We must improve standards of behaviour - on and off the field.
The message came through loud and clear in the massive research campaign The FA undertook before publishing its National Game Strategy earlier this year - 'Your Game, Your Say, Our Goal'.
The research involved 37,000 football participants, including all major stakeholders, in what has been the most fundamental review to date of the state of non-league football in England.
Behaviour was - and is - the biggest concern, both abuse and intimidation towards referees, and poor behaviour by over-competitive parents towards their children, as well as aggressive coaches and spectators on the sidelines.
For example, parental behaviour is one of the main reasons why young players drop out of the game. In addition, poor behaviour by coaches, parents and players towards referees means that thousands of officials are dropping out each season. Players and teams want a qualified referee for each game - well, let's look after them and that may just happen.
Respect is aimed at helping us all to work together to change the negative attitudes and abusive behaviour on the sidelines and on the pitch. It's a long-term commitment, but if we all play our part, together we can really make a difference.
And it's not just about football at your level. It's about football at every level, which is why we're glad to be working in partnership with the Premier League, Football League, Football Conference, PFA and LMA to improve behaviour at the top end of the game too.
Brian Barwick
Chief Executive Officer
The Football Association
