FA launch Respect campaign

Football Association want improved behaviour

Last updated: 5th August 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

FA launch Respect campaign

Barwick: Confident campaign will work

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The Football Association is to implement a new initiative aimed at improving the behaviour of players and coaches.

The Respect campaign will be launched across all levels of the game and the FA has set out guidelines in an attempt to stamp out some of the unsavoury scenes that have become more commonplace in recent seasons.

From now on only the captain will be allowed to approach the referee, while all players will be asked to adhere to basic codes of conduct.

Referees have been told to deal firmly with any show of dissent, while measures have also been taken to stop spectators impeding other officials.

Respect will be applied by the FA in partnership with the Premier League, Football League, PFA, LMA and PGMO (referees body) at professional game level, and with County FAs and regional leagues at grassroots level.

Four steps

The programme is championing four practical steps which grassroots leagues will be invited to sign up to:

1. Codes of Conduct for players, referees, coaches and spectators. The codes of conduct set down basic principles which everyone must accept and adhere to, with related actions for repeated breaches.

2. Designated Spectator's Area demarcated by touchline barriers, keeping spectators about two metres back from the pitch. This allows the assistant referees to perform their function unimpeded, and in the pilot scheme has demonstrated a marked restraining effect on spectator behaviour. Spectators will be on the opposite touchline to the coaches.

3. Captain taking responsibility.

While the captain does not have any special privileges under the Laws of the Game, captains will be expected to take on more responsibility for the conduct of their team. The captain will act as the main contact point for the referee, and will be called over to an incident involving a team-mate even if he/she is some distance away.

4. Referee managing the game.

Referees have been instructed to work with captains to manage the players and the game effectively. They have also been reminded of their responsibility to control the game by applying the Laws of the Game and dealing firmly with any open show of dissent by players. The instruction to referees is to stay and deal with dissent rather than moving away.

Toolkit

Leagues are encouraged to opt into the programme by adopting the "Respect toolkit" provided by The FA. This includes:

Guidance notes on the operation of the Respect steps, with versions tailored specifically to clubs, leagues, and referees.

Order forms for obtaining touchline barriers at a specially negotiated rate

Codes of conduct

Captain's guidance leaflets and Respect armbands

Community Shield

The programme will be launched at this Sunday's Community Shield between Manchester United and Portsmouth and a number of steps have been agreed with the sides:

Referee managing the game (applying the Laws of the Game)

Captain taking responsibility

Pre-match briefing meeting with referee and managers/captain

Team handshake before kick-off

Improved behaviour in the technical area

Both teams and the referees will wear Respect T-shirts during the warm-up and the match shirts will feature Respect on the sleeve badges.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick said: "The Respect programme is a top priority for The FA and for the game as a whole.

"We are trying to change a climate within the game and that takes time, but I am confident that this joint commitment will make a real difference.

"The promotional film will really help raise awareness of this important issue - it needs everyone to look at their own behaviour."

What do you think about the FA initiative? Let us have your thoughts using the form below

Comments (27)

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Andrew Alden (Derby County fan) says...

I went to a NCEL match last night and the referee was apalling, Steve Smith from Chesterfield. He lost control and respect from the players and the game in a first 5 mins, Allowed red card offences for violent conduct and high tackles to go by with just a talking to, Constant elbows in players backs and faces - No Action. How can the F.A expect Referees and the assistants to gain respect from players and supporters when they dont even do their job properly. Steve Smith and his assistants at the Rainworth v scarborough match should be suspended from officiating until they have been retrained.

Posted 10:42 13th August 2008

Robert Canavan (Chelsea fan) says...

I think this a good idea but it need's to be implemented and the whole system has to work as ref's need to be seen as fair to all team's vidio footage is used to fault a player but if a ref has made an error it should also be used to clear an error this then appear's to players that ok; a mistake has been made and can be cleared up later it won't help on the day if say a red card has been given but the player will not get a suspension

Posted 15:10 11th August 2008

Edward a Brown (Chelsea fan) says...

Having just watched the Community Shield and the implementation of this new initiative I am dreading the effect it will have on our football. It is just to demand that people behave respectfully but I just saw players being booked for disputing decisions that the officials got wrong. This new initiative demands accountability and respect from players and coaches, but nothing of referees. Clearly the aims of this initiative are commendable, but its creators have failed to realize that the problem is not just with the players but with the officials. Eliminating poor decisions on the part of the officials should be the first aim of english football, once this has been achieved officials won't have to ask for the players' respect, it will be given freely.

Posted 22:32 10th August 2008

Stephen Charles (Chelsea fan) says...

