Moston Brook AFC

The Lancashire & Cheshire League issues guidelines for the RESPECT Charter. A copy of the Charter is below this letter. Please read this and appreciate that the words do have relevance to the games in which you play. Moston Brook fully supports this Charter.

There has been a steady decline in the number of referees over the last few years. The feedback from those leaving is the dissent and abuse they receive from players has driven them away.

More recently there has been a requirement for all referees to be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau. Many have been reluctant to do this, not because they have something to hide but because of the completion of the forms and provision of documents.

We therefore have a second wave of referees departing the game. Those playing in the 3^rd Team are aware that out of all the games this season there have been only four occasions when we have had a league appointed referee. The shortage is at a critical level with little hope that many new referees will come forward.

Player's expectations of referees are high. This may come from media coverage and analysis. They are however amateur, try to apply the Laws of the Game without assistants and do it because they want to enjoy the game. Player's behaviour seems influenced by what they see in the professional game. This is not the game Moston Brook plays.

Over the years we have built up a good rapport with Lancashire & Cheshire officials. The RESPECT Charter is merely formalising what our behaviour should be. Recent events have highlighted that there is a need for a number of individuals to examine the reasons why they play and their attitude to referees. If that examination shows you are at odds with the Charter you should not continue to play for our club. Some senior players may not appreciate the size of the club, with all its junior teams. Please be aware that actions of any individual will impact on the club overall.

Irrespective of action and views from elsewhere we need to police ourselves and ensure that we have a reputation as a welcoming and well run club, with players who conduct themselves accordingly.

I trust the club can rely on your co-operation.

Mike Melia

Secretary

The RESPECT Charter

Realise that without a referee there is no game.

Expect that you will not agree with every decision the referee makes.

Show respect to the referee at all times.

Please remember that your behaviour influences our ability to retain and recruit referees.

Even the best players make mistakes, so why expect the referee to be perfect.

Conduct throughout the whole club is governed by this Charter.

Try to understand that the referee wants to enjoy the game to.