It’s an exciting time as we anticipate the kickoff of the 2023-24 season! However, the upcoming season brings with it a renewed emphasis on player, manager, coach, and fan behaviour, as the English football authorities have just introduced a series of important measures.
In a news release titled “Football Unites to Improve Participant and Fan Behaviour for the 2023-24 Season,” the FA, along with the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays Women’s Championship, National League System (Steps 1-4), and PGMOL, have detailed their plans for a holistic approach to improving conduct across all levels of the game.
This initiative is the next step in the journey that began last season, where efforts were targeted towards combating dangerous and illegal fan behaviour. This season, the focus is expanded to also address unacceptable conduct on the pitch, the sidelines, and even the stands.
Introducing the Participant Charter
One of the key elements introduced is the new Participant Charter, a collaborative effort developed with the League Managers Association [LMA] and Professional Footballers’ Association [PFA]. The charter outlines expected standards of behaviour for everyone involved in a matchday – players, managers, coaches, support staff, and club officials.
Key highlights from the Charter include:
- Match officials being empowered to take more robust action when participant behaviour falls below expected standards. Stronger supplementary disciplinary action will be applied where necessary.
- Captains are expected to shoulder responsibility for their team, encouraging fair play and respect towards match officials and their decisions.
- Unacceptable behaviour in the technical area is addressed, with a new code of conduct requiring managers, coaches, and other club staff members to behave responsibly.
For us as referees, the Charter brings welcome clarity and authority. We are now empowered to apply the rules more rigorously to curb unacceptable behaviour, and the support from the FA and other football authorities sends a clear message that respect for officials is paramount.
Addressing Fan Behaviour and the Grassroots Game
The initiative also takes a stand against the disturbing trend of football tragedy abuse. The next season will see regulation changes and stringent new measures to punish offenders, ranging from stadium bans to potential criminal prosecution.
This development provides reassurance to everyone involved in the sport – referees, players, coaches, and fans alike – underlining a firm commitment to not tolerating inappropriate chants, gestures, or messages tied to football-related tragedies.
A Referee’s Perspective
From a referee’s perspective, these measures provide a significant boost to our role within the game. The enhanced support from the FA and other governing bodies empowers us to fulfil our roles more effectively and without fear of unruly conduct from participants or fans.
As we prepare to take to the pitch for the new season, these measures give us added confidence to uphold the integrity of the game we love. It is a new dawn for football, a step closer towards creating a safer, more respectful, and enjoyable environment for all who love the beautiful game.
With these new measures, let’s together strive to make this season a shining example of respect, fair play, and sportsmanship.