The programme will be implemented in professional and grassroots football, and encompasses not only respect towards match officials, but also the conduct of overly-competitive coaches and parents on the sidelines at grassroots youth games.
It represents a shared commitment between The FA, Premier League, Football League, PFA, LMA, PGMO, County FAs and regional and local leagues. A range of new measures are now in place, to improve the relationship between players and match officials and conduct in the technical area at the top end of the game. When the non-league season kicks off, leagues up and down the country will be implementing measures to address the abuse and intimidation of referees and the excessive demands placed on young players.
The FA has written to all GFA League Secretaries with information on how to take the Respect programme forward. The Lead Officer for the Respect programmme in Gloucestershire is Football Development Officer, Gary Probert. Please call him on 01454 615888 or e-mail: Gary.Probert@GloucestershireFA.com for further information.