The Respect Programme is about changing mindsets, and making the game more enjoyable for everyone. One in three games of football played in England don't have a qualified, independent match official, and within the Amateur Football Combination we are unable to appoint "league referees" to more than 50% of games (often fewer), relying on clubs to provide their own referees (who do us proud). Respect is about educating people about what is acceptable behaviour towards referees and youngsters, and changing the mindset that is all too prevalent in football. "If he's going to ref, he should expect abuse", or "if he gets it wrong, what does he expect?" are all too common - no wonder so few people are prepared to referee.

What is Respect?

Respect is The FA's programme of activities to combat unacceptable behaviour in our game at every level - on the pitch and from the sidelines. This was the No.1 priority emerging from the biggest opinion survey to date of grassroots football in England. It was carried out in late 2007 and directly informed The FA's National Game Strategy, published in March 2008. We hope that Respect will ensure a safe, positive environment for everyone to enjoy football. From the start it will have an impact on the following areas:

	Referee recruitment and retention: By tackling abuse towards match officials, we hope to reduce the stream of referees understandably leaving the game.
	Participation within youth football: Abuse and pressure from the sidelines needs to stop if we are to ensure young children enjoy, stay and progress in the game.
	Coaching and player development: An encouraging and player-centred approach is vital if we are to improve coaching standards - particularly for the key 5-11 age-group. It's simple: better coaches produce better players.
	Safeguarding children: Everyone in football has a duty of care towards children - ensuring they are able to play football in a safe, enjoyable environment free of abuse, bullying and discrimination.
	Improving behaviour is a whole-game issue and the 2008-09 season will see the Respect programme introduced at professional and grassroots levels.

The Professional Game

Whether we like it or not, the majority of people in football take their lead from the professional game. Good or bad, they are our "role models". The Premier League, PFA and other professional game bodies have all signed up to Respect, and whilst it will doubtless take time for them to change mindsets too, having them on board can only help to get the message through at our level.

	Referees managing the game, involving team captains when required
	Captain taking more responsibility for their own players and their behaviour
	•Pre-match briefing meeting with referee & managers/captains
	•Team handshake before kick-off
	Removal of TV monitors from the technical area

The Amateur Football Combination has signed up to be a "Respect League". Much of what Respect is about is the same as our own Spirit of Football, and we intend to run the two campaigns together. We will, in due course, send out more information to our clubs. At present we're awaiting from the Football Association details of "Respect Packs" for clubs, and once we have those, we will send out more details.