So, what if Respect is not followed? The Football Association Rules and Regulations clearly outline the powers to take action where there is a prima facia case of misconduct.

But even before it reaches this level, action may be taken early in the process by Clubs and Leagues, dependent on the severity of the breach. The regulations outline who has what responsibilities clearly in order to prevent cases of double jeopardy (i.e. a participant being dealt with twice for one offence)

If the breach is considered by The Football Association (The FA) or County Football Association (CFA) to be one of “misconduct”, the regulations give power for action to be taken by either The Football Association or parent County Football Association only. Such issues would cover all on-field misconduct (eg. violent conduct, abuse behaviour towards the match officials by players) or off-field offences by Clubs, their officers or spectators (eg Crowd abuse, inappropriate comments about match officials in the media). Such sanctions could result in a fine, individual or club suspensions or other sanctions considered appropriate by the commission hearing the case.

Where a breach is at a level where it is contrary to the rules of a competition or League but not considered to be misconduct by The FA or CFA action may be taken by the relevant competition providing such breach occurred whilst participating in that competition, (e.g. failure to fulfil a fixture, playing ineligible players, failure to confirm appointments to match officials) Such sanctions may also include fines, reduction of points or ultimately expulsion from the competition or excluded from a competition by Members at an AGM/EGM.

It is vital that the football family works in partnership to ensure the integrity of Respect is maintained. Such an important project starts with the Club who also has a vital part to play. Clubs also have the ability to ensure their Club members adhere to the codes of conduct within the Club. For those in breach, the Club may also take appropriate action which may include omission from the team in respect to players, request for non-attendance at matches or again removal from the club membership in sever cases.

If any organisation is in doubt as to their powers to apply sanctions in individual cases then it would always be best practice to seek appropriate advice from their parent County Football Association.