appears to have been averted.

Referees had warned that unless their list of demands were met they would take "further action.'' But talks last week between the Bermuda Referees' Association and the Bermuda Football Association appear to have defused a simmering controversy sparked when the BRA publicly voiced their anger following a series of incidents in which their members came under attack.

And Monday night the BRA called a special meeting with their members to discuss talks with the BFA.

"We told them about what we had spoken to the BFA about and they basically accepted all of the terms and conditions that the BFA were offering,'' said BRA president Stuart Crockwell.

"We are happy that a lot of positive steps have been taken. Now we are looking forward to a very productive Dudley Eve competition and we hope to be out in force in the New Year and play our part in helping to run soccer smoothly for the community at large,'' he said.

Crockwell said that as a result of the recent dialogue with the BFA, the referees "are very confident that various steps will be taken to alleviate our many concerns.'' "The BFA have shown concern and sincerity about working out things. They appear to be just as keen as us to get these problems resolved and behind us so that soccer can continue to prosper.'' After two referees were struck by players during matches, the BRA demanded better protection. And they also asked the BFA to guarantee insurance coverage in the event that one of their members was injured during a game.

But the threat of taking further action, such as withdrawing their services on January 1, no longer seems to be under consideration.

"What I can say about that situation is that we are now looking at going into the New Year with a lot of our concerns already covered and sorted out. I really think a lot of them will be cleared up,'' said Crockwell.

"Letters are being sent out to the clubs to remind them of their responsibility with regards to the fact that the field operators are in charge of the supervision of security for the referees while they are on their grounds.'' Insurance coverage is a matter the BRA will continue to pursue, Crockwell noting that the BFA were in consultation with several companies and intended to meet with the BRA soon to discuss the best offer.

BFA General Secretary David Sabir said both parties would begin efforts to combat the problem of violence and concentrate on improving in various areas such as security, development, incentives and insurance.

"What is very important is that we would like to send a clear message to the public that soccer is a sport that should be enjoyed by all persons. It should not be a sport where individuals take the opportunity to vent their personal dissatisfactions,'' said Sabir.

"Those few disruptive spectators and players must cease with this negative and senseless behaviour of inflicting verbal and physical abuse on referees and players in particular must also be reminded that the BFA will not tolerate negative behaviour.''