FA takes Respect programme to Chile

The FA staged its first ever international Respect course last week in Santiago, Chile. 

Following a request from the Chilean governing body and CONMEBOL, The FA sent out Dermot Collins (FA Respect Manager), Lucia Sanchez (International Relations) and Lee Mason (Premier League Referee) to deliver a seminar sharing the experience of the first year of the Respect programme in England. 

Delivering to an audience of referees, club captains, coaches and journalists, the FA Tutors soon discovered that football in Chile faces many of the same behavioral problems as in England. Based on the English experience, the seminar allowed the Chilean delegates the opportunity to design their own version of the Respect programme. The Chilean Referees in particular revelled in the practical sessions delivered by Lee Mason, based on his experience of taking control of some of the Premier League's most competitive matches.

Whilst in Santiago the English delegation were able to witness first hand the difficulties experienced by referees as guests at the crucial - and controversial - Chile v Uruguay World Cup qualifier.

The seminar received a positive response with a commitment from the Chilean FA to develop a similar initiative as part of its ongoing education programme. The visit concluded with a final presentation to an elite group of 80 referees.

The Respect seminar is the third course to be delivered by The FA in South America this year as part of its commitment to CONMEBOL to assist the development of football in South America.