FA Respect

7 Aug 2016 by Sean Allan

The FA introduced the Respect programme in 2008 to help address poor practice and behaviour at all levels of the game.

Ensuring that the programme is successful is the responsibilty of everyone involved in football.

At Junior football this has seen the introduction of some basic measures to ensure that children and young people taking part are in a safe and enjoyable environment.

(This relates to young match officials, coaches, players and spectators)

These include:-

Designated Spectator area – A pitch side barrier in place to allow the spectators to view the match.

This should be about 2 metres from the touchline and spectators should not cross it.(A suitably marked line can also be used as an alternative).

Clubs as well as the individuals concerned are responsible for the spectators & officials behaviour,

Spectators should be supportive and applaud play, they should refrain from coaching as this can be confusing to the players.

Coaches/Managers – Must stand on the opposite stand to the spectators, a maximum of two managers/coaches per team.

They should be easily identifiable.

Smoking – is not permitted within the vicinity of youth football, this includes the use of e-cigarettes.