What does the Respect Code of Conduct ask of parents and spectators?
Rule- England
- England Football
- Mini-soccer
- Under 7
- Under 8
- 3v3
- 5v5
- FutureFit
- 2026/27
- Parents
The FA's Respect Code of Conduct for spectators (in The FA Handbook) asks every parent and spectator to:
- remember that children play for fun
- applaud effort and good play as well as success
- respect the referee's decisions even when you don't agree with them
- appreciate good play from whichever team it comes from
- stay behind the touchline and within the Designated Spectators' Area (where there is one)
- let the coach do their job and not confuse players by telling them what to do
- encourage players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials
- support positively: when players make a mistake, offer encouragement, not criticism
- never use or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour.
Under The FA's Standard Code of Rules for youth leagues, clubs must comply with FA initiatives their league adopts, including Respect, or face a fine.
Updated 21 Oct 2026