Respect
is The FA's programme of activities to combat unacceptable behaviour
in our game at every level - on the pitch and from the sidelines
This was the No.1 priority emerging from the biggest opinion survey
to date of grassroots football in England. It was carried out in
late 2007 and directly informed The FA's National Game Strategy,
published in March 2008.
We hope that Respect will ensure a safe, positive environment for
everyone to enjoy football. From the start it will have an impact
on the following areas:
- Referee recruitment and retention: By tackling
abuse towards match officials, we hope to reduce the stream of
referees understandably leaving the game.
- Participation within youth football: Abuse
and pressure from the sidelines needs to stop if we are to ensure
young children enjoy, stay and progress in the game.
- Coaching and player development: An encouraging
and player-centred approach is vital if we are to improve coaching
standards - particularly for the key 5-11 age-group. It's simple:
better coaches produce better players.
- Safeguarding children: Everyone in football
has a duty of care towards children - ensuring they are able to
play football in a safe, enjoyable environment free of abuse,
bullying and discrimination.
Improving behaviour is a whole-game issue and the 2008-09 season
will see the Respect programme introduced at professional and grassroots
levels.
To do this, The FA is actively working with the following organisations:
The Premier League
The Football League
The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA)
The League Managers' Association (LMA)
Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO)
All County FAs
To find out more about the Respect campaign, please vist www.thefa.com/TheFA/Respect
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