Seven thousand referees are dropping out each season because of the abuse and intimidation they receive. It ruins games and can cause matches to be abandoned. Then we've all lost.
Captain taking responsibility
As a captain, you have no special status or privileges under the Laws of the Game, but you do have a degree of responsibility for the behaviour of your team.
To promote Respect, the referee will work with you, as the team captain, to manage the players and the game effectively.
Even if you are some way away from an incident when the referee feels he/she needs you involved in a discussion with a player, the referee will call you over. This will ensure that, as the team captain, you remain the point of contact for the referee.
How Captains can help to instil Respect:
Ensure you wear a Respect captain's armband - these will be provided by your league to your club
Together with your opposition captain, make yourself known to the referee before the game. He/she will ask if you are clear about your responsibilities
Ensure all your players understand what they can/cannot do in relation to the referee and what is meant by 'unwanted behaviour'. No-one's trying to curb enthusiasm - just instil more discipline. This can only benefit your match - and football as a whole
Ensure your vice-captain (appoint one if you haven't got one) is aware of these rules, in case you are unavailable for a game, or have to leave the field
Ensure every player in your team has signed the Respect Code of Conduct
Captain’s Guide
The type of behaviour which often gives rise to problems in matches, and where captains and referees need to work together, can be described as ‘harassment and challenging behaviour towards the referee’.
Referees will also make use of captains to deal with persistent offending from a team-mate where there is a real possibility of further offending resulting in a caution or a dismissal. Captain’s will also be called forward where additional support is required to calm a player down who is likely to immediately re-offend.
For Respect to succeed we require team captains to play their part in creating a fair, safe and enjoyable environment in which the game can take place. Be a LEADER and not a FOLLOWER.
Here are some examples of each of these types of behaviour –
Harassment:-
• Running towards the referee in an aggressive manner.
• Players surrounding the referee to protest a decision.
• Repeatedly asking questions about decisions in an attempt to influence the referee or undermine his/her responsibilities.
Challenging:-
• Passing comment to other players about a referee’s decision-making.
• Repeatedly moaning at the referee about decisions.
• Gestures that obviously are made in a derogatory manner, such as a shaking of the head or waving of the hand.
It is worth saying that being named captain of a team is an honour. It’s recognition of a person’s ability to organise, lead and motivate others. The best captains are inspirational – they are role models for their team mates providing an example of how the game should be played.
For further information on RESPECT please contact Marion Hayton, Respect Lead Officer at Leicestershire & Rutland CFA on 0784 366 4751 or email: marion.hayton@leicestershirefa.com