It followed The FA’s national launch of the programme at the Community Shield earlier in the month and a RESPECT meeting with local leagues, at which they all moved to back the programme.
RESPECT is an effort to improve the standards of behaviour across the professional and grassroots game, reduce the drop-out of referees and number of abandoned matches whilst reintroducing the fun into kids’ football.
John Finch attended the meeting on behalf of the Breckland & District Sunday League, and said:
“I think the meeting has been very informative and has given me a much clearer view of what’s expected. RESPECT is a programme that needs to be embraced by everyone involved in football throughout Norfolk to make it work.
“It has the potential to make a big difference, especially in the youth game. In my view, if we can address youth football now by educating the youngsters, adult football will feel the benefits in the future.”
Following the mass approval from affiliated leagues, Norfolk FA are now in the process of providing a RESPECT toolkit, consisting of guidance notes, codes of conduct and a RESPECT captain’s armband, to all affiliated clubs. Youth clubs will also be receiving advice on obtaining spectator barriers at a subsidised rate.
Shaun Turner, Chief Executive of Norfolk FA, says the RESPECT programme will play a fundamental role in the long term future of the grassroots game in Norfolk:
“The RESPECT programme is a positive step forward, helping us all work together to change the negative attitudes and unacceptable behaviour which have unfortunately become an all too familiar feature of football’s culture.
“RESPECT is a whole game approach, which needs to be embraced from the Premiership down if it is to have the desired impact at the grassroots level. Research has found the main offenders tend to be male 11-a-side players aged between 18 and 30, and parents of children aged between 6 and 14, with key offences being the abuse of referees from players, coaches and parents, coupled with unnecessary pressure being put on children from the sidelines.
“It’s going to take time before the impact of the RESPECT programme is felt, and undoubtedly there will be challenges along the way. However this is a long-term commitment from both The FA and Norfolk County FA. Collectively everybody in football has a key role to play.
“RESPECT should give the opportunity to once again boost the enjoyment levels for the thousands of people who play, officiate, volunteer or solely support football in our county each week, something that has perhaps for some been the victim of the abusive, pressured streak that has come to prominence in our national game. If we all play our part, together we really can make a difference.”
For further notes on the RESPECT programme, a ‘Touchline Management’ guide and examples of the coverage RESPECT has received in the local media, please see the attached documents to the right.
Want to know more about the RESPECT programme? Please contact Norfolk County FA’s RESPECT Lead Officer, Raffi Coverdale, on 01603 704050 or email raffi.coverdale@NorfolkFA.com