Match Officials Policy

1. Purpose of This Policy

Bishops Castle Town Football Club fully supports The FA Respect Programme and is committed to creating a safe, fair and positive environment in which match officials can perform their role without fear of abuse or intimidation.

Match officials play a vital role in football. Their contribution, authority and decisions must be respected at all times, both on and off the field of play.

This policy sets out:

• The Club’s expectations of match officials
• The standards of behaviour expected towards match officials
• The consequences of failing to meet those standards

2. Respect for Match Officials

The Club has zero tolerance for abuse, harassment or discrimination directed at match officials.

This includes:

• Verbal abuse or aggressive language
• Dissent towards decisions
• Threatening behaviour
• Discriminatory or offensive comments
• Online abuse or harassment

Any unacceptable behaviour towards match officials will be dealt with in line with:

• FA Rules and Regulations
• County FA disciplinary procedures
• The FA Respect Programme [thefa.com]

3. FA Respect Code of Conduct – Match Officials

All match officials appointed to Bishops Castle Town FC fixtures are encouraged and expected to support The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for Match Officials:

Play your part and support The FA’s Code of Respect – I will:

• Respect the game, the competition and all other participants
• Maintain my integrity and approach each game with a positive mindset
• Be knowledgeable of the Laws of the Game, competition rules and regulations
• Set a positive personal example by promoting good behaviour
• Embrace and empathise with the spirit of the game
• Apply the Laws of the Game, promoting positive actions and not tolerating behaviour that does not fit the image of the game
• Submit accurate and concise reports, including misconduct reports, when required

4. Safeguarding and Professional Standards

Match officials officiating youth or mixed‑age matches are expected to:

• Familiarise themselves with FA safeguarding guidance
• Act in a professional and appropriate manner at all times
• Understand acceptable behaviour when working with children and young people

The Club will support match officials in maintaining safe and respectful football environments consistent with FA safeguarding principles.

5. Code Compliance and Consequences

Match officials acknowledge that failure to comply with the Respect Code of Conduct may result in:

• A required meeting with:
  • The FA
  • County FA Referee Development Staff
  • County FA Referees Committee
• Suspension by the County FA

6. Responsibilities of Bishops Castle Town FC

Bishops Castle Town Football Club will:

• Promote and display FA Respect signage and materials
• Support match officials before, during and after fixtures
• Challenge unacceptable behaviour from players, coaches or spectators
• Report serious incidents to the appropriate County FA
• Take internal disciplinary action where required

7. Responsibilities of Players, Coaches and Spectators

All players, coaches, officials, parents/carers and spectators must:

• Accept match officials’ decisions without dissent
• Communicate respectfully at all times
• Allow captains (where applicable) to engage with officials appropriately
• Support the referee’s authority and management of the game

Failure to do so may result in:

• Removal from the playing or spectator area
• Disciplinary sanctions
• Further action by the County FA

8. Linked FA Guidance and Resources

This policy operates in line with:

• The FA Respect Programme
• FA Respect Code of Conduct – Match Officials (PDF)
• The FA Grassroots Code – Give Respect Standard

9. Policy Review

This policy is supported by the Club Committee and will be:

• Communicated to all teams and officials
• Reviewed regularly
• Updated in line with FA or County FA guidance

Respect the referee. Protect the game.

Bishops Castle Town Football Club is committed to upholding the highest standards of behaviour so that football remains safe, enjoyable and fair for everyone.