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One of the key elements of Respect in youth football
is the creation of designated areas for spectators.
In the 2007-08 season 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.
Thanks to the Football Foundation, youth leagues will be able to apply for a
grant to provide Designated Spectator Barrier equipment to every team within
the league. The Football Foundation will supply a voucher for 50% of the
cost of the equipment with the league/clubs asked to contribute just 50%.
Once this application has been made,
and the equipment received, you will need to supply it to clubs to mark out the
Designated Spectators' Area on one side of the pitch - it is recommended that
fans and parents/carers from both sides stand behind this barrier on one full
length of the pitch.
This
allows the coaches of both teams to stand on the other side of the pitch,
meaning players get instructions from just one side of the pitch.
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 FA
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:
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.
 Where
there is not enough room, you must speak to the club and agree what distance
from the touchline is realistic to ensure marked areas are safe for players,
match officials and 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.
The
FA-endorsed Respect Zone Barrier Kit consists of:
A
complete set of safety poles
A
simple to use and effective reeling system
Assembly kit comprising of mallet, securing pegs and instructions
Lightweight carry bag
You
can apply for the equipment via your County Football Association once you
have signed up to Respect.
Designated Spectators' Area Barriers can be used in adult football and, in
fact, some adult clubs involved in The FA's Respect pilot in 2008 saw a
positive change in spectator behaviour. There isn't a grant available at
this time (the key aim with the barrier is to promote better parental
behaviour in youth football) but barriers can be bought or adult clubs can
use the alternative markings detailed above.
FA+endorsed barriers can be bought from
www.respectzone.com
Talk
to your league secretary or County FA football development team if you have
any queries on this |
