13 April 2008
VIDEO: Respect pilot
Find out more about The FA's Respect pilot study as TheFA.com looks back on the main components of the Respect campaign.

The FA is committed to making football a positive and inclusive experience for everyone involved in the game, allowing all participants to enjoy the game and maximise their ability.

Improving levels of behaviour and respect is one of our top priorities. That means not only respect towards match officials at all levels of football, but also the conduct of overly-competitive coaches and parents on the sidelines at youth games, and general standards of respect between players, coaches, referees and spectators.

Earlier this year, The FA conducted a 10-week pilot scheme in 20 adult and youth leagues across the country, comprising a combination of three measures: allowing only the captain to speak to the referee, erecting barriers along the touchlines to keep spectators back, and codes of conduct with related sanctions for everyone involved in the participating clubs.

On the back of positive feedback from the pilot, The FA will expand the scheme across grassroots football next season, as well as working with the professional game to raise levels of respect towards referees in the top leagues.

Further information will follow and you can find out more by speaking to your local County Football Association.