On average, 7,000 referees quit football every year at because of the abuse they receive from players and from the sidelines. Lots of children also pack it in because of the attitude and actions of over-enthusiastic and pushy parents.
In response, The FA’s Respect programme provides a series of tools for leagues, clubs, coaches, referees, players and parents from Grassroots to elite football to ensure a safe, positive environment in which to enjoy the game.
These tools include agreed codes of conduct, in-service training for referees, Respect club packs, spectator sideline barriers funded by the Football Foundation and ensuring captains work with referees to manage player behaviour.
Berks & Bucks FA are the first County in the Country to use specially trained Respect Ambassadors for their Youth Leagues with Deborah Wyatt officially recognised as the Countries first Respect Ambassador.
She was invited to be a guest panelist at last years Grassroots Live Road Show and has addressed National Conference. She has also appeared on Soccer AM and Sky Sports News as well as in numerous National Newspapers.