always been present within the association but is new in terms of being clearly spelt out what specific fines can be attached to a player's behaviour.

"Clearly there is a measure of concern for the officials. They must be comfortable knowing that actions on the field either against them or the rules of the game won't be tolerated,'' said Sabir.

Also spelt out quite clearly is the matter of suspended players or clubs playing while under suspension, a ruling that is now being stressed more following the incident during a neighbourhood tournament during the summer when some members of the banned Under-23 team participated.

"Any affiliate, club team or registered person of the Bermuda Football Association who is currently serving a suspension through disciplinary sanctions issued by the Disciplinary Committee or the Executive Committee shall not be entitled to participate in any match or competition sanctioned by the BFA. Hence, such suspended bodies shall not be eligible to participate in any off-season activities,'' the regulations stated.

"Such suspended bodies can only participate once the BFA's official competitions commence and the required suspension has been served.'' DAVID SABIR -- concerned about the increase in violence.