The FA has today joined the Premier League and EFL in announcing a collective undertaking to improve behaviour across the game.
This announcement sees the competition organisers task the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) to take a stronger position and action towards unacceptable participant conduct.
The specific areas of focus will be in relation to participants’ behaviour towards the match officials, with the aim of reducing disrespectful conduct such as aggressively challenging decisions or running from distance to confront an official.
PGMO will apply the laws of the game to rigorously manage players’ and coaches’ behaviour towards match officials, as well as conduct in the technical area.
Martin Glenn, FA chief executive, said: “We welcome this joint initiative with the Premier League and EFL to promote positive behaviour across the game.
“It will help reinforce the proactive approach The FA has taken to supporting referees when dealing with disciplinary issues in recent years.
“We all have a collective responsibility to ensure high standards of respect are maintained – from the grassroots to the professional game. Above all, we don’t want youngsters mimicking incidents of dissent or abuse they see on TV in the school playground or the park pitches.
“English football relies on its officials and anything we can do to protect and promote the work of our 28,000 referees in this country is to be supported.
Grassroots commend the FA on this announcement and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on kids who watch the professional game.
