Why football needs Respect...
The FA is responding to a plea from grassroots football to tackle unacceptable behaviour in football.

Respect aims to tackle the mass drop-out of referees from football due to abuse. Thousands of referees dropped out of the game last season which has led to the number of match officials hitting its lowest ever level.

Respect also aims to bring the fun back to football for young players. Parents and coaches pushing too hard and pressurising impressionable children for three points is having a negative impact on their development and enjoyment of the game.

• 98% of referees have been verbally abused and 27% have been physically abused.
• One in three grassroots matches is now played without a qualified match official.
• 846 grassroots matches were abandoned in 2007/08 due to unacceptable behaviour from players and/or spectators.
• Parents and coaches want role models in the elite game to provide a positive example for young players.
• The No.2 priority from grassroots football is tackling the 'pushy parent' placing too much pressure on their child and their child’s team from the sidelines.

For full information please click on the link below...