Q. What is the RESPECT programme?
It is an attempt to improve behaviour across the whole game by developing a number of initiatives re both on the pitch and sideline behaviour.
The aim is to address the culture of verbal & physical abuse
To Referees by pushy parents & coaches to children.
There are 4 practical steps:
- Codes of conduct
- Barriers
- Referee to manage the game
- Captain to take responsibility
Q. When will the respect programme start?
No set date but when leagues, clubs & referees agree the time is correct.
Q. When can my club join the programme?
As soon as the league that you are operating in agrees to participate in to the programme.
Q. How does my club join the programme?
By persuading your league to be come involved and get other clubs in your division to take a real interest.
Q. Is there any cost implications to join the programme?
No cost at all unless you wish to purchase the barriers at a cost of about £40.00 provided you are a youth league and your league has embraced the scheme.
Q. Does every club in the league have to join the programme?
No, even one division may join and start the ball rolling for that league with the hope that other divisions will join as the benefits become known.
Q. How do we purchase the barriers?
The barriers must be purchased through your league. All league requirements will be ordered by the county F.A. who will bulk purchase.
Q. What is the cost of the barriers?
Clubs in a youth league are £40.00 + VAT and the price for clubs outside youth will be £65.00 + £7.50 delivery + VAT.
Q. How do we pay for the barriers?
Every team must send in a cheque for the value of the barrier to their league with the order which will be forwarded to the County FA.
Q.How will the barriers be delivered?
To one central point decided by the league.
Q. Do we have to use the barriers that are recommended?
No cones may be used or spray paint, but it was agreed at the pilot that a barrier showed the most success.
Q. What materials will we receive to support us in the programme?
- League guide
- Referee guide
- Club pack featuring
- A5 Club guide
- Captains guide (Simple flyer)
- Captain armband
- A3 Code laminates to be displayed in dressing rooms and club houses etc
- A4 Code sign up sheets for players, club officials & parents
- Plus access to The FA.com/respect
Q. What is a designated spectator area?
A roped of area which must run the entire side of the pitch where spectators and parents must remain. Coaching staff will occupy the other side of the field.
Q. Will both the league and the FA levy the sanctions?
No, but to ensure that double jeopardy does not occur the F.A. are “dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s”.
Q. Will there be any help from FA to assist in getting clubs to “buy in” to the respect programme?
Full support will be offered to both leagues and attendance at the club night once clubs have made the decision to “buy in” to the programme.
Q. Will clubs be asked to feed information back to The FA?
On a very limited basis and clubs will be offered a training event.
Q.Can we leave in place and use the barriers for other games?
Yes, if they are to be used immediately for another game, but if not they should be removed.
Q. Is anyone apart from the Captain allowed to speak in a game?
Yes players can speak. It is not an attempt to stifle the passions that arise in a football match, so a simple appeal for a throw in will be allowed but the programme is an attempt to take out the game the verbal onslaught that an official can possibly receive.
Q. Is a goalkeeper allowed to be the captain?
Yes, anyone can be captain but he may be asked to assist in the controlling of the game, therefore he/she may not be the correct candidate for the job. Clubs may need to think more as to who will be appointed as Captain. A person who is “respected” within his / her own team.
Q. What are the sanctions that are mentioned?
They are the same sanctions that are in today’s laws of the game. Nothing has changed.
Q. How will our club gain the information that we require to decide to join or not?
Every league within a county should now have received both a letter and a guide sent from the Football Association plus follow up information from the County Football Association.
Q. Is it just for youth football?
Any league will be allowed to enrol in the programme.
Q. Can an adult league join the programme?
Any adult league may apply although they will not get the barriers at the discounted price but must pay £65 + delivery of £7.50. The number of spectators at an adult game may be smaller so a barrier is not essential.
Q. Who do we contact for further information?
Do not hesitate to get in touch with the lead officer Peter Nicholson on 01604-678401 or Peter.Nicholson@NorthamptonshireFA.com who will discuss any doubts or questions you may have.
Q. Does the league have to use “FULLTIME” reporting systems?
No, but it would make life easier if they were.
The CFA with the help of The FA IT department will roll out regional training sessions.
Q. What if my club does not wish to join the programme?
The FA would like as many clubs on board as possible but there is no mandate to join, we would though like you to consider the following points:
- The time has possibly arrived where the option of “to do nothing” has passed
- It would allow your club, players and spectators to enjoy the game of football by the majority of games being played in a less volatile and controlled environment
- Referees may enjoy the game and will offer their services more
- In the pilot schemes used in 2007/8 season the feedback was really positive
- It may aid the recruitment of new Referees
- This in turn may allow your teams to have a match Referee more often plus a lager number for your league to select from
- In the large survey that was carried out 88% of clubs said they would like a Referee at their games
Q. Can we leave the programme if we cannot sustain our involvement?
If you feel that no improvement was noted which would be a surprise as from the pilot a real positive feedback was received you could withdraw from the programme. But we feel that you will see some benefit and will wish to be involved.
Q. Are there any cost implications in leaving?
No, however you may have invested in the purchase of the barriers and would wish to give the programme a chance to show the benefits.