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Respect guidance

Cheshire FA recently launched the Respect programme across the County which proved a great success and attracted local press.

To coincide with this event, Ian Blanchard, The FA's Head of National Referee Development has offered an update on the programme and the role the Referee plays within it.

respect armband

"The Respect programme feels different this time round," he said. "It has the feeling of longevity and support from a wide range of people involved in football. If we are to make a difference for our Referees, then it is important that Referees recognise their role in the programme.

"Referees are reminded that they need to manage the game using the tools and skills they possess. Effective communication, good knowledge of the Laws of the Game, coupled with an effective decision may go some way to controlling the game as well as earning respect from the players.

"The role of the captain has also been elevated as part of the Respect programme. We are now asking the captain to have greater responsibilities for the management and control of their players. The referee is asked to use the captain, if they feel it would enhance their overall management of players and help control the game. However, the captain is not and should not be excluded from being dealt with by the referee as he or she feels fit.

"At grassroots level we also have the designated spectator barriers and the codes of conduct, which again are in place to make the experience of playing and officiating in football a better place for everyone."