The aims of RESPECT are to address the culture of verbal and physical abuse:
- To referees
- By pushy parents & coaches to children
In the National Game (which includes all levels of Grass Roots Football) the four key practical steps are:
- Codes of conduct – players, spectators, refs, coaches
- Designated Spectators’ Areas
- Referee managing the game
- Captain taking responsibility
We hope that Respect will ensure a safe, positive environment for everyone to enjoy football. From the start it 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.
Leagues have been asked to discuss the RESPECT Programme at Management Committee Meetings and with Clubs in order to see when they might be able to implement the RESPECT Programme and what aspects they would look to include initially.
Under the RESPECT Programme Clubs will also have access to heavily subsidised Designated Spectators’ Area (DSA) Barriers, the barrier costs are:
- Cost on the Market £176.25 inc. VAT
- Adult Leagues delivering Respect £76.38 inc. VAT + Delivery
(and Youth Leagues after the deadline for 50% discount)
- Youth Leagues delivering Respect £38.20 inc VAT + Delivery
(Before deadline for 50% reduction has passed)
The total cost depends on delivery charges which vary depending on how many of the DSA Barriers are delivered to a single address.
Anyone looking for more information about RESPECT should download the Guides and Additional Information provided from the right hand side of this page or go to the FA website www.TheFA.com/RESPECT.
Clubs interested in RESPECT should contact their League Secretaries to find out when they think they will be able to implement the RESPECT programme.