Aims
The aims of Respect are to:
- Recruit and retain enough referees for the demands of the game at every level
- Reduce the number of assaults on referees
- Achieve improvements in on-field discipline, particularly in dissent to referees
- Manage a cultural change in youth football regarding parent and spectator behaviour
Implementing Respect
There are four steps in implementing the Respect Programme in grassroots football:
Codes of Conduct
Participants sign up to one of five Codes of Conduct, depending on their type of involvement: Young Players; Adult Players; Spectators and Parents/Carers; Coaches, Team Managers and Club Officials; and Match Officials.
Download the Codes of Conduct - click here
Designated Spectator Areas
The FA recommends you introduce marked areas along the touchlines, within which spectators must stay, to encourage them to support the teams in a more responsible manner.
For more information and advice - click here
Captain Taking Responsibility
There is a drive to enhance captaincy skills, encouraging captains to take responsibility for their players' behaviour and to help the referee to manage the game.
For more information - click here
Referee Managing the Game
There is a similar drive to enhance referees' match management skills - to create an environment where potential problems are addressed before they escalate.
For advice and links - click here
Please note: It is now mandatory for teams in every competitive match in Cambridgeshire to carry out the Pre-match Handshake. This is managed by the Referee.
Respect Resources
The FA provides a series of tools for leagues, clubs, coaches, referees, players and parents, from grassroots to elite football, to support their adherence to the Respect Programme. These include: Guides, Materials, Codes of Conduct and Promotional Videos. For more - click here
Feedback
In order to help us monitor the progress of the Respect Programme, Cambridgeshire FA encourages all clubs to complete and return Match Feedback Sheets to us on every game. These can be submitted one at a time, or on a periodic basis, whichever is easier for you. Download the form from: www.cambridgeshirefa.com
Contacts
Your County Respect Lead Officer is: Gerald Daish, Cambridgeshire FA, Bridge Road, Impington, Cambridge, CB24 9PH. Tel: 01223 209022. Email: gerald.daish@cambridgeshirefa.com
Your League Respect Coordinator's details can be obtained from your League Secretary.