26 January 2009
We hope that Respect will ensure a safe, positive environment for everyone to enjoy football and Hurling.
From the start it will have an impact on the following areas:
REFEREES
The Respect programme aims to allow Referees to officiate matches without being subjected to abuse by players, coaches or spectators - and the referees themselves have a key part to play in the process.
Working in partnership with the clubs they officiate, referees can provide post-match feedback regarding the behaviour of players, parents, coaches and other spectators, to help the clubs enforce their
Codes of Conduct.
Referee recruitment and retention: By tackling abuse towards match officials, we hope to reduce the stream of referees leaving the game.
Participation within youth football & hurling: Abuse and pressure from the sidelines needs to stop if we are to ensure young children enjoy, stay and progress in the game.
Coaching and player development: An encouraging and player-centred approach is vital if we are to improve coaching standards - particularly for the key 5-11 age-group. It's simple: better coaches produce better players.
Safeguarding children: Everyone in football has a duty of care towards children - ensuring they are able to play football in a safe, enjoyable environment free of abuse, bullying and discrimination.
Improving behaviour is a whole-game issue and will see a Respect programme introduced at Club and grassroots levels.
PARENTS AND SPECTATORS
Parents have a big responsibility as part of the Respect programme.
Respect is working to eradicate touchline abuse in football, and parents can play their part by agreeing to, and signing, their club's Code of Conduct and abiding by them throughout the season.
Parents also have a responsibility for their children's behaviour. The players will also be asked to sign a Code of Conduct, and parents can encourage their children to adhere to the players' code.
CLUB OFFICIALS
The Respect programme relies on clubs to take active steps to ensure high standards of conduct throughout their club and games.
Club’s can champion the Respect programme, and communicate the importance of Respect to their member clubs through meetings and bulletins. Club officials can sign up to and enforce Codes of Conduct for their players, coaches, parents and spectators, which will set the standard for behaviour throughout their club
PLAYERS
Whether you're in the starting fifteen or on the bench, your role as a player is crucial to the success of Respect.
On a matchday, you'll be expected to work with your coaches and your captain to allow the referee to manage the game without being subjected to abuse. With the game losing many referees from the game every year, it's hugely important, because without the referees, the game isn't the same.
If the league you play in adopts the Respect programme, you will be asked to read, agree to, and sign, a Code of Conduct at your club. This will be your 'promise' to abide by a set of rules governing your behaviour as a player. Working together with your coach, your captain, and each referee that takes charge of your games during the season, you can play a major role in improving the game for everyone, through Respect.
COACHES
Coaches have a hugely important role to play in Respect, as they are not only responsible for their own behaviour, but they can also influence that of their players and spectators, too.
On a matchday, you'll be expected to work with your players, parents and other spectators to allow the referee to manage the game without being subjected to abuse.
