Northern NSW Football has launched its Respect the Game campaign to create a genuine culture shift across football and fix the problem of poor behaviour and abuse.
Thousands of people participate and officiate in football every weekend across northern NSW. But over time a minority have unfortunately decided it is ok to:
- Abuse official and volunteer referees
- Scream and yell at players, coaches and officials
- Criticise performance rather than celebrate effort
- Ignore, manipulate and question rules and decisions
Many have experienced this poor behaviour firsthand. Its impacts include:
- People stop playing the game
- Referees stop officiating
- Volunteer numbers dwindle
- Mental health suffers
- Tensions between clubs
- Club reputations diminish
NNSWF want to change this culture across all levels of football with the Respect the Game campaign.
Part of this campaign is asking the football community to report poor behaviour, sign the Respect the Game pledge, share their experiences and take the laws of the game quiz.
NNSWF Referees Manager Brad Carlin said he hoped the Respect the Game campaign would help members of the football community evaluate their own behaviour and that of people within their own club.
“It’s our collective job to keep our game strong and provide a safe, enjoyable environment that protects participants, match officials, club administrators, volunteers and spectators,” Carlin said.
“We need members of our football community to call out poor behaviour and report it. We want people to share their support for the Respect the Game campaign by taking the pledge and encouraging others at their club to do the same.
“Sign the pledge, share your experiences and report poor behaviour to help us improve the game at all levels.”
For more information on the Respect the Game campaign click HERE.
Poor behaviour related to Northern NSW Football’s Premier Competitions can be reported HERE.
Poor behaviour related to Community Football should be reported to the relevant Member Zone responsible for administering that competition. Directions are available HERE.
Take the IFAB Laws of the Game quiz HERE.
Sign the Respect the Game pledge HERE.
Respect the Game pledge
I pledge to Respect our Game and will not tolerate abuse in our game directed towards referees, players, coaches, spectators, officials or volunteers.
I will call out behaviour that undermines this pledge and drive a culture of respect within our football community.
