The Respect Code for Touchline Parents
You want to support your child without being "that parent". The FA's Respect Code makes it simple — here's where to stand, what to shout, and the few things to leave to the coach and referee.
Do
- Stand behind the designated spectators' area or respect line, on the opposite side to the coaches and substitutes.
- Cheer good play from BOTH teams — encouragement, not instruction.
- Let the coach coach and the referee referee — even when you'd have given the throw the other way.
- Remember the referee is often a young volunteer, sometimes a teenager. Applaud them off.
- Keep it about fun and effort, not the scoreline — especially at the younger ages where results aren't even recorded.
Don't
- Don't shout instructions over the coach — it confuses and pressures the kids.
- Don't dispute the referee's decisions, or comment on the officiating from the touchline.
- Don't single out or criticise any child — yours or the opposition's.
- Don't use foul or abusive language, or get into it with the other team's parents.
- Don't enter the field of play or go behind the goals.
Common questions
What is the FA Respect Code of Conduct?
Respect is the FA's national programme to improve behaviour in grassroots football. Everyone — players, coaches, referees and spectators — signs up to a code of conduct. For parents and spectators, it's about positive support, respecting match officials, and staying in the spectators' area. Clubs ask families to agree to it when a child registers.
Where are parents supposed to stand?
Behind the 'respect line' or in the designated spectators' area, which is on the opposite side of the pitch to the team benches, and never behind the goals. Keeping spectators on one side and teams on the other reduces conflict and keeps the touchline calm for the kids.
What can I shout from the touchline?
Encouragement — for both teams. 'Well tried', 'great effort', 'unlucky'. What the code discourages is coaching from the sideline (contradicting the actual coach) and anything aimed at the referee's decisions. A good test: would you be happy for your child to hear it?
What happens if a parent breaks the Respect Code?
Most issues are handled quietly by the club's coach or welfare officer having a word. Referees can stop or abandon a game if spectator behaviour is unacceptable, and can report serious incidents to the County FA, which can lead to sanctions against the club or individual. It's rare — the vast majority of touchlines are supportive.