I WOULD like to focus on the FA Respect Programme and highlight the progress in the programme so far at grassroots level in Surrey.

The FA Respect Programme was introduced on the back of the FA public consultation in 2007 when 37,000 people involved in the grass roots game were asked what they thought were the most important issues facing the game.

The results showed a resounding concern about the shortage of referees, abuse by players to match officials and sideline abuse by spectators. In 2009 a repeat of this survey highlighted that behaviour is still a concern with the top issues being abusive sideline behaviour, abusive behaviour to referees and having qualified referees for every organised game.

The FA Respect Programme aims to tackle these issues but there needs to be acknowledgement that changes will not happen overnight, behaviour change takes time and we need clubs, leagues and officials to continue to support the programme, and implement all the different strands.

The FA's Respect programme was launched at the Community Shield in August 2008 and 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, designated spectator areas and ensuring captains work with referees to manage player behaviour.

Currently in Surrey 21 of our leagues have shown a commitment to Respect by signing up for the programme and delivering information sessions and distributing packs to clubs.

The county is now working closely with leagues to identify a Respect Ambassador to champion the programme moving forward and identify good practice within clubs.

In an analysis of offences for misconduct between July 1 and February 1, Surrey has seen a slight reduction in dissent, total cautions, standard charges and misconduct charges compared to the past two seasons.

The Respect Programme is now included in all basic refereeing courses and coach education courses. At Surrey we continue to spread the message by highlighting and promoting the Respect campaign throughout our events and activities, for example all our County Cup Finals embrace the Respect Programme, by doing the Respect handshake before games and including advertising in programmes etc.

The Football Association is committed to the Respect Programme until at least 2012 as part of the National Game Strategy and we will see further resources in 2010 including more Respect Films - Making offenders aware of the consequences of abusive and antisocial behaviour - new Respect posters, and a 2010 national awards programme recognising Respect at all levels of the game to which the FA's President Prince William has agreed to be involved.

For further information on the Respect Programme visit www.surreyfa.com/GetIntoFootball/Respect+Programme/ or contact Derek Stovold, Governance Officer on 01372 387094.

Caroline McRoyall, County Development Manager.