The role of a team official (generally known as the coach), is more influential than organising a training session and giving a talk at halftime. The way that a Team Official speaks and acts on Match Day, will typically set the standard for how players (and even supporters) behave?

Multiple incidents in Round ONE of team officials being issued a yellow card (i.e. caution), suggests that there are still some individuals who are not bringing values of respect and reasonable behaviour, to community football. Sport ignites plenty of passion and a desire to ‘win’, but surely this does not require animated and often ignorant commentary about decisions made by the match officials, being yelled aggressively? Of particular concern is when it is a coach of a junior team, who is leading the charge of critical statements. NOT a good look!!! Club coaches should do better as they set the standard by which others will ordinarily follow.

Although a referee can (and will) issue yellow and/or red cards where necessary, it seems extraordinary that grassroots sport is seen by some individuals as being a place where inappropriate behaviour is seemingly acceptable? These people are from local clubs and from our community. Referees don’t officiate with an intent to make wrong or contentious decisions, or to appease claims for every 50/50 call. Football (be it match officials or administrators) can only do ‘so much’ to curb poor behaviour and the challenge is surely for each club to promote a culture that tells its members, that unruly and disrespectful behaviour is not welcome in ‘our house’.

Let’s not make excuses for the small minority who are completely out of step with the standard of behaviour and values that every reasonable person and every family orientated community club, promotes as reflecting their culture. Let’s call out these people who don’t bring their manners to the game and let’s collectively deliver a football environment that provides the enjoyment and purpose that the beautiful game can provide for all participants.