Praise for The FA’s Respect Programme from local referee Ian Butler has coincided with the launch of a brand new film entitled “Are You Losing It?” as the Essex County FA also releases promising figures indicating a reduction in poor conduct since the start of the initiative to create a better playing environment.
Respect continued its forward momentum at England’s friendly against Egypt on Wednesday 3rd March when the viral was released as a follow-up to the popular Ray Winstone videos a year ago. Now Butler, who resides in Dunmow and officiates games for the Broch Group Mid-Essex League, believes the video requires maximum exposure to ensure the Programme’s message reaches all corners of grassroots football.
“The first Ray Winstone video was powerful and realistic and this one needs even more publicity,” he expressed. “Anti-social behaviour has been creeping into football for some time and, similar to road rage, it rears its ugly head from people with whom you wouldn’t normally associate this type of behaviour away from football pitches. Players, coaches and referees have started walking away from our game and I see all of us in those videos in some shape or form. Let’s hope they make people think about their actions.”
Two films are planned, with one centred on how an abusive player is viewed by his team mates and the other highlighting the impact an aggressive parent on the touchline can have on a youngster. Part of the Programme’s launch message emphasised the intention to alter negative attitudes and abuse from the sidelines and on the pitch as well as offering a long-term commitment to the recruitment and retention of referees, creating fun and safe playing environments and taking action against those committing misconduct.
Ian is also adamant that Respect has made a positive impact on both its intended and less obvious targets, continuing: “Bizarrely, I think the Programme has had the most affect on people who normally behave well at matches because clear guidance has been given by The FA that allows the good citizens within the game to have confidence to act appropriately and report incidences knowing they will be well supported.”
Meanwhile, statistics gathered in Essex between 1st June and 31st December for the season prior to Respect’s 2008 launch, when compared with the current campaign, have mirrored these narratives of progress. Around a 10% decrease is evident for Caution Code C2, which covers dissent, while the number of E20 cases for misconduct by members, club officials and/or spectators has happily dropped by roughly 17%.
Helen Hever is Essex’s County Welfare Officer and she was delighted to observe the local and national trends. “Respect continues to have a positive impact on the recruitment of referees nationally, with 5,197 newcomers meaning an increase of 45%,” she added. “It’s also promising to learn that 10,700 people have so far undertaken The FA Online Parents Course. Locally, we’ve seen a decrease in misconduct so, together with marketing like these videos, the consensus is that the Programme is achieving its objectives.”
You can view the new ‘Are You Losing It?’ in 'Related Links'. Meanwhile, all queries relating to the Respect Programme in Essex, or the game’s safeguarding and welfare issues in general, should be directed to County Welfare Officer Helen Hever on (01245) 393098 or via E-Mail at helen.hever@essexfa.com.