The FA have sought to educate parents and coaches as to the right way to support their children. The introduction of designated spectator areas has also proved useful in creating the space to allow the players to play and the coaches to coach.
To support clubs wishing to promote Respect, The FA have just announced a new scheme to provide assistance to clubs to buy touchline barriers.
The barriers, although temporary, ensure there is a physical and psychological space between the spectators and players and coaches. Many leagues around the country report a significant improvement in touchline behaviour when using the barriers.
FA Respect Manager Dermot Collins commented "I’m delighted that we’re able to support grassroots clubs to purchase these barriers. We’re unlikely to see our kids start to develop the skills that we would wish unless we provide them with a positive environment in which to play. It’s also obvious that if many of the spectators on the sideline are shouting and snarling at the referee, the kids will inevitably follow this poor example".
Apply for your barriers today!
The application process is simple and allows Clubs to go onto the Touchline Logos website then order their barriers directly. Clubs will just need to identify the league that they operate in – this will be checked against the database of the 850 leagues that have ‘signed up’ to the Respect programme. The FA will subsidise 50 % of the cost price and vat of the barriers whilst clubs will be required to pay the other 50%, vat and delivery charge.
Further details on the application process and a full range of Touchline Logos Barriers can be viewed and ordered through the link on the right.