The FA Respect programme was a direct response from The FA to the feedback they received from the largest ever football consultation. The research called ‘ Your Game, Your Say’ highlighted that the abuse towards referees and the issue of poor behaviour from spectators on the sidelines were the top two concerns which the football community wanted The FA to address.
One of the key aims of the programme is to help recruit 8000 more referees as part of the National Game Strategy 2008-2012 and to keep active referees in the game. Referees play a fundamental part in the implementation and success of the FA Respect programme as they can directly influence and improve behaviour. They can also provide vital feedback about behaviour by marking Respect matches using Member Services – please click here for information on how to do this.
Alternatively if your League does not use Full Time to administrate the League you may be asked to feedback on Respect games using a Respect match card.
Referees involved in Respect Leagues should attend a Respect training seminar to learn more about their pivotal role in the programme. This includes going through the Referee Code of Conduct and understanding all the other codes on conduct. Referees will also be given Respect badges to identify themselves as being part of the programme. To find out when and where your nearest Referee Respect seminar is please contact your league or speak to our Referee Development Officer John Newson on 01622 791850 or email John.Newson@kentfa.com.
Time for Change
In 2010/2011 positive steps were made towards making football a more enjoyable experience for all referees, whatever level they are involved in, an experience free from abuse or intimidation. There are 53% more student Referees (Level 9’s) in training and a 3% increase in Level 1 - 8’s. In Kent this there are now 109 referees compared to the previous season. This can only been seen as a good news for the game and you too can play your part.
Get involved!
For more information about how to register for a refereeing course please click here.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.