NYFL News

  • THE FA RESPECT INITIATIVE
    11 Jul 2010

    Every team playing in a Notts affiliated league will be required to follow the Respect expectations.

    It is important to realise that this is not intended as a short-lived initiative but is to be an ongoing programme of good practice to enable all who are involved in football to enjoy it without threat from physical abuse, constant Criticism, enduring foul and abusive language or other inappropriate actions.

    View the Respect video at:-
    www.thefa.com/Respectfilm/

    It is incumbent on every Club to ensure that their members (officials, players and spectators) conduct themselves within these expectations.

    As part of the programme Clubs will be expected to:

    1. Identify designated spectator area using one of the following.
    > Poles with band.
    > Cones.
    > A line painted on the grass.
    Ideally a spectator area will be 2 metres from the touchline on at least one side of the pitch for the full length of the pitch.

    2. Ensure that the team captain wears the FA Respect armband and is aware of his responsibilities as the Captain- the Respect pack includes a Captains guide.

    3. Ensure that all members work together to change negative and abusive behaviour by addressing the culture of verbal and physical abuse:
    > Towards the Referee.
    > By parents and coaches towards children.
    Clubs will need to present The Respect programme to all their members to ensure that they are aware of the expectations.

    4. Provide all members with written copies of codes of conduct with sanctions. Clubs will be required to take appropriate action against any member who breaches the codes of conduct.

    SPECIFIC AIMS OF RESPECT INCLUDE:
    > Supporting existing Referee's to stay in the game.
    > Recruiting more Referee's
    > Creating fun and safe playing environments.
    > Educating people on what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
    > Addressing poor and unacceptable behaviour towards Referee's and youngsters.
    > Taking action against those committing abuse.

    We as a League will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour towards Officials. The NYL Secretary's folder (pages 7&8) clearly outlines our expectations in the Match Administration Guide which includes the codes of conduct. All teams should already be following these procedures and ensuring that members of their Clubs are conducting themselves in an appropriate manner in line with the F.A. Codes of Conduct.