Respect
We Only Do Positive (supported by Nationwide)
Respect is important for the health of the game in OUR countY
Let's retain more referees and players in an enjoyable environment
The FA’s Respect campaign was launched in the 2008/09 season after a build-up of behavioural problems in the National Game. Following its success, The FA want to spread the message of Respect even further across English football. The campaign - ‘We Only Do Positive’ - aims to do just that.
It highlights the importance of positive behaviour towards young footballers, specifically looking at the impact parents and coaches can have. The campaign is rooted in extensive research carried out in 2017/18 to understand more clearly the effect of negative behaviour on Under 7s to 18s players and where Respect interventions would be most effective.
The research provided clear evidence of why positivity was so important in the youth game. The stand-out insight was that nine in ten children played better with positive encouragement. In addition, the research highlighted that negative experiences on children had serious adverse effects on both in their footballing ability and, more widely, to their enjoyment of the sport.
‘We Only Do Positive’ is a response to this research which uses a strategic approach to target coaches and parents specifically around mini-soccer and youth football. It aims to promote and educate coaches and parents on their roles in creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment for all the players, ensuring they have great experiences throughout their football journey.
Within your club you will have a Welfare Officer. You can gain his or her details from your Club Secretary (if you’re not already aware who this is). Please speak to them as soon as possible after the incident and they will be able to action the next steps, depending on the seriousness of the incident.
Yes, there is a Respect equipment scheme which The FA deliver in partnership with the Football Foundation. You can find out more by clicking here.
We would love to hear some positive work being carried out for Respect. Simply use our Twitter handle (@EssexCountyFA) and engage using the #WeOnlyDoPositive hashtag. Share your message and a picture. Please note, if you are taking pictures of children and using them for social media, consent will need to be given by the child’s parent/guardian/carer.
Please get in touch with us. We would be happy to hear your ideas and can provide you with some support and guidance. Hawkwell Athletic YFC piloted a very successful scheme, while Halstead Town YFC also worked with us to implement a better matchday experience.
Everyone is responsible and should play their part in creating safe, fun and inclusive environments. No matter what your role is, let’s work together to unite the game.
Yes, absolutely. We are happy to work with individuals/groups who wish to champion Respect. Please send details of your workshop to our County FA's Designated Safeguarding Officer.
