In Cambridgeshire, headed by our County Respect Lead Officer Richard Nichols, we have been busy promoting the programme to which there has been a tremendous response resulting in many leagues all having signed up to adopt Respect and incorporating some or all of the elements including:
Respect Codes of Conduct
There is a Code of Conduct for each of the five main types of football participant: Young Players, Adult Players, Spectators and Parents/Carers, Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials, and Match Officials. Each Code explains actions can be taken if the Code is broken.
Designated Spectator Areas
The FA recommends you introduce marked areas along the touchlines, within which spectators must stay. The idea behind this is to encourage parents and spectators to take a step back from the pitch and support the teams in a more responsible manner.
Captain taking responsibility
There will be a drive to enhance captaincy skills, encouraging captains to take full responsibility for their players' actions and behaviour.
Referee managing the game
There will be a similar drive to enhance referees' match management skills - to create an environment where potential problems are addressed before they escalate.
We are very pleased that the following Leagues have signed up to Respect
S-Tech Girls' Football League
S-Tech Women's Football League
Cambridge & District Colts League
Cambridgeshire Mini-Soccer League
Tucker-Gardner Alliance Sunday League
Fenland and District Youth Soccer League
Fenland and District Ladies League
Kershaw League
BIS League
Cambridge & District Friendly League
V B Trophies Cambridge & District Sunday League
B.M.Kempton U12 9 v 9 League
Cambridgeshire Ability Counts League
Many clubs have implemented their own initiatives to raise awareness of the programme including the pre-match welcome and handshake. This idea was initially of Chris Horton at Girton Utd Colts and has now been adopted by many clubs across the County.
Contact Cambridgeshire FA Respect Lead Officer Richard Nichols on 01223 209022 or email Richard.Nichols@CambridgeshireFA.com