Thank you for taking on the role of a Respect Monitor.
This is a new role introduced to help improve the standard of behaviour at all games in the Norfolk Combined Youth Football League.
Respect Monitors are not expected to deal with confrontation or directly manage spectators from the opposition. Their role is to act as a liaison between the referee and spectators supporting their own team.
It is good practice for Respect Monitors to work closely with:
The Respect Monitor role has been introduced to help ensure that games are played in a:
so that everyone can enjoy their participation in the game.
Respect Monitors are not expected to:
Their role is focused on communication, support, and helping maintain appropriate behaviour among their own team’s spectators.
When your team is at home, you will normally be part of the welcoming party for the opposition team.
You should introduce yourself to:
Club assistant referees, often called linesmen, may also be included in this introduction.
The referee should hold a short briefing before the game with:
This is to ensure everyone is clear about expectations for the match.
The referee will usually explain what they want assistant referees to deal with and what they will manage themselves.
This often includes:
Each referee may have their own preferences.
The referee may explain:
The referee may remind teams where supporters should stand, for example:
The referee may also explain to Respect Monitors how they intend to deal with any supporter-related issues during the game.
Everyone involved in the game is expected to act in accordance with the Respect Code of Conduct they have signed.
It is good practice for Respect Monitors to speak briefly with the referee:
These conversations should remain practical and supportive.
If the issue is low-level verbal comments, and you feel comfortable dealing with it, you should politely ask the relevant person or persons to stop.
If you feel intimidated by your own team’s spectators, you should not put yourself at risk.
Instead, walk round and speak to the team manager about what action is appropriate.
Do not engage directly with opposition supporters.
You should also encourage your own supporters not to respond.
Approach the Respect Monitor from the opposing team and politely ask whether they are aware of the behaviour causing concern.
Once you have raised the issue, leave the opposing Respect Monitor to deal with their own supporters.
If the issue continues and is not dealt with:
At an appropriate point, when the ball is out of play, the referee may invite Respect Monitors onto the pitch.
Respect Monitors should engage in a calm and non-confrontational way, regardless of any personal views about how the referee has handled the match.
This is not the time to debate:
The referee will explain the supporter behaviour that is causing concern.
The referee will explain what action they require from:
The referee may apply the sanction of abandoning the game if the requested action is not taken.
It is good practice to have a brief conversation with the opposing Respect Monitor after the game.
Respect Monitors should not engage in discussions about:
If the behaviour of your own supporters does not meet the Respect Code of Conduct, you should make either the:
aware so that the issue can be dealt with.
There are also three League Welfare Officers who can be consulted or notified about any issues.
If an incident occurs during a match, the League may ask a Respect Monitor to provide their version of events.
This will usually be by informal email. The focus will be on the content of what happened, not spelling or grammar.
Your role is to support the smooth running of the game, not to confront others.
Your primary responsibility is to help manage concerns involving supporters of your own team.
You should work closely with:
The aim is to help create an environment that is:
We hope this role will contribute to all games being played in a supportive but competitive environment where everyone can enjoy their participation in the game.