Football Victoria has created the ‘Respect the Game’ campaign that aims to develop good habits of player and spectator behaviour from the grassroots to elite level.
On weekends many players and officials of varying ages take part in competitions and most of the time they are run in good spirit. However, FV still want to address a small minority who:
- Abuse referees, both official and volunteers
- Scream and yell at players, coaches and officials
- Criticise performance rather than celebrate effort
- Ignore, manipulate and question rules and decisions
These behaviours are addressed by FV with a plan to ensure all clubs behave in a respectful manner. There are many people involved in soccer, whether it be players, coaches, officials, administrators, volunteers and spectators. The environment of game day needs to be a place where they can all be safe in doing their job.
As a signal of intent by FV, the Club Development Conference in February had a pledge which all Victorian clubs needed to sign as part of Respect the Game:
We will call out behaviour that undermines this pledge and drive a culture of respect within our football community. We will not tolerate abuse in our game, directed towards referees, players, coaches, spectators, officials or volunteers. We will provide a safe environment for all Victorians to unite through football.
It is hoped that all clubs work together to lead by example for the community and to entice more people to get involved.
