The FA is responding to a plea from grassroots football to tackle unacceptable behaviour in football.
Respect aims to bring the fun back to football for young players. Parents and coaches pushing too hard and pressurising impressionable children for three points is having a negative impact on their development and enjoyment of the game.
Respect also aims to tackle the mass drop-out of referees from football due to abuse. 7,000 referees dropped out of the game last season which has led to the number of match officials hitting its lowest level to date.
- 98% of referees have been verbally abused and 27% have been physically abused.
- One in three grassroots matches are now played without a qualified match official.
- 846 grassroots matches were abandoned last year due to unacceptable behaviour from players and/or spectators.
- Parents and coaches want role models in the elite game to provide a positive example to young players.
In Nottinghamshire, all leagues have now signed up to the Respect programme stating that they will adhere to the guidelines, including designated spectator areas, Respect codes of conduct, captains taking responsibility for their players and referees managing the game with more authority.
It is the responsibilty of all of us to work towards improving behaviour in the game. Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe has lent his support to the Respect programme, saying: "Football is the most high profile sport in the world. Footballers today are not just sportsmen, they are role models for young people around the world. Passion is at the heart of the game, but being passionate doesn't mean disrespecting people. It's absolutely crucial that players, coaches, officials and spectators sign up to Respect. We need to see a commitment to change at all levels of the sport, and I'm grateful to The FA for leading the way."
‘There is nothing that is a more certain sign of insanity than to do the same thing over and over and expect different results’- Albert Einstein
Respect. Time For Change.
If you have any questions or need any help regards the Respect programme please contact either Jody Caudwell or Trevor Powell on 0115 9837415