Respect started as The FA’s direct response to the abuse and intimidation of referees at grassroots level, and poor behaviour by over-competitive parents towards their children, as well as aggressive coaches and spectators on the sidelines.
Those issues were identified as the top priorities in the enormous consultation exercise undertaken by The FA in defining its vision for grassroots football, “Your Game, Your Say, Our Goal”, which compiled the views of over 37,000 participants, including players, coaches, referees, volunteers and fans. The feedback confirmed that parental pressure is one of the main reasons why young players drop out of the game, while poor behaviour by coaches, parents and players towards referees sees around 7,000 referees quit the game every year.
On the back of that research, during the second half of last season The FA conducted a 10-week pilot scheme in 20 adult and youth leagues across the country. The pilot comprised a combination of three measures: allowing only the captain to speak to the referee, erecting barriers along the touchlines to keep spectators back, and codes of conduct with related sanctions for everyone involved in the participating clubs. Over 300 teams, 150 referees, and 4000 players were involved.
The measures were identified after looking at the work done in grassroots leagues around the country, and consulting with County FAs, leagues, referees, and child welfare specialists. The FA also produced posters, guidance notes and pocket guides for clubs, players and parents, as well as an online feedback system where designated referees, players, club officials and parents fed back on levels of behaviour and respect.
The positive feedback revealed that the measures had a tangible impact on behaviour on the pitch and sidelines, and informed The FA’s plans for the 2008-09 season. The “captains-only” initiative has been adapted on the basis of feedback from players and referees. Both groups wanted to retain a greater degree of interaction and communication. The detailed results will be communicated at the start of the non-league season.
For more details see www.TheFA.com/Respect To find out more information about the RESPECT scheme in Middlesex please contact the Respect Lead Officer, Leigh O’Connor, by email through leigh.o’connor@middlesexfa.com or call 020 8515 1925.