Respect is The FA’s programme to address unacceptable behaviour in football – on and off the pitch.

On average, 7,000 referees quit football every year at because of the abuse they receive from players and from the sidelines. Lots of children also pack it in because of the attitude and actions of over-enthusiastic and pushy parents.

In response, The FA’s Respect programme provides a series of tools for leagues, clubs, coaches, Referees, players and parents from grassroots to elite football to ensure a safe, positive environment in which to enjoy the game.

These tools include agreed codes of conduct, in-service training for Referees, Respect club packs, spectator sideline barriers funded by the Football Foundation and ensuring captains work with referees to manage player behaviour.

The FA has also launched a free online Respect Parent Guide to highlight examples of poor behaviour and, more importantly, how it can be improved. To see the Guide for Parents and carers click here.

RESPECT  PROGRAMME

Designated Spectators Area & Coaches Technical Area: a guide

One of the key elements of Respect in youth football is the creation of designated areas for spectators and technical area for the Managers, Coaches and Substitutes.

The FA ran a Respect pilot study in 19 leagues across England and these spectator areas had a hugely positive effect on behaviour. The barriers literally draw the line which parents and spectators should not cross.

The Designated Spectators' Area (barrier) is to be marked on one side of the pitch - it is recommended that spectators and parents/carers from both sides stand behind this barrier on one side of one full length of the pitch.

This allows the coaches of both teams to stand on the other side of the pitch in the Technical Area, meaning players get instructions from just one side of the pitch. The North Wilts Youth & Minor League have made mandatory the use of the technical area for both home and away teams.

You may prefer an alternative form of marking a Designated Spectators' Area, but you must ensure this is safe for both the spectators and the players. The NW&DFL strongly recommends you obtain formal agreement from the facility/pitch provider about which method of marking is most suitable for the pitch, before beginning any work or buying any new equipment.

The safety of the players, officials and spectators is paramount.

• The size of the area around home pitches will dictate whether you are able to use:
• Poles with rope
• Cones
• Spray paint to mark the designated spectator areas

The spectators' area should start two metres from the touchline on one side of the pitch. Each area should run the full length of the pitch. This means no-one should be watching from behind the goals.

There is no requirement to mark out the technical area on the opposite side of the pitch.

Where there is not enough room, you must speak to the opposing club and agree what distance from the touchline is realistic to ensure marked areas are safe for spectators.

Both the poles and rope must be removed in the interests of safety after each game unless they are to be used for subsequent matches that day.

Where cones are being used club officials should ensure these are still in place at the start of any subsequent games to be played on the same pitch.

Where spray paint is used, club officials must check the lines have not faded between games.