Now that the FA’s RESPECT programme has been operational for a year, we thought that we’d reflect on the progress to date and on the plans to develop the programme further into season 2009/2010.
The FA’s RESPECT programme was piloted in season 2007-2008 and launched in August 2008 at the FA Community Shield. In addition to the pilots, some 12,000 people were surveyed across the UK about what they wanted to see change in grass-roots football. The overwhelming response was that on-field and touchline behaviour needed to be improved. In essence - for players, coaches, match officials and spectators to show RESPECT towards each other.
Following the extensive aforementioned surveys, pilots and communications, the programme developed into 4 interventions:
1. Codes-of-Conduct: which all players/coaches/managers would sign-up to annually as a part of club and league registrations.
2. Designated Spectator Areas: such as FA Barrier System, cones or an additional painted line.
3. Emphasise to Team Captains of the role they could play in the programme (with introduction of armbands) and how they can work with the Referee.
4. Emphasise to Referees as to their roles and responsibilities in the programme in managing the game effectively.
Those clubs involved this season have received a RESPECT pack from The Football Association which contained Codes-of-Conduct, Captain’s Armbands, posters, a club guide and a letter from us.
Codes-of-Conduct
The Codes are a way of ensuring that all players, coaches and managers buy-in and sign-up to the RESPECT programme. This programme will only work if all players, coaches and managers are fully aware of what is expected of them – and the Codes play an important part in that.
The Codes are clearly not the be-all and end-all and buy-in has to turn into positive action (in the context of improved behaviour). Interestingly, we have already seen an improvement in on-field discipline – and long may that continue, alongside off-field spectator/coach/manager behaviour.
From next season sanctions will be imposed if there are breaches to the Codes-of-Conduct; this will be done through the MCFA (and League) Disciplinary Procedures. We do, however, realise that this doesn’t cover all areas of the Codes as a number of them are internal matters which need to be dealt with by you as clubs. Guidance has been issued on potential internal sanctions for clubs to use (please see related documents).
Designates Spectator Areas
One of the key elements of Respect in youth football is the creation of designated areas for spectators. This area can be marked by an additional painted line, the use of cones, a roped-off area or use of a temporary spectator’s barrier.
The areas literally draw the line which parents and spectators should not cross and research has shown it to have a beneficial impact on the behaviour of spectators and their impact on players and match officials.
If using the Respect barriers endorsed by The FA the ideal arrangement is to mark out a Designated Spectators’ Area on one side of the pitch for fans and parents/carers from both sides to stand behind. This allows the coaches of both teams to stand on the other side of the pitch, meaning players get instructions from just one side of the pitch.
Clubs may prefer an alternative form of marking a Designated Spectators’ Area, but they must ensure this is safe for both the spectators and the players. The FA strongly recommends that clubs obtain formal agreement from the facility/pitch provider about which method of marking is most suitable for the pitch, before beginning any work or buying any new equipment. The safety of the players, officials and spectators is paramount.
The Spectators’ Area should start two metres from the touchline on both sides of the pitch. Each area should run the full length of the pitch. It is recognised however that the alignment of some public pitches does not allow for this arrangement in which case other appropriate arrangements should be made.
Although the FA recommends the use of DSA’s as best practice, Youth Leagues can themselves introduce a requirement for the marking and use of designated spectator areas at club venues within their league rules although the actual specification of the areas should be determined by local arrangements.
Should a club fail to make acceptable arrangements for a DSA a League may consider issuing a sanction against them. This should be fair and proportionate - perhaps starting with a warning by the League. The absence of a designated DSA should not result in the cancellation or abandonment of a game.
If you would like more information on where you can purchase an FA RESEPCT Barrier please contact leigh.o’connor@middlesexfa.com
Captains
Captains are being asked to take on more responsibility during games and assist the referee wherever possible in dealing with team mates. This intervention does has a greater impact at the older age-groups, but managers across all ages groups have reported back very favourably on this area to date. All captains involved in a RESPECT League should be wearing the RESPECT captain’s armband.
Referees
Referees managing the game has also had a positive impact to date, and we have, so far, coached some 50% of our referees. The remaining will be completed in the coming season.
Alongside all of the above, there is a series of Educational resources available to clubs on the www.TheFA.com. One of them being a free online Respect Parent Guide to highlight examples of poor behaviour and more importantly how it can be improved. To see the Guide for Parents and Carers please visit www.thefa.com/respectguide
Prior to the new season we will be distributing a Respect DVD to all Clubs in Youth Leagues. This resource contains;
1. An Introduction by Lord Triesman, Chairman of the FA
2. The revised Respect Codes of Conduct
3. The Ray Winstone Adverts
4. The Respect Club Guide
5. The Respect Parents Guide footage
6. Guidance on running a Club Volunteers/Parents evening to agree a Club Code of Conduct
We would strongly recommend you showing this DVD at club parents evening prior to the start of the season.
Finally, as you know, the RESPECT programme is a long-term programme (we are clearly not going to change behaviours overnight) which aims to address poor behaviour in grassroots football. The programme will be continually rolled-out over the coming seasons as well as increased monitoring and evaluation in order to ensure that the programme is being delivered efficiently and effectively.
For more information on the RESPECT Programme please contact Leigh O’Connor by email leigh.o’connor@middlesexfa.com or by phone 020 8515 1919
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