Referees' co-ordinator Donal Smyth criticised the abuse of match officials at underage games at the August meeting of the Meath County Committee in Kilmessan.
Smyth expressed annoyance over referees taking charge of games in grades as low as under-12 level being abused. He said it is difficult enough getting refs without them being subjected to such treatment.
Prompted by comments of a disputed penalty being awarded to Tyrone in the All-Ireland Qualifiers clash with Meath in Omagh, the former Royals' netminder remarked that referees won't get all decisions right.
"Criticising referees on the social media is unfair because they are unable to defend themselves against such comments," said Smyth, who again emphasised the need for new young whistlers in the county.