The latest Respect videos and downloads for clubs, leagues, and referees and a guide to good practice are on the right.
Fair Play and Respect Get Their Just Rewards
A new set of awards will be given to clubs and leagues and individuals who have made a significant contribution to improving the behavioural standards in football and looking after referees.
Geoff Lee, Cornwall FA’s Chairman said, “Respect in football is vital - from the Premier League to a local club or a grassroots Referee. There will be different categories of award to reflect the need for all levels to create a fair, safe and enjoyable environment in which football can take place. “
The award Categories cover the Professional Game, the National League System Leagues and clubs; the Women’s Pyramid of Football - League and club; the Grassroots Adult League and club; the Grassroots Youth League or organisation
The remaining category is the Bobby Moore Award (presented by the Bobby Moore Fund) available to anyone in football that by their conduct provides an example of the way in which the game should be played or administered.
Winners of each category will be awarded a Respect trophy and a cash prize of up to £3000. The winners will be presented with their awards at 2010 FA Cup Final.
Cornwall FA and Respect
Cornwall FA is using the Respect banner for its own county cup competitions. The initiatives adopted by Cornwall FA are players showing more respect to match officials, by allowing the captain only talk to the referee and conducting the fair play handshake at the beginning of matches.
Cornwall FA is supporting the local youth leagues in adopting a designated spectator area to allow the assistant referees to perform their function unimpeded, encourage those parents and other spectators to adopt a more restrained and positive approach when communicating to their team on the pitch. Spectators will be on the opposite touchline to the coaches.
There are new codes of conduct for players, coaches and spectators. These set down basic principles which everyone must accept and adhere to including their attitude towards match officials. Whilst these have been around for some time, the Respect initiative introduces for the first time suggested related actions which can be taken for repeated breaches. The codes are available for download on the right.
Geoff Lee, the Chairman of Cornwall FA, is co-ordinating the Respect programme in the county. He said, “My role is to make sure all those clubs and leagues who want to sign up to the Respect initiatives are able to do so. The designated spectator area is the most expensive resource and so the Football Foundation has set aside funding to assist clubs with buying this item. There are also packs with helpful ideas and guidance for clubs to implement the Respect codes of conduct.
“What I really want to emphasise is that this campaign is going to be a long challenging task to get across to some adults and young players that football is about fair play and respect on and off the pitch. "
Referees will also be given guidance on how to interpret the laws of the game to incorporate the Respect initiatives. E mail for more information or to sign up to the Respect Campaign.
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Report Discrimination
The FA has a Report Discrimination number – 0800 058 0508 to report allegations of discrimination such as sexist, racist and homophobic abuse as well as abuse in relation to disability. This number is dealt with by FA staff in London although allegations can be passed back to a County FA or other organisation to deal with. There is also an email address which can be used.