As there's no doubt what is seen during Saturday's game on TV is replicated in grassroots football the next day, something has to be done to try to protect match officials from the occasional torrents of abuse or violence aimed at them. If they make an error of judgement it's a genuine mistake - after all, players make mistakes. You don't see players crowding round the goalkeeper who drops a ball over the goal line, or one being surrounded by teamates after fouling someone in the box and giving away a last minute penalty! Goal line technology, big screen replays and other hi-tech gadgets will not benefit the vast majority of football matches played around the country week in, week out. By asking players at the top of the game to set a better example and behave in an adult, responsible manner, then it should filter down to the lower levels with the hope that a change in attitude will develop, where decisions are accepted by players, coaches and spectators without an adverse reaction. TV pundits don't help when they analyse every major incident from all angles in the hope they can find something that confirms their opinion is correct. Unfortunately, the referee doesn't have the time to analyse a decision to the same degree, from the one angle they had when that decision was made. Games would last much longer for one thing. I doubt whether the players are fully conversant with the Laws either which is probably another reason why they may contest decisions. By diving around trying to win free kicks, feigning injury and trying to get opponents carded has just made the ref's job much harder. It's players who have supposedly cheated causing changes to the rules, not the referee. As a football fan for over 40 years, I hope that the 'Respect' campaign does what it's intended to do and bring the fun back into football for everyone, especially in the local parks where the vast number of games take place. Time will tell.

Posted 19:04 10th August 2008

Duncan Quirke (Manchester United fan) says...

I am a referee and i totally agree with the idea for all those people bleating on about the mascarano thing lets not forget he abused the ref 7 times before that with foul language,the ashley cole affair is the one one that sticks in most people's mind with his childish manner.Lets face it a few united players need to learn respect to officials too.so b4 people start killing the idea give it a chance first,it might just bring surprising results!!!!

Posted 09:16 10th August 2008

Steve Day (Arsenal fan) says...

"Who will rid us of this meddlesome Barwick?" The bloke is a fool

Posted 15:20 9th August 2008

Mike Powell (Arsenal fan) says...

The team Captain should take responsibility on the field, I would take this one step further in a couple of areas. At free kicks if the defending team do not retreat the required 10 yards the ref produces a third colour card ( Blue for example) and those berrating the ref, or refusing to step back have to instantly do so ( count of 3 secs?) or the Captain receives a yellow card. If the defending side ignore the blue card at free kicks the attacking team have the option to also move the ball 5 yards in ANY DIRECTION, not just forward, as tried before, as this is not always an advantage? I also believe the substitution system needs an overhaul. When the 4th Official holds up the sub board the player going off is immediately out of the game ( booking /red card//free kick if he touches the ball or obstructs another player) but play carries on whilst the new player waits for the outgoing player to leave the pitch. I believe this would stop the time wasting nonsense especially in the latter stages of a match because until your player leaves the field the new player cannot come on leaving you one down.To answer the arguement about what if the outgoing player does n't see the board, what is he doing , clearly not concentrating on the match! I am sure the captain would tell him or the organized teams would have directed him close to the touchline beforehand.

Posted 13:16 9th August 2008

Ingolf klein Olsen (Liverpool fan) says...

This will end in disaster, just wait and see. The games will be flooded with red and yellow cards, it wont be football anymore. With this rule, the freedom of speech for 20 people on the pitch is gone (not counting the 2 captains ofcurse). This can only be good if the ref. is given the tools he needs to be perfect, meaning, goal line lazer beams that say when the ball is in and when its not, or a beacon in the ball that beeps when it hits the ground inside the goal. the usage of big screen replays for every tackle and I do mean every tacklem replayes of the attack when there is a goal and its ruled as an offside, everything. With all that tech, the ref can play god and thats what he should be. He should be perfect, but he's not, he's human and people should be allowed to question his judgement even if what he says is the law! Its as simple as that. So I say, if you bring in this, spend a couple of million on every major stadium in europe to implant: goalline sensors, huge big screens for the refs to use with instant replay of every attack or incedent. It will cost millions, but its needed if this is to be enforced. I'm all in for making all the cheaters pay, but this is too much.

Posted 03:53 6th August 2008

Biat Deen kamara (Arsenal fan) says...

As a footballer, I believe Barwick& Co are spoiling the beautiful game. As far as am aware they have never touched a football, let alone played in a competitive game of football. They are clueless the type of heart pain a player or FAN feel when a referee gives an appalling decision e.g. a game which means a lot to the club financial status. The new rules are useless to the game. If such time is invested on training referee rather than introducing laws such as a captain should be the only player allowed to talk to the ref is not helping. New measure needs to be taken to insure FAN¿S and managers the league which they are in (I quote ¿The best league in the world¿) can provide suitable refs, to ref games.

Posted 00:19 6th August 2008

R Hawkins (Norwich City fan) says...

being a grassroots referee myself, i believe that this idea of 'protecting' the referee by emphasising the point that the captains should be the main people to speak to us as like a previous comment said, if we have a group of players surrounding us and we were to give the red card as instructed, we would then be known as 'bad people' but with this new scheme, hopefully the players will respect us in our decisions and make football an enjoyable game again!

Posted 21:03 5th August 2008

Chris Renouf (Manchester United fan) says...

I'll agree that now the captain only speaks to the ref and as a leader by example, should also take the responsibility of controlling his/her team mates, but on the whole, i think this whole new "Respect" policy is ridiculous. the players have a right to complain to the referees when they get a major decision wrong during the matches, the referees should be able to control the players temperament and reactions, thats the main aspect of their job. If any decision is costly in terms of the result of the match, the referees should now be forced to explain their actions or decisions to the media. This will help the referees to be more confident around other people off the pitch, and the fans will have more understanding and lay them off afterwards. This is the best way to settle this, and all officials should play a part, not just the referees because its not always their fault, its mainly the linesmen. Ever since i was born, i have only seen 2 referees speak to the media after the games, this should be on a regular basis. NOW!

Posted 20:20 5th August 2008

Rick Hincks (Manchester City fan) says...

Haven't they already done half of these rules? I thought you were meant to get a yellow card for abusing referees. It happened for the first half of the season a couple of years ago and seemed to be phased out as players carried on and any yellow cards would have meant the whole team getting cards. They need to make sure these new rules are implemented and for once not just talking tough and failing to deliver. Why referees don't get the same protection as in cricket and rugby I'll never know. The sooner the young footballers realise their position in comparison to the referee the better.

Posted 19:56 5th August 2008

Steven Verb (Leeds United fan) says...

It's unfortunate that footballers have no respect, not just for fellow players, officials, but people in general. The crazy money in the game has lead to big headed and obnoxious players generally. The player who always stands out for me is Ashley Cole, when he had the nerve to go on record in saying that Arsenal's offer of 60k a week was an insult. Honestly how much does one person need? There is such a massive difference between the players and the fans now. Football should learn some lessons from rugby league; respect officials, introduce a salary cap and honour contracts because at the end of the day it is us, the fans, who pays a players wages.

Posted 19:18 5th August 2008

Craig thompson Thompson (Norwich City fan) says...

I have a season ticket and sit fairly near where a linesman would run. I will give an official every bit of respect they deserve. But its the fact that they constantly get decisions wrong and offer no consistency in a game. Ive seen games won and lost on the basis of awful decisions that eveybody can see was wrong. Managers have to talk to the media after games, why dont referees? If they want respect, then they should come out and try and give fans an explanation. Instead they are happy to referee a game awfully, and in many cases biased towards big teams, run off into the shadows, picking up their pay check on the way. If they referee a game properly and fairly, or are at least made to talk to the media, then I will give them the respect they deserve. If they carry on as they are then they wont get no resect from me or any of the other fans who go to games in the country.

Posted 18:38 5th August 2008

Donald Webb (Chelsea fan) says...

Respect is a two way road and is earned,its not something you can demand,poor referee decisions are behind all crowd and player behavour and there is a clear link between poor feferee,s and caos,however expecting a dinasour orginisation like the FA to work this out is expecting just to much and god forbid the idiot in charge of FIFA (who by the way knows absolutly nothing about football) should use modern technology to to give refs the chance to back track on a bad decision is all just behond the unaccountable rable that run football.

Posted 16:08 5th August 2008

Richard Mullina (Portsmouth fan) says...

A good idea in theory but will it work? I hope so but the ego's in the game will find it very difficult to keep quiet even if they agree with the agenda. An idea would be to 'mike up' the officials to clamp down even further.

Posted 15:55 5th August 2008

Mike Todd (Liverpool fan) says...

For this to work, the referee needs the FULL backing of the FA. Imagine a situation where it's Man U v Chelsea and there are 10 players surrounding the ref all giving him abuse because of a decision he's made. The ref should start handing out red cards, safe in the knowledge that he is following the letter of the law and it the players who are in the wrong. But will this happen, time will tell, but this is what the game needs. This only needs to happen once for the message to get out to the rest of the football community. The referee is the man in charge, not the players, it's about time he shows them he's in charge and that's through the use of the red card. The 'Respect' system needs consistancy... I hope it works for the sake and love of football.

Posted 15:53 5th August 2008

Neil Rogers (Manchester United fan) says...

This is in essence a good idea, and while it does deal with one aspct of the problem it misses out many as well. I am a whole-hearted supporter of protecting referees and making there live easier, but this doesn't deal with the problem of sub-standard refs, maybe trialling some of the technology that is available would also help taking some of the ambiguity out of the decisions that are made.

Posted 15:37 5th August 2008

John Newby (Liverpool fan) says...

It will be interesting to see how many times the Mascherano incident will be trotted out during reports on this issue but will the A Cole incident get the same coverage. In addition, I will be wastching closely for inconsistencies in this policy; it seems theres only Utd and Chelsea players that surround the ref so what's the bet they will be the two teams that get away with it. It will probably be the struggling teams that feel the brunt of this initiative.

Posted 15:24 5th August 2008

Stuart Reynolds (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

What a joke! This will mean more yellow cards and sending off's than ever before. Get some new younger people into th F.A and get rid of the old rubbish. Im up for the job as i've just lost mine? Im 32, and know about football. Not prehistoric and looking for the switch to turn my heated big slipper on!!!

Posted 15:18 5th August 2008
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