New football plan (From Thurrock Gazette)

FA pushing Respect programme

7:02pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in Sport

FOOTBALL: The FA are issuing schools and colleges with the challenge of developing campaign materials to help promote the Respect programme. This could be a poster, a splash page, a promotional item, a short film, radio advert, graphic story, an app or podcast to increase awareness of the impact of poor behaviour in football and the promotion of Respect.

The schools and colleges judged to have submitted the best entries will be guests of The FA at a big game, will see their work featured at an exhibition at Wembley and displayed in the FA Cup or an England international programme. Perhaps even on the big screen! Each winner will also receive a commemorative FA Respect plaque for their school or college.

Football is the world’s greatest game for a good reason. It has the ability to thrill, to unite communities, create unforgettable moments and inspire future generations. But the passion and pride that fuels the game is sometimes crossing the line into bad language and abuse and the players, their coaches and fans aren’t always supporting the beautiful game.

There are plenty of excuses: ‘It’s all part of the game. It’s passion - what else do you expect?’ But many people have different expectations and may choose to walk away. Sometimes it’s a referee who’s tired of people telling them how to do their job, a young player put off by the demands of an over competitive coach or a parent who just wants their children to play in a more supportive and positive environment.

The Respect programme was launched at the start of the 2008/09 season as a response to widespread concern as to a loss of referees driven out of the game by verbal and physical abuse. Four seasons on, there is evidence of more officials - who are happier and safer - while Premier League and Football League dissent cautions have reduced by 17%.