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:
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:
-
120 metres of
specialised Respect Zone tape (2x 60 Metres lengths)
-
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.
