Help protect the beautiful game

As a Match Official in charge of grassroots games, you’ll know how hate at matches can ruin the experience for others. Too often:

• Spectators abuse referees, players, coaches and other spectators
• Players lose their focus and resort to bad language and behaviour
• Too many people just stand by, do nothing and let it happen

We’re asking you and everyone in grassroots football – including players, spectators and coaches – to report racist, sexist, homophobic, violent and abusive behaviour to us every time it happens.

Only when we know it’s happened can we take the tough action needed to remove hate, with sanctions that include:

• Deducting points
• Banning players
• Even closing grounds

Understanding and managing participant behaviour is crucial for Referees operating within the national league system. Effective behaviour management ensures a fair and enjoyable game for all players and protects the image of the game to those spectators watching. It also helps in maintaining the integrity of the sport by enforcing rules consistently.

Referees who can adeptly handle various behavioural issues contribute to a positive sporting environment. This not only enhances the experience for players but also upholds the respect and authority of the referee. Consequently, it is essential for referees to develop strong skills in managing participant behaviour.

Responsibilities of Match Officials

Match officials play a vital role in maintaining the standards of behaviour during games. It is essential that they remain strong, resilient, and consistent in their approach. The following actions must be addressed decisively to uphold the integrity of the game:

• Clear, open dissent by word or action
• Disrespectful behaviour or gestures directed at a match official
• Confronting a match official by running towards them
• Physical contact with a match official
• Threatening behaviour or aggression towards a match official
• Discriminatory behaviour and language
• Offensive language and conduct aimed at a match official

Furthermore, match officials must remain vigilant regarding the behaviour of technical area occupants throughout the 2024/25 season.

Referees bear ultimate responsibility for managing such behaviour, with the assistance of their assistant referees. Ignoring inappropriate conduct only serves to encourage it. Therefore, proactive and engaging communication is encouraged, but strong action is required when behaviour crosses the line.

In accordance with the Laws of the Game (LOTG), match officials must use red and yellow cards for technical area occupants when necessary. This sends a clear message that inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. Technical areas must remain a space for professional conduct, and any deviation from this standard requires immediate correction.

Proactive Communication and Stepped Approach

We encourage match officials to adopt a proactive approach, engaging in effective communication with clubs and players both before and during matches. This can often prevent the escalation of poor or unacceptable behaviour. The use of the stepped approach is an important tool to manage behaviour, but it is crucial that match officials remain firm and apply robust sanctions when the situation demands it.

Need for Consistency and Strength

After reviewing the first six weeks of the season, the FA Refereeing Department has identified areas where greater consistency is needed. Match officials must ensure they remain strong, resilient, and consistent in managing participant behaviour. By maintaining these standards, we can protect the integrity of the game and ensure that all participants behave in a manner that upholds the values of football.

By reinforcing these expectations and ensuring that match officials are empowered to act decisively, we can promote a culture of respect and professionalism across the National League System.

On-field Participant Behaviour

• Surrounding
  Being surrounded on the field can be a stressful experience for any match official. While formal sanctions can help defuse these situations, here are some top tips for effectively managing incidents of being surrounded
• Barriers
  Use your arms as barriers to protect your space. If a player attempts to move through this physical barrier this is a clear opportunity for you to apply a sanction. Use the whistle, hand gestures, or verbal commands to disperse players
• Maintain Distance
  Avoid being physically crowded by stepping back or positioning yourself where you are not encircled. This keeps you in control of the space and reduces any feeling of threat.
• Engage Captain
  Address the captain directly, as they are responsible for the team’s conduct. This can diffuse tension and avoid a chaotic group confrontation
• Stay Calm and Assertive
  Remain composed and confident. Show clear, calm body language and speak firmly but politely. This helps maintain authority and prevents escalation
• Communicate Clearly and Firmly
  Use clear, authoritative verbal commands to assert control and direct individuals to back away

The participant behaviour charter was set out for clubs operating at Step 3 and 4 of the National League System, however many of the guiding principles can be used at Step 5 and 6, and across grassroots to effectively manage the technical areas. The participant behaviour charter states all occupants:

• Must behave in a responsible manner
• Ensure compliance with the maximum number of staff and substitutes allowed by the competition
• Players and team officials not listed on the team sheet must not enter the technical area
• Must not use technology to challenge any decision made by the match officials
• Must remain within their own technical area during the match
• Must not enter the pitch to confront any match official at half-time or full-time

The charter also gives further details around coaching during the match:

• Only one person is permitted to stand at the front of the technical area and coach during the match
• A second person may stand but must remain very close to the technical area seating
• All conversations between the two standing must happen close to the technical area seating
• All other technical area occupants should remain seated

What does Law tell us?

If, despite proactive engagement, technical area occupants continue to disregard the rules, it is your responsibility to enforce the Laws of the Game. Do not hesitate to issue yellow or red cards as appropriate. Demonstrating both a solid knowledge of the LOTG and a willingness to enforce them is critical in maintaining control and fairness.

Collective Responsibility

We understand that managing technical areas can be challenging, but it is a responsibility we must all uphold. Failing to address issues early will only lead to more significant problems later in the game. As match officials, we have a collective duty to ensure that the game is played in accordance with the laws, and that includes effectively managing behaviour in the technical areas.

By adhering to these strategies and continuing to demonstrate strong, natural personality traits, you will improve your match control and overall management, contributing to a smoother and more professional environment for all involved.

Let’s make the 2024/25 season one of continued growth and excellence in officiating