Wiltshire FA is launching a campaign to tackle poor behaviour in football throughout Season 22/23.

With unprecedented levels of negative behaviour in the grassroots game, Wiltshire FA will shine a light on RESPECT this season with the ‘Respect Checked’ campaign, with aim to reduce discipline incidents, retain both players and referees and improve the football experience in Wiltshire.

Oliver Selfe, Wiltshire FA CEO said, “We are aware of the detrimental impact that poor conduct has on the game. Behaviour and discipline are often the main concerns of our community, and these concerns lead to experienced officials leaving and players dropping out teams.

“In response we want to raise awareness about respect, gain understanding about why incidents are happening, challenge behaviour and change attitudes.”

Cases of misconduct in Wiltshire have risen by 77% since Season 19/20, with 35% increase of cautions and 83% increase of red cards.

Oliver continues, “We are now watching. We are sending out RESPECT Ambassadors who will anonymously attend football fixtures throughout the season so we can gain first-hand understanding about why poor behaviour is occurring and be able to offer support to prevent further incidents.”

RESPECT Ambassadors will take note of the environment, equipment, match day support, the RESPECT infrastructure and any incidents with reports being fed back to Wiltshire FA where they will be analysed, and invention offered.

Oliver concludes, “We believe that when there are good levels of respect players enjoy playing, referees enjoy refereeing, coaches enjoy coaching and parents enjoy supporting. We must all check we are contributing to a positive environment for people to enjoy the nation’s favourite sport.”

We are seeking Respect Ambassadors!

To support the campaign, we are now recruiting Respect Ambassadors to help us reach as many games as possible this Season.

Respect Ambassadors

Respect Ambassadors will anonymously attend matches in the County, taking note of the game including the environment, equipment, support and infrastructure and report back to Wiltshire FA.

£25 will be paid per match. 

To find out more please email Shane.Comb@WiltshireFA.com

(Please note Respect Ambassadors must be over 18 years old)