The ‘Your Game, Your Say’ research which involved over 37,000 people involved in football, found that too many youngsters were leaving the game because they felt pressure from their parents to perform. Instead of being allowed to develop in a fun and safe learning environment many children felt their parents criticised them so much that they no longer wanted to play the game. The sad fact is for too many children their love affair with our great game ends before it has even started.
Whilst the majority of parents enjoy watching their children play football and support them in a positive way there are some that do not. Unfortunately parents and spectators can be some of the worst offenders when it comes to poor behaviour… shouting abuse at referees and at members of the opposition, entering the field of play and living their dreams through their children.
It’s time for change. The Respect programme aims to educate parents and spectators about what is acceptable and what is unacceptable.
In the words of Ray Winstone …..
“Some people need to take a long, hard look at themselves”.
There are three main initiatives outlined in the Respect programme aimed at addressing the issue of poor behaviour. These are as follows:
Codes of Conduct – Spectators and parents will be expected to read, understand and follow the new Respect codes of conduct. The codes of conduct also include a series of actions/sanctions which can be used someone breaks the code. Club and League Welfare Officers will play a fundamental role in educating their club volunteers and parents about the new codes. It will also give them the power to tackle poor behaviour and persistent offenders.
Designated Spectator Areas – All youth Respect leagues will be expected to have designated areas for spectators. Pitch invasions are rarely seen in the professional game but in grassroots football they are a major problem. Designated areas can take the form of an official FA Respect barrier, or a line set back from the touchline marked by either paint or cones.
Respect Parent Online – This is a new online educational tool which is aimed at raising the awareness of parents about how they should behave and how they can support their children in an appropriate manner. Click here to find out more about the Respect Online Module.
Ambassadors
Everyone has their role to play in making football more enjoyable, an environment which is free from abuse, harassment and bad language. You too can be an ambassador for the Respect programme by ensuring that you conduct yourself in an appropriate way and treat others with respect.
For more information please contact Stephanie Gadd (Football Development Officer) on 01622 792 140 or email stephanie.gadd@kentfa.com