Respect was the No.1 priority emerging from the ‘Your Game, Your Say’ consultation which took place in 2007. The results highlighted concerns about the behaviour at grassroots level towards match officials which resulted in matches being abandoned and 7000 referees dropping out the game per season.
The Respect programme will contribute towards creating a safe, positive environment for everyone to enjoy football. It is envisaged that the steps of Respect will make a positive difference and help in the development of the game. Respect will contribute to targets within National and Local strategies including;
• Creating and maintaining referees
• Creating more teams
• Creating better players (5-11+)- Building a better future.
From the start Respect will have an impact on the following areas:
Referee recruitment and retention: By tackling abuse towards match officials, we hope to reduce the stream of referees understandably leaving the game.
Participation within youth football: Abuse and pressure from the sidelines needs to stop if we are to ensure young children enjoy, stay and progress in the game.
Coaching and player development: An encouraging and player-centred approach is vital if we are to improve coaching standards - particularly for the key 5-11 age-group. It's simple: better coaches produce better players.
Safeguarding children: Everyone in football has a duty of care towards children - ensuring they are able to play football in a safe, enjoyable environment free of abuse, bullying and discrimination.
Background -
The FA is committed to tackling behaviour across the whole game. Improving overall disciplinary performance (of which behaviour is a key part) is one of the fourteen milestones in the new FA Vision. The FA has been working with its professional and national game partners to develop a number of initiatives to address both on pitch and sideline behaviour.
Respect in practice
Professional Game -
The FA has been working with the Premier League, Football League, PFA, LMA and the PGMO to develop the following practical steps in the professional game:
• The Referee to use the captains to help manage behaviour.
• Referees to apply Law 12 and deal firmly with any open show of dissent.
• Pre-match briefing involving the referee, captain and a senior member of the coaching staff.
• A focus on improving behaviour in the technical area including prohibiting the use of TV and other monitors.
• PL Codes of conduct – Chairmen and Managers.
• Both teams to line up and shake hands with the opposition and match officials prior to KO to set the sporting tone.
National Game
In the national game The Respect programme consists of 4 interventions;
• Codes of Conduct
• Designated Spectator Areas
• Captains taking responsibility
• Referees Managing the game
The National Game roll out
• All leagues have been invited to sign-up to The Respect Programme
• Each County Football Association has designated a Respect Lead Officer who will present further information on how Leagues implementing.
• When Leagues have signed up for Respect each team within the league will receive a Respect pack containing the Codes of Conducts, and a detailed guide for Captain’s and Clubs.
• Each referee will receive a Respect Guide for Referees by the County FA they have affiliated to.
• Each league will be offered a Football Foundation 50% voucher to order the Respect barriers for those Leagues wishing to implement the Designated Spectator Areas.
For more information on the Respect Programme in Derbyshire please contact Cath Morton on 01332 361422 or your League Secretary